Button battery UL4200A testing and certification process
Date：2025-09-04 10:08:16 Classification
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Manufacturers and/or importers of products containing button batteries must provide product certificates for all children's products, or a General Certificate of Conformity (GCC) for general-purpose consumer products imported and sold into the US market. The complete process and key points for UL4200A testing and certification of button batteries, summarized in light of the latest policy requirements, are as follows:
I. Preliminary Preparation Phase
1. Confirm Applicability
- Applicable to all button/coin cell battery products with a diameter ≤ 32mm and a height less than the diameter. Consumer products (toys, watches, remote controls, etc.) containing such batteries require certification.
- Note: Starting March 19, 2024, the US will mandate compliance with the UL4200A standard for all products containing button cells.
2. Selecting a Certification Body
- Select a UL-authorized laboratory or certification body (such as Dezewei) and verify their CNAS/CMA accreditation.
3. Prepare Documents
- Required documents: Product technical specifications, circuit diagrams, battery installation diagrams, and instruction manual (including warnings).
- Sample Requirements: Provide two complete device samples (some organizations require additional battery samples).
II. Testing and Evaluation Process
1. Structural Inspection
- The battery compartment must be child-resistant:
- Removable batteries: Opening requires a tool (screwdriver/coin) or two or more consecutive movements.
- Non-removable batteries: Must be secured by welding/riveting, or completely isolated by a housing.
2. Core Test Items
| Test Type | Specific Content
| Abuse Test | 1-meter drop (3 times for portable devices / 10 times for handheld devices), 330N crush test, 20N tensile test
| Child Resistant Test | Use IEC 61032 probe 11 to apply a 45N force for 10 seconds, with the battery out of reach
| Packaging Safety Test | Complies with the "Poison-Proof Packaging Standard" (16 CFR 1700.20), requiring child-resistant packaging
3. Labeling and Warning Requirements
- The product and packaging must have clear English warning labels, including:
⚠️ Battery swallowing hazard warning
️ Emergency medical advice
⚠️ Battery model information.
III. Certification Review and Fees
1. Process Timeline
A [Submit application + sample] --> B [Laboratory testing within 5-7 working days]
B --> C {Test passed? C --> | Yes | D [Issue a draft report]
C --> | No | E [Retest after rectification]
D --> F [Issue a formal UL4200A report]
F --> G [Apply for a GCC certificate (if exporting to the Middle East)]
2. Cost Reference
- Basic fee: Approximately 1,000-3,000 RMB (including application and testing fees).
- Additional fees:
- Factory audit fee (approximately several thousand RMB)
- Cross-border e-commerce additional services (such as GCC certification, approximately 1,000 RMB per item).
Notes
1. Timeliness: Test reports are generally valid for one year and must be renewed if expired.
2. Key Dates:
- February 12, 2023: Individual button cell batteries must comply with anti-toxic packaging standards.
- March 19, 2024: All products containing button cell batteries must comply with UL4200A.
3. Common failure points: Substandard battery compartment structural design, missing warning labels, or incorrect formatting.
We recommend contacting a certification body (such as Dezewei Testing) directly for customized solutions.
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