Button and coin batteries mandatory information standard

Products the mandatory information standard applies to

The mandatory information standard applies to button and coin batteries. These are:

• flat, round single cell batteries, with a diameter greater than the battery’s height.
• typically up to 32 mm diameter and range in height from one to 11 mm.

Button and coin batteries can be lithium or non-lithium. An example of a non-lithium button battery are those in hearing aids that use zinc-air.

They are sometimes provided with a consumer product, preinstalled in a product, or are supplied as replacements.

Products the mandatory information standard does not apply to

This mandatory information standard doesn’t apply to button and coin batteries:

• supplied in bulk for trades, professions or industries, and
• that won’t be sold to the public.

An example of this exemption are button and coin batteries supplied in bulk to jewellers and watchmakers to replace on behalf of consumers.

Complying with the mandatory standard

This mandatory information standard applies to warning labels for button and coin batteries and their packaging.

Warnings and information

To comply with this mandatory information standard:

• packaging and containers used to supply button and coin batteries must be clearly marked with a warning
• lithium button and coin batteries with a diameter of 20 mm or more must be marked with a ‘keep out of reach of children’ symbol on each battery.

Packaging warning

Button and coin battery packaging must include warning information and symbols. It should alert consumers to the hazard batteries can pose to children and what to do if a child swallows or inserts a battery.

The standard doesn’t specify the exact wording to use but gives a list of what must be included in the warning.

It must include:

• an alert word in upper case, such as WARNING, DANGER, or CAUTION
• an internationally recognised safety alert symbol
• an internationally recognised ‘keep out of reach of children’ symbol
• a statement outlining battery hazards and to keep away from children
• if the battery is lithium, a statement informing consumers that the battery can cause severe or fatal injuries within 2 hours if swallowed or placed inside any part of the body
• if the battery is non-lithium, a statement informing consumers that the battery can cause serious injuries if swallowed or placed inside any part of the body
• advice to seek medical attention if the consumer suspects that a battery has been swallowed or placed inside any part of the body.

Keep out of reach of children warning

Lithium button and coin batteries with a diameter 20 mm or more must be marked with an internationally recognised ‘keep out of reach of children’ symbol. This includes lithium button or coin batteries with a diameter of 20 mm that have been installed in consumer goods at the time of supply.

The symbol must be clearly visible and at least 6 mm in diameter.

Other recommended warnings

This information standard recommends other warnings that are not mandatory.

The recommended warnings are:

• button and coin batteries supplied online should include a warning in the product description to alert consumers that these batteries are dangerous
• button and coin battery packaging should include contact information for the Australian Poisons Information Centre
• button and coin battery packaging should include advice about how to safely dispose of the battery
• where size permits, all button and coin batteries, including lithium batteries smaller than 20 mm and all non-lithium button and coin batteries, should be marked with an internationally recognised ‘keep out of reach of children’ symbol.

When a product does not comply

Fines and penalties may apply for failure to comply with a mandatory safety or information standard. For more information, see fines and penalties.

Suppliers may need to recall a product when it doesn't meet the mandatory standard or is potentially unsafe.

See also

For suppliers, these provide further information about how to apply the safety and information mandatory standards:

Button and coin battery safety: a guide for business on the application of mandatory standards, to help suppliers understand the requirements

Other button and coin mandatory safety and information standards

Button batteries consumer guidance