How to Apply for a GCC Certificate for Coin Cell Batteries (UL4200A)?

On September 21, 2023, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) decided to adopt UL 4200a-2023 (safety standard for products containing button batteries or coin cell batteries) as a mandatory consumer product safety rule for products containing button batteries or coin cell batteries. This requirement has been incorporated into 16 CFR 1263 and will be enforced starting March 19, 2024.

What is the UL4200A Standard for Products with Button or Coin Cell Batteries?

UL4200A is a safety standard for products with removable batteries, particularly household consumer products. The main goal of this standard is to ensure the secure placement of batteries to reduce the risk of accidental ingestion by children. Structurally, UL4200A requires products to have a safe design that allows users to open the battery compartment easily but requires tools to access the battery compartment. Additionally, the standard emphasizes the secure installation of batteries, ensuring that they cannot be easily removed once installed. These requirements aim to supplement other safety standards to comprehensively ensure product safety and reliability.

What is the UL4200A Report for Products with Button or Coin Cell Batteries?

The UL4200A report is a safety inspection report for consumer products containing button or coin cell batteries, evaluated according to the UL4200A standard. The primary goal of UL4200A is to ensure the secure placement of batteries, reducing the risk of accidental ingestion by children. The report details the product's compliance with the UL4200A standard, including assessments of product structure, battery fixation methods, and abuse tests. For end products with "user-movable or replaceable batteries," the report checks the accessibility of the batteries and the secure fastening of battery compartment covers or doors. For "non-user-movable or replaceable batteries," the report assesses the effectiveness of preventing users or children from removing the batteries.

Scope of the UL4200A Standard for Products with Button or Coin Cell Batteries:

1. Covers household products containing or potentially using button or coin cell batteries.

2. Applies to consumer products containing button or coin cell batteries, not intended for use in areas accessible to children, such as professional or commercial products used where children are not typically present.

3. These requirements supplement other safety standards for products containing button or coin cell batteries, rather than replacing specific requirements included in other safety standards, to mitigate the physiological hazards of button or coin cell batteries.

4. Excludes products that exclusively use zinc-air battery technology.

5. Excludes toy products that comply with ASTM F963 "Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Toy Safety" battery accessibility and labeling requirements.

UL4200A Testing Standard Requirements:

ANSI/UL 4200A dated August 30, 2023, "Products Incorporating Button Batteries or Coin Cell Batteries"

1. Structural Requirements:

   - Testing with IEC61032 probe 11 must not allow contact with the battery.

   - The battery compartment must be opened using tools (e.g., screwdriver, coin), or at least two independent and simultaneous actions when using hands.

   - If the battery compartment cover or door is secured with screws or similar fasteners, the fasteners must be attached to the cover or door.

   - For products with "non-user-movable or replaceable batteries," the design must effectively prevent users or children from removing the battery, ensuring it is inaccessible through casing or similar methods, or completely fixed through welding, riveting, or similar means.

2. Performance Requirements:

   - Preconditioning in an oven

   - Torque test

   - Open/close and disassemble/install battery/screw 10 times

   - Pull test

   - Drop test

   - Compression test

   - Impact test

   - Probe test

   - Squeeze test

   - Stability test

   - Durability of markings

UL4200A Testing Process for Products with Button or Coin Cell Batteries:

1. The applicant fills out the application form (including the platform applicant company name, address, product name, address, manufacturer company name, and address information).

2. Prepare two complete sample units.

3. JJR testing determines the testing standard and items and provides a quotation.

4. The applicant confirms the quotation, signs the service agreement, and pays the certification project fee.

5. Conduct testing according to the standard, and issue a draft report for confirmation after passing the tests.

6. Finalize the formal report.