Products containing button and coin batteries mandatory information standard

Products the mandatory information standard applies to

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

This mandatory information standard applies to consumer goods containing, or intended to contain, button and coin batteries, including:

• cameras or calculators
• toys, games, novelty items and musical greeting cards
• storage containers and organisers for button batteries
• accessories that contain button or coin batteries such as remote controls, measuring scales or thermometers
• hearing aids.

Products the mandatory information standard does not apply to

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

• consumer goods that were supplied to a consumer before the requirements became mandatory on 22 June 2022
• professional equipment where all the following apply:
  • it will be used in trades, professions or industries
  • it will not be sold to the public
  • it will not be used where children are present
• audio-visual and information and communications technology equipment containing button or coin batteries that are soldered in place.

Complying with the mandatory information standard

This mandatory information standard requires warning labels on consumer goods and accessories containing button and coin batteries.

Warnings and information

The mandatory information standard states that you must include warnings:

• in the instructions if they accompany the goods
• on the package if the goods are packaged
• attached to the goods if the goods aren’t packaged.

The warnings must be clearly visible, prominent, and legible.

Warning content

The information standard doesn’t specify the exact wording to use but gives a list of what to include in the warnings, depending on the product type.

Warning requirements include:

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

Warning symbol

There are various compliant warning symbols. This is an internationally recognised safety alert symbol that meets the information standard. It isn’t mandatory to use colour in the warning symbol but it is best practice as it helps to draw attention to the message.

Warnings on instructions

When consumer goods containing button and coin batteries come with instructions, the instructions must include a warning about the battery. This must be clearly visible, prominent and legible and contain all the warning requirements.

Warnings on packaging

Packaged consumer goods containing button and coin batteries must be marked clearly with a warning. At a minimum, the front panel of the packaging must display symbol warnings. When the packaged consumer good is supplied with instructions it must still have the warning symbol on the front panel of the packaging.

Use text along with the warning symbol to advise the reason for the warning.

For example where packaged consumer goods are supplied with instructions:

For example, where products are not supplied with instructions:

Unpackaged goods

For unpackaged consumer goods, all warnings and information must be attached to the product by a sticker or a swing tag.

Lower risk products

Some categories of consumer goods that contain button and coin batteries have a lower risk of battery accessibility. In these cases, more flexible warning requirements apply.

Consumer goods may be lower risk if they’re accompanied by instructions and one or more of the following apply:

• hearing aids and associated hearing instruments or accessories
• where the button or coin battery is not intended to be removed or replaced by a consumer
• where a specialist is needed to install or remove the button or coin battery
• where the button or coin battery is fully enclosed in the product and is not accessible to the consumer such as a personal computer.

For lower risk products, the warning content must be included in the accompanying instructions. If there are no instructions, the warning must be attached or included with the consumer product.

Goods online

Goods sold online should also include a warning about the batteries that is visible, prominent and legible.

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/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