In the U.S. market, the new standard UL 4200A:2023 for consumer products containing button/coin batteries, effective fromOctober 23, 2023officially took effect. This change is crucial forfor containers exported to the USmanufacturers of related products in the market, as it signifies a major update in product safety standards, requiring manufacturers to closely monitor and comply with the new regulations.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has provided manufacturers and exporters with a 180-day enforcement transition period from September 21, 2023, to March 19, 2024, allowing the industry time to adjust to meet the new standard. This transition period means that byMarch 19, 2024, all consumer products containing button/coin batteries must comply with the new UL 4200A:2023 standard.

The UL 4200A:2023 standard was established under Reese’s Law to regulate the safety of consumer products containing button/coin batteries. This law requires the CPSC to issue a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPR) to define the scope of relevant products, performance standards, labeling, and warning requirements. On September 21, the CPSC adopted UL 4200A:2023 as a mandatory safety standard and incorporated it into 16 CFR part 1263.

Importantly, toys intended for children under 14 must comply with 16 CFR 1250 and are not covered under 16 CFR 1263. As defined by Reese’s Law, the new regulations cover consumer products that contain or are designed to use one or more button/coin batteries, regardless of whether the batteries can be replaced by consumers or are sold separately as part of the product.

The UL 4200A standard aims to assess the risks associated with consumer and household products containing button/coin batteries, particularly considering the severe harm these small batteries can cause to the digestive system if swallowed by children. Since its initial release in 2015, UL 4200A has been continuously updated to fully comply with Reese’s Law and now covers all types of batteries (excluding zinc-air batteries).

For enterprises exporting to the U.S. market, closely monitoring and complying with the new UL 4200A:2023 standard is crucial. Companies must ensure their products meet the latest safety requirements to avoid potential legal liabilities and market access issues. During the design, production, and testing phases, companies must consider all requirements of the new standard to ensure the legality and safety of their products in the U.S. market.