What is the IEC 60086-4:2025 Testing Standard?

On January 29, 2025, the IECEE officially released the button-type lithium battery safety testing standard IEC 60086-4:2025. On May 21, 2025, IECEE formally incorporated this standard into its system.

This standard specifies the testing and safety requirements for primary lithium batteries, aiming to ensure their safe operation under intended use and reasonably foreseeable misuse. Details are as follows:

Scope of Application

Applies to all non-rechargeable primary lithium batteries, including those used in remote controls, medical devices, military equipment, and other fields.

Major Technical Changes

1. Added definitions for leakage and venting based on the testing standard

2. Revised the over-discharge test procedure

3. Revised battery marking requirements

4. Revised child-resistant packaging test standards

5. Changed Annex F from “informative” to “normative”

6. Added new Annex G with additional measures to prevent accidental misuse by consumers during battery replacement

7. Integrated contents of Explanation Table 1 (IEC 60086-4:19 19/ISH1:2020)

8. In Clause 3, reordeRED terms by function: basic terms, electrocheMICal systems, battery shape, battery size, electrical characteristics, specifications, safety aspects, failure modes

9. In section 6.4.4, reduced the exemption for impact acceleration of primary lithium batteries from 12 kg to 4,482 kg, reflecting the IEC 62281 T-4 test threshold where peak acceleration is reduced below 150 gn

Testing Requirements

Batteries must undergo a series of safety tests, including short-circuit, over-discharge, drop, overheating, compression, impact, child-resistant packaging, and others to ensure they meet safety requirements during use.

Safety Labeling Requirements

Batteries must have clear and explicit safety labels, including warnings, usage precautions, and safety markings to ensure correct usage and prevent safety incidents.

FaULt Handling

In case of battery failure, power must be cut off promptly to prevent escalation of the fault. Appropriate measures must also be taken to ensure user safety.

Reminder from China JJR Laboratory

It is recommended that related enterprises promptly update product markings and labels, conduct necessary safety testing on batteries, and ensure that batteries meet the safety performance and process requirements of the new standard, enabling smooth sales in overseas markets.