Australia's new button battery standard has been enforced

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) introduced a mandatory standard on December 21, 2020 to reduce the risk of death and injury caused by children using button batteries.

The transition period of this standard is 18 months, and it has been enforced on June 22, 2022.

Scope of application:

• Button/button battery.

• Products containing button/coin batteries for consumers.

Exemption scope:

These standards do not apply to the following types of batteries:

1. Zinc air battery for hearing aid;

2. Button batteries supplied in bulk to industry, profession or industry and not intended to be sold to the public.

These standards do not apply to the following products containing button/coin batteries:

1. Hearing aids;

2. Consumer goods provided to consumers for the first time before the mandatory requirements come into force;

3. Professional equipment meeting all the following conditions:

▪ The equipment is intended for industrial, professional or industrial use;

▪ The equipment is not intended to be sold to the public;

▪ This equipment is not used where children can reach;

▪ Audio visual, information and communication technology equipment, including soldered button batteries.

1. The following warning signs shall be clearly visible, eye-catching and clearly marked on the package:

A warning word with capital letters (such as DANGER, WARNING or CAUTION); A safety warning symbol (internationally recognized); An internationally recognized marking symbol; One statement: Keep the battery away from children, as follows:

1) The battery can cause severe or fatal injuries in 2 hours or less if it is allowed or placed inside any part of the body

2) The battery can cause serial batteries if it is allowed or placed inside any part of the body

In addition, add medical attention should be sound immediately if it is suspended the battery has been swept or placed inside any part of the body

2. The button battery with a diameter of 20 mm or more shall be marked with the symbol "keep out of reach of children", which shall be clearly visible, prominent and indelible.

3. The warnings attached to the products using/containing button batteries shall comply with the requirements of ISO 3864-2:2016 on the size and legibility of product safety labels (Clause 5) and the durability of product safety labels (Clause D.7).

4. Examples of warning labels/slogans:

Examples of appropriate packaging warnings for products containing lithium button/coin batteries: