Export of Lithium Batteries — Key Points of Customs Regulations,
Export of Lithium Batteries,

▍Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS)

Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology released Electronics & Information Technology Goods-Requirement for Compulsory Registration Order I-Notified on 7^th September, 2012, and it came into effect on 3^rd October, 2013. Electronics &Information Technology Goods Requirement for Compulsory Registration, what is usually called BIS certification, is actually called CRS registration/certification. All electronic products in the compulsory registration product catalog imported to India or sold in the Indian market must be registered in the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). In November 2014, 15 kinds of compulsory registered products were added. New categories include: mobile phones, batteries, power banks, power supplies, LED lights and sales terminals, etc.

▍BIS Battery Test Standard

Nickel system cell/battery: IS 16046 (Part 1): 2018/ IEC62133-1: 2017

Lithium system cell/battery: IS 16046 (Part 2): 2018/ IEC62133-2: 2017

Coin cell/battery is included in CRS.

▍Why MCM?

● We have been focused on Indian certification for more than 5 years and helped client obtain the world’s first battery BIS letter. And we have practical experiences and solid resource accumulation in BIS certification field.

● Former senior officers of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) are employed as certification consultant, to ensure case efficiency and remove the risk of registration number cancellation.

● Equipped with strong comprehensive problem solving skills in certification, we integrate indigenous resources in India. MCM keeps good communication with BIS authorities to provide clients with the most cutting-edge, most professional and most authoritative certification information and service.

● We serve leading companies in various industries and earn a good reputation in the field, which make us deeply trusted and supported by clients.

Are lithium batteries classified as dangerous goods?
Yes, lithium batteries are classified as dangerous goods.
According to international regulations such as the Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (TDG), the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code), and the Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air published by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), lithium batteries fall under Class 9: Miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles, including environmentally hazardous substances.
There are 3 major categories of lithium batteries with 5 UN numbers classified based on operating principles and transportation methods:
Standalone lithium batteries: They can be further divided into lithium metal batteries and lithium-ion batteries, corresponding to UN numbers UN3090 and UN3480, respectively.
Lithium batteries installed in equipment: Similarly, they are categorized into lithium metal batteries and lithium-ion batteries, corresponding to UN numbers UN3091 and UN3481, respectively.
Lithium battery-powered vehicles or self-propelled devices: Examples include electric cars, electric bicycles, electric scooters, electric wheelchairs, etc., corresponding to UN number UN3171.
Do lithium batteries require hazardous goods packaging?
According to TDG regulations, lithium batteries that require hazardous goods packaging include:
Lithium metal batteries or lithium alloy batteries with a lithium content greater than 1g.
Lithium metal or lithium alloy battery packs with total lithium content exceeding 2g.
Lithium-ion batteries with a rated capacity exceeding 20 Wh, and lithium-ion battery packs with a rated capacity exceeding 100 Wh.
It is important to note that lithium batteries exempt from hazardous goods packaging still need to indicate the watt-hour rating on the outer packaging. Additionally, they must display compliant lithium battery markings, which include a red dashed border and a black symbol indicating the risk of fire for battery packs and cells.
What are the testing requirements before the shipment of lithium batteries?
Before the shipment of lithium batteries with UN numbers UN3480, UN3481, UN3090, and UN3091, they must undergo a series of tests as per Subsection 38.3 of Part III of the United Nations’ Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods – Manual of Tests and Criteria. The tests include: altitude simulation, thermal cycling test (high and low temperatures), vibration, shock, external short circuit at 55 ℃, impact, crush, overcharge, and forced discharge. These tests are conducted to ensure the safe transportation of lithium batteries.