ACCC Button Coin Battery Safety User Guide

: June 1, 2024
: ACCC

Table of Contents

Button Coin Battery Safety
Product Information
Specifications:
- Product Usage Instructions
Button/Coin Batteries and Consumer Goods
Who Should Read This Guide?
What are Button/Coin Batteries?
What are Consumer Goods that Contain Button/Coin
What are the Hazards?
Summary of Business Obligations
Meeting the Mandatory Requirements
Supplier Responsibilities
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do the battery security and compliance testing requirements
Q: Who can perform compliance testing?

Button Coin Battery Safety

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Product Information

Specifications:

Product Name: Button/Coin Battery Safety Guide
Publication Date: October 2021
Website: accc.gov.au
Copyright: Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia
licence

Product Usage Instructions

Button/Coin Batteries and Consumer Goods

The guide provides information on button/coin batteries and
consumer goods that contain them.

Who Should Read This Guide?

This guide is essential for businesses involved in the
production or supply of products containing button/coin
batteries.

What are Button/Coin Batteries?

Button/coin batteries are small, round batteries commonly used
in various consumer electronic devices.

What are Consumer Goods that Contain Button/Coin

Batteries?

Consumer goods such as watches, calculators, remote controls,
and key fobs often contain button/coin batteries.

What are the Hazards?

The guide outlines potential hazards associated with button/coin
batteries, including ingestion by children or misuse.

Summary of Business Obligations

The guide details the mandatory requirements and obligations for
businesses regarding button/coin batteries.

Meeting the Mandatory Requirements

Businesses must adhere to design and construction standards,
conduct compliance testing, and ensure appropriate warnings and
information are provided.

Supplier Responsibilities

Suppliers are responsible for meeting compliance testing
standards, providing necessary warnings, and ensuring
child-resistant packaging for button/coin batteries.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Do the battery security and compliance testing requirements

apply to my product?

A: The guide outlines specific requirements for battery security
and compliance testing based on the type of product you supply. It
is crucial to review these standards to determine applicability to
your product.

Q: Who can perform compliance testing?

A: Compliance testing can be conducted by accredited testing
laboratories or experts with the necessary qualifications. Ensure
that testing is done by competent professionals to meet regulatory
standards.

“`

Button/coin battery safety
A guide for business on the application of mandatory standards
October 2021
accc.gov.au

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission 23 Marcus Clarke Street, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, 2601
© Commonwealth of Australia 2021
This work is copyright. In addition to any use permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, all material contained within this work is provided under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia licence, with the exception of:
the Commonwealth Coat of Arms
the ACCC and AER logos
any illustration, diagram, photograph or graphic over which the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission does not hold copyright, but which may be part of or contained within this publication.
The details of the relevant licence conditions are available on the Creative Commons website, as is the full legal code for the CC BY 3.0 AU licence.
Requests and inquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be addressed to the Director, Content and Digital Services, ACCC, GPO Box 3131, Canberra ACT 2601.
Important notice
The information in this publication is for general guidance only. It does not constitute legal or other professional advice, and should not be relied on as a statement of the law in any jurisdiction. Because it is intended only as a general guide, it may contain generalisations. You should obtain professional advice if you have any specific concern.
The ACCC has made every reasonable effort to provide current and accurate information, but it does not make any guarantees regarding the accuracy, currency or completeness of that information.
Parties who wish to re-publish or otherwise use the information in this publication must check this information for currency and accuracy prior to publication. This should be done prior to each publication edition, as ACCC guidance and relevant transitional legislation frequently change. Any queries parties have should be addressed to the Director, Content and Digital Services, ACCC, GPO Box 3131, Canberra ACT 2601.
ACCC 04/23_21-19
www.accc.gov.au

Contents

Button/coin batteries and consumer goods that contain button/coin batteries

What is this guide about?

Who should read this guide?

What are button/coin batteries?

What are consumer goods that contain button/coin batteries?

What are the hazards?

Summary of business obligations

Applying the standards a visual guide

Do the battery security and compliance testing requirements apply to my product?

Do the warning and information requirements apply to products I supply?

Do the child resistant packaging requirements apply to the batteries I supply?

Do the warning and information requirements apply to the batteries I supply?

Meeting the mandatory requirements

Consumer goods that contain button/coin batteries

Design and construction

Mandatory compliance testing

Products requiring alternative tests

Who can perform compliance testing?

