Required Certifications for Energy Storage Battery Export

The energy storage market is booming globally, and certifications are a key concern for industry professionals. This guide provides an overview of necessary certifications for exporting energy storage batteries.

International Transportation

un38.3 certification

UN38.3 is a United Nations safety standard for the transportation of lithium batteries. Before shipping, lithium batteries must pass tests such as:

- Altitude simulation

- High/low-temperature cycling

- Vibration test

- Shock test

- 55°C external short circuit

- Impact test

- Overcharge test

- Forced discharge test

If lithium batteries are not installed in equipment and each package contains more than 24 cells or 12 batteries, a 1.2-meter free drop test is also required.

- Scope: Applicable to all types of lithium batteries, including energy storage batteries.

- Certification time: 2-3 weeks.

- Cost: Several thousand to tens of thousands of euros, depending on testing items and certification body.

Air/Sea Transport Identification Report

For battery-powered products departing from China (excluding Hong Kong), the final Air Transport Identification Report must be issued by a dangerous goods identification body authorized by the Civil Aviation Administration of China.

International Standards Certifications

cb certification (Global Market)

The CB Certification is issued by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), facilitating international trade of electrical products and reducing time and cost for multiple country certifications.

- Scope: Most power-supplied products, including energy storage batteries, which must comply with IEC 62619, IEC 62133 standards.

- Certification time:

- Third-party institutions: 2-3 weeks

- EU Notified Body: 3-4 weeks (depending on product complexity and testing volume)

- Cost: From a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars, covering testing, auditing, and registration fees.

Key Tests for Energy Storage Battery CB Certification:

- Based on IEC 62619:

- Cell-level: Thermal abuse, heavy object impact, over-discharge, etc.

- Battery pack-level: Corner drop, overvoltage control, BMS protection function evaluation (e.g., overcharge voltage protection).

- Based on IEC 62133:

- Cell-level: Continuous low-rate charging, vibration, temperature cycling.

- Battery-level: Vibration, high-temperature casing stress test.

- General tests:

- Performance: Discharge performance, charge retention, cycle life.

- Environmental adaptability: Temperature cycling, constant humidity.

- Safety tests: Overcharge, over-discharge, short circuit protection.

Regional Certifications

UL certification (North America)

UL certification is mandatory in the U.S. and Canada, focusing on functional safety and thermal runaway prevention of energy storage systems.

- ul 9540a: Assesses fire hazards, ventilation, and fire response measures.

- UL 9540: Certifies the functional safety of the entire energy storage system.

- UL 1973: Requires lithium battery packs to pass fire, overcharge, over-discharge, and temperature shock tests.

- Certification time:

- UL 9540A: 2-3 months (cell, pack, rack)

- UL 9540: ~2 months (system)

- UL 1973: 10-16 weeks (cell, rack)

- Cost: Several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on product type and testing requirements.

CE certification (European Union)

CE certification is required for entering the EU market, focusing on battery and battery system safety. It involves compliance with directives such as:

- Low Voltage Directive (LVD)

- Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC)

- Machinery Directive (MD)

- Toy Safety Directive (EN71)

- Scope: Energy storage batteries and systems.

- Certification time: 3-6 weeks.

- Cost: Several thousand to tens of thousands of euros, covering application, testing, and auditing fees.

ROHS certification (Under CE Directive)

The RoHS directive restricts hazardous substances like lead, mercury, cadmium, and brominated flame retardants in electrical products.

- Scope: Electronic and electrical equipment in the EU, including energy storage batteries.

- Certification time: 1-2 weeks.

- Cost: Typically $560-$880.

REACH Certification (EU Chemical Compliance)

The REACH Regulation ensures products do not contain harmful chemicals, protecting human health and the environment.

- Scope: All chemical-containing products in the EU, including energy storage batteries.

- Certification time: Varies from a few months to over a year.

- Cost: Varies from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on chemical complexity.

kc certification (South Korea)

KC certification ensures compliance with Korean safety, health, and environmental standards.

- Scope: Energy storage batteries for the South Korean market.

- Certification time:

- CB to KC conversion: 1-2 months

- Direct KC application: 3+ months

- Cost: Several thousand to over ten thousand dollars.

VDE 2510 Certification (Germany & DACH Region)

VDE 2510 covers electrical safety, battery safety, and electromagnetic compatibility for German-speaking markets.

- Scope: Energy storage batteries and systems.

- Certification time: 2-4 months.

- Cost: Several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars.

JIS Certification (Japan)

JIS certification ensures compliance with Japanese Industrial Standards (JISC).

- Scope: Energy storage batteries for the Japanese market.

- Certification time: 2-3 months.

- Cost: Several thousand dollars.

SASO Certification (Saudi Arabia)

SASO certification is required for products imported into Saudi Arabia, ensuring compliance with local safety and technical regulations.

- Scope: Energy storage batteries and related products.

- Certification time: 1-2 weeks.

- Cost: Several thousand dollars.

BIS Certification (India)

BIS certification, issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards, is the only official product certification in India.

- Scope: Energy storage batteries for the Indian market.

- Certification time: 2-3 months.

- Cost: Several thousand dollars.

CEC Certification (Australia)

CEC certification is required for energy storage products entering Australia.

- Scope: Energy storage batteries in the Australian market.

- Certification time: 2-4 weeks.

- Cost: Several thousand dollars.