Products containing button and coin batteries mandatory safety standard

Products the mandatory safety 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 safety 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.

The mandatory safety standard applies to all new and second-hand items supplied on or after 22 June 2022, unless the supply is a one-off private transaction by a consumer such as a private sale.

Products the mandatory safety standard does not apply to

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

• hearing aids
• 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 won’t be sold to the public
  • it won’t 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 safety standard

Suppliers must make sure that consumer goods and accessories containing button and coin batteries:

• have a secure battery compartment
• pass compliance testing.

Design and construction

All consumer goods that contain a button or coin battery must not release the batteries during use or misuse of the product. This applies whether the battery is designed to be replaceable or not.

If the goods contain button or coin batteries intended to be user-replaceable, the goods must have a secure battery compartment that’s resistant to being opened by young children.

If the battery compartment is secured by a screw or fastener it should be a captive one. A captive screw remains with the compartment’s door or cover and can’t fall out.

Compliance and testing

You must demonstrate that products containing button and coin batteries comply with the mandatory safety standard prior to supply to consumers.

You can choose to have your product tested against the relevant standards by either:

• one of the product-specific industry standards
• a non-product specific industry standard.

The tests in these standards are designed to make products containing button and coin batteries secure and durable. Tests include:

• pre-conditioning tests such as stress relief tests and battery replacement tests
• abuse tests such as drop, impact and crush tests
• compliance tests such as force tests assessing how battery compartments are secured.

Testing criteria for products that use a screw or similar fastener to secure the battery compartment

This only applies to products that comply with either:

• the non-product specific industry testing standard
• a product-specific testing standard that includes a captive fastener.

The tests are designed to make sure the screw or fastener stays with the compartment door or cover before and after battery replacement.

The test includes applying a force to the screw or fastener after the compartment is opened or removed. The screw or fastener shouldn’t be separated from the door or cover.

Alternative testing

If a test specified in a product-specific standard isn’t appropriate for your product, you can apply an alternative test. The test must still prove that your product meets the requirements.

For example, a designer watch manufacturer might choose to apply a different test for their products, because impact and crush tests may not be appropriate.

If you choose an alternative method, the test must still prove that the button or coin battery won’t be released during predicted use and misuse of the product.

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