Warnings and information requirements

Warnings and information recommendations

Button/coin batteries

Child-resistant packaging

Compliance testing

Warnings and information requirements

Warnings and information recommendations

Supplier responsibilities

Proof of compliance

Product sourcing, testing and other compliance measures

Information for retailers

Information for linguistically-diverse consumers

Non-compliance

Product liability

Accessing mandatory and industry standards

Mandatory safety standard for toys

Existing regulations

Further information

Email updates

iii

Button/coin battery safety A guide for business on the application of mandatory standards

Button/coin batteries and consumer goods that contain button/coin batteries
What is this guide about?
In December 2020, the Australian Government made mandatory safety and information standards for button/coin batteries and consumer goods that contain button/coin batteries (the Standards). This guide provides a summary of the requirements for the supply of these products into the Australian market. The standards include an 18 month transition period and were made mandatory on 22 June 2022.
This guide has been designed to be read in conjunction with the Standards, and should not be used as an alternative to the Standards. Suppliers are advised to consult the Standards to ensure that they understand their obligations under the Standards and are compliant with them.
Who should read this guide?
Suppliers of button/coin batteries and consumer goods that contain, are powered by, or store button/coin batteries should read this guide to familiarise themselves with the hazards and the mandatory requirements for these products. You are considered a supplier if you manufacture, import, distribute or retail button/coin batteries or consumer goods containing, powered by, or for storing button/coin batteries within Australia or for the Australian market.
What are button/coin batteries?
Button/coin batteries are small, single cell batteries with a diameter greater than their height.
Button/coin batteries are available in different sizes, shapes and electrical charges. Button/coin batteries generally operate using one of 4 chemistries: lithium, alkaline, silver oxide and zinc-air.

For the purposes of the Standards, button, button cell and coin cell batteries are each referred to as button/coin batteries’. In industry, the termcoin’ is associated with lithium batteries and the term `button’ is associated with non-lithium batteries. Where relevant, the Standards distinguish between types of button/coin batteries on the basis of their chemistry (or electrochemical system).

Button/coin battery safety A guide for business on the application of mandatory standards

What are consumer goods that contain button/coin batteries?
The mandatory safety and information standards for consumer goods that contain button/coin batteries apply to consumer goods and their accessories that use, are powered by, or are intended to operate with button/coin batteries, as well as consumer goods designed or intended to store button/coin batteries, such as storage containers and organisers.
Consumer goods are defined in the ACL as goods that are intended to be used, or are of a kind likely to be used, for personal, domestic or household use or consumption. The broad definition of `consumer good’ under the ACL concerns not only the intended use of a product (i.e. the purpose for which a good was originally sold and/or the location it is intended to be used), but also the likely use of that kind of product. For example, if consumers are likely to use a product personally or in or around a household (even if this is not the primary intended use of the product), the product will likely be subject to the Standards.
There is a broad range of consumer and household products that contain button/coin batteries including, but not limited to, remote controls (television remotes, car keys, garage door openers), watches, computers, cameras, calculators, torches, flameless candles, fitness devices, digital kitchen and bathroom scales, toys, games, novelty items, musical greeting cards and home medical devices (digital thermometers, glucometers, heart rate monitors and hearing aids).
Where there is any doubt around your product’s classification as a consumer good, it is recommended you assume the product may be subject to the Standards unless you have received specific legal advice to the contrary.
What are the hazards?
If swallowed, a button/coin battery can become stuck in a child’s throat and result in catastrophic injuries and even death. Insertion of button/coin batteries into body orifices such as ears and noses can also lead to significant injuries.
In Australia 3 children have died and at least one child a month is seriously injured as a result after swallowing or inserting a button/coin battery, with some of them sustaining lifelong injuries.
The safety risk to children from button/coin batteries arises when they can get access to the batteries. Children can access button/coin batteries in a variety of ways, including:
products with battery compartments that are not secure button/coin battery packaging that is not child resistant poor quality products which release button/coin batteries when dropped or broken spare batteries being provided loose in product packaging spare batteries not being kept out of reach around the home used batteries not being properly disposed of.

