On September 21, 2023, the CPSC publisheda direct final rule for16 CFR 1263 establishing a safety standard for button cells or coin cell batteries and consumer products containing such batteries.

This mandatory regulation establishes performance and labeling requirements for button cells or coin cells and consumer products containing such batteries to eliminate or adequately reduce the risk of injury and death to children 6 years old and younger from ingesting these batteries.  The final rule of this regulation adopts the voluntary standard ANSI/UL 4200A-2023 as the mandatory safety standard for button or coin batteries and consumer goods containing such batteries.  The final rule has a 180-day transitional period of enforcement discretion from September 21, 2023, through to March 19, 2024.  After the transition period ends, it becomes a mandatory requirement.

16 CFR 1263 applies to a single cell battery having a diameter greater than its height.  The rule exempts toy product designed, manufactured, or marketed as a plaything for children under 14 years of age that is in compliance with the battery accessibility and labeling requirements of 16 CFR 1250 and zinc-air button cell or coin cell batteries.

Main test items include:
1. Pre-conditioning test (High temperature test)
2. Drop test
3. Steel ball impact test
4. Compression test
5. Torque test
6. Tension test
7.Labeling evaluation

Hong Kong Standards and Testing Centre (STC) is a not-for-profit, independent testing, inspection and certification organization.  With a global network of ISO/IEC 17025 accredited testing laboratories and 60 years of experience in consumer product testing, our service can meet your conformity assessment needs with high efficiency and reliability.