Amazon Button and Coin Cell Battery ANSI C18.3M Certification

Since 2023, major e-commerce platforms have required button cell batteries to pass the ANSI C18.3M certification, while simultaneously meeting the packaging standards 16 CFR Part 1700.15 (Poison Prevention Packaging Standards) and 16 CFR 1700.20 (Testing Procedure for Special Packaging).

Safety Objective: To prevent safety accidents caused by children accidentally swallowing batteries and to ensure the stability of the batteries under normal use and misuse conditions.

Amazon Compliance Requirements

Amazon requires that all button and coin cell batteries, as well as consumer products containing such batteries, must be tested and comply with the following laws, regulations, and standards:

1. Standalone Button and Coin Cell Batteries

Must meet one of the following two requirements:

1. 16 CFR Part 1700.15 (Poison Prevention Packaging Standards) and 16 CFR 1700.20 (Testing Procedure for Special Packaging); OR

2. ANSI C18.3M: Safety Standard for Portable Lithium Primary Cells and Batteries.

2. Consumer Products Containing Button and Coin Cell Batteries

Must meet all of the following requirements:

1. 16 cfr part 1263 (Safety Standard for Button Cell or Coin Batteries and Consumer Products Containing Such Batteries); AND

2. ANSI/UL 4200a (Reese's Law Battery Testing and Labeling Services).

ANSI C18.3M Primary Testing Content

ANSI C18.3M is a safety standard specifically for portable lithium primary batteries (including button cells). The main testing content includes:

1. Electrical Performance testing

• a. Voltage Test: Measures the open-circuit voltage of the battery to ensure it meets the nominal voltage.

• b. Capacity Test: Determines whether the battery's actual capacity meets the nominal value through discharge testing.

• c. Discharge Performance Test: Evaluates the battery's performance under various discharge conditions.

2. Mechanical Performance Testing

• a. Shock Test: Simulates the shocks the battery may experience during transportation or use.

• b. Vibration Test: Evaluates the stability of the battery in a vibrating environment.

• c. Crush Test: Inspects the safety of the battery when subjected to crushing.

3. Environmental Testing

• a. High-Temperature Test: Evaluates the battery's performance in high-temperature environments.

• b. Low-Temperature Test: Evaluates the battery's performance in low-temperature environments.

• c. Temperature Cycling Test: Inspects the stability of the battery under temperature changes.

4. Labeling and Packaging Testing

• a. Label Inspection: Ensures the battery labeling complies with standard requirements.

• b. Packaging Test: Evaluates the protective performance of the packaging during transportation.

Labeling and Packaging Warning Requirements

Button cell battery labels and packaging warning labels must meet the following requirements:

1. Clearly state the hazard of ingestion;

2. Where feasible, instruct consumers to keep both new and used batteries out of the reach of children. If a battery is accidentally ingested, medical attention should be sought immediately, following any other consistent medical advice;

3. Warning statements should be placed on the product's packaging, the instruction manual, and the battery compartment.

Example of Warning Phrases on Packaging:

Warning information must be marked on the battery packaging, instructing consumers to place spare batteries in a high location out of the reach of young children, and to dispose of depleted batteries promptly. For example, write a warning phrase on the battery packaging such as:

"BATTERY WARNING: KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN"

ANSI C18.3M Battery Safety Certification Process

The application process for certification is as follows:

1. Fill out the application form;

2. Provide product samples;

3. Arrange for testing;

4. Issue a draft report upon successful testing;

5. Confirm and issue the official final certificate.