Button/coin battery safety A guide for business on the application of mandatory standards

Summary of business obligations
The following set of mandatory safety and information standards (the Standards) were introduced on 21 December 2020 and were mandatory from 22 June 2022. They include safety and information standards for products that contain button/coin batteries and safety and information standards for button/coin batteries themselves.
Consumer Goods (Products Containing Button/Coin Batteries) Safety Standard 2020 Consumer Goods (Products Containing Button/Coin Batteries) Information Standard 2020 Consumer Goods (Button/Coin Batteries) Safety Standard 2020 and Consumer Goods (Button/Coin Batteries) Information Standard 2020.
The Standards aim to improve safety by reducing the ability for children to gain access to button/coin batteries and raising consumer awareness of the hazard.
Mandatory safety and information standards under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) make particular features compulsory for the legal supply of a product into the Australian market. It is an offence to supply consumer goods that do not comply with mandatory standards.
The safety standards set out a number of mandatory requirements which must be met in order to comply with the Standards. The information standards, as well as setting out mandatory requirements, make a number of best-practice recommendations which suppliers are encouraged to implement.
The Standards include the following requirements:
Consumer goods that contain button/coin batteries
1. Consumer goods containing button/coin batteries that are intended to be replaced by the consumer must have a secure battery compartment that is resistant to being opened by young children.
2. Consumer goods that contain button/coin batteries, whether or not the batteries are intended to be replaced, must be secure and not release the batteries during reasonably foreseeable use or misuse conditions.
3. Compliance testing of a representative sample of consumer goods against an applicable industry standard must be undertaken prior to supply to demonstrate that safety requirements have been met. .
4. For consumer goods that contain button/coin batteries, warnings are required on any packaging and accompanying instructions.
5. If the consumer good is supplied unpackaged, warnings must be attached to the consumer good, to alert consumers that a button/coin battery is included with the product and the hazard button/coin batteries pose to children.
6. If the consumer good is supplied without instructions, warnings must be attached or included with the consumer good, to alert consumers that a button/coin battery is included with the product and the hazard button/coin batteries pose to children.
7. Hearing aids (and any related accessories) are exempt from secure battery requirements but are subject to warning requirements.
8. Other exemptions from secure battery and warning requirements are provided for: professional equipment, subject to certain criteria audio visual and information communications technology equipment containing button/coin batteries that are soldered in place.

Button/coin battery safety A guide for business on the application of mandatory standards

Button/coin batteries
1. Packaging is required to be child-resistant for coin batteries of lithium chemistry of all sizes, and button/coin batteries of a chemistry other than lithium with a diameter of 16 mm or above.
2. Compliance testing of a representative sample against an applicable industry standard must be undertaken prior to supply to demonstrate that child-resistant packaging requirements have been met.
3. Where the Standards require child-resistant packaging, and more than one button/coin battery is supplied, blister packaging must be designed to release only one battery at a time.
4. Any button/coin batteries that are supplied with a consumer good, where the battery is not pre-installed in a secure battery compartment, must be enclosed in child-resistant packaging.
5. Coin batteries of lithium chemistry with a diameter of 20 mm and above are required to be marked with an internationally recognised “Keep Out of Reach of Children” symbol.
6. Warnings and information are required on packaging of button/coin batteries to alert consumers to the hazard button/coin batteries pose to children and provide clear directions on what to do in the event a child is suspected to have swallowed or placed a battery inside any part of their body.
7. Exemptions apply to button/coin batteries supplied in bulk for professional use (subject to certain criteria). Button/coin batteries of zinc- air chemistry intended for hearing aids are exempt from childresistant packaging requirements, but are subject to warning requirements.
Transition period
1. There was a transition period of 18 months before the Standards became mandatory. The transition period gave businesses the opportunity to sell through existing stock, make any manufacturing and design changes, and undertake any testing necessary to ensure compliance with the Standards.
2. From 22 June 2022 suppliers must only supply products that meet the requirements of the mandatory standards.

Button/coin battery safety A guide for business on the application of mandatory standards

Applying the standards a visual guide

Do the battery security and compliance testing requirements apply to my product?
The flowchart below provides guidance on which products must comply with the battery security and testing requirements in the safety standard for products containing button/coin batteries.
Products containing button/coin batteries

Button/coin batteries are small, single cell batteries with a diameter greater than their height.
Consumer goods are products that are intended to be used, or are of a kind likely to be used, for personal, domestic or household use or consumption.
Professional equipment is equipment to which all of the following applies: · it is intended to be used in trades, professions
or industries · it is not intended for sale to the general public · it is not intended to be used where children
are present.

Does the product or its included accessories use or contain a button/coin battery?
Is the product a consumer good?
Do any of these exemptions apply?

The product is professional equipment.

Exemptions

The product is a hearing aid or hearing
aid accessory

The product is a business or office machine with a rated voltage not exceeding
600 volts.

The product is audio-visual or IT equipment containing a button/coin battery that is soldered in
place.

Was the individual product supplied to a consumer on or after 22 June 2022?*

The product does not need to comply with the battery security and testing requirements of the safety standard.

The product must comply with the battery security and testing requirements of the safety standard:
· Consumer goods containing button/coin batteries that are intended to be replaced by the consumer are required to have a secure battery compartment that is resistant to being opened by young children.
· Consumer goods that contain button/coin batteries, whether or not the batteries are intended to be replaced, are required to be secure and not release the batteries during reasonably foreseeable use or misuse conditions.
· Compliance testing is required to demonstrate safety requirements have been met.

These requirements apply to all new and second-hand items supplied on or after 22 June 2022. They apply even if secondhand items were first supplied new prior to this date and are subsequently re-supplied on or after 22 June 2022, unless the re-supply is a one-off transaction being made by a consumer such as a private sale.

Button/coin battery safety A guide for business on the application of mandatory standards

Do the warning and information requirements apply to products I supply?
The flowchart below provides guidance on which products must comply with the warning and information requirements in the information standard for products containing button/coin batteries.
Warnings for products containing button/coin batteries

Does the product or its included accessories use or contain a button/coin battery?
Is the product a consumer good?
Do either of these exemptions apply?

The product is professional equipment.

Exemptions
The product is audio-visual or IT equipment containing a button/coin
battery that is soldered in place.

Was the individual product first supplied to a consumer on or after 22 June 2022?*
Are any of these statements true? · The product is a hearing aid or hearing aid
accessory. · The button/coin battery is fully enclosed in the
product.** · The button/coin battery is not intended to be
replaced by a consumer. · A specialist is required to install or remove the
button/coin battery.

The product does not need to comply with the warning and information
requirements of the information standard.
The product must comply with the general requirements for warnings.

Is the product accompanied by instructions?

The product must comply with either: · the warning requirements for the products with
a lower risk profile or · the general requirements for warnings.

These requirements apply to all new and second-hand items supplied on or after 22 June 2022. They apply even if secondhand items were first supplied new prior to this date and are subsequently re-supplied on or after 22 June 2022, unless the re-supply is a one-off transaction being made by a consumer such as a private sale.
** Products where the button/coin battery is fully enclosed include personal computers. This category does not include products where the battery is intended to be replaced and is housed in a secure compartment.

Button/coin battery safety A guide for business on the application of mandatory standards

Do the child resistant packaging requirements apply to the batteries I supply?
The flow chart below provides guidance on which batteries and battery packaging must comply with the design, construction and testing requirements in the safety standard for button/coin batteries.
Child-resistant packaging

Button/coin batteries are small, single cell batteries with a diameter greater than their height.
The bulk supply exemption applies to batteries supplied in bulk where both of the following applies:
· they are supplied with the intention to be used in trades, professions or industries
· they are not intended for sale to the general public.

Are button/coin batteries being sold individually, in multiples or as spares
supplied with a consumer good?
Do any of these exemptions apply?

The battery is already installed in a product.

Exemptions
The battery is supplied with other batteries in bulk for professional use.

The battery is a zinc-air battery intended to be
used in hearing aids.

Is it a battery of lithium chemistry? Is the battery diameter 16mm or greater?

The packaging does not need to comply with the child-resistant
packaging safety standard.

Was the battery supplied to a consumer on or after 22 June 2022?
The battery must comply with the child-resistant packaging requirements of the safety standard. · packaging is required to be child-resistant · compliance testing is required to demonstrate
child-resistant packaging requirements have been met · blister packaging must be designed to release only one button/coin battery at a time · spare button/coin batteries supplied with a product must be enclosed in child- resistant packaging.

Button/coin battery safety A guide for business on the application of mandatory standards

Do the warning and information requirements apply to the batteries I supply?
The flowchart below provides guidance on which products must comply with the warning and information requirements in the information standard for button/coin batteries.

Are button/coin batteries being sold individually or in multiples?
Does this exemption apply?

Exemption
The batteries are supplied in bulk for professional use.

Was the battery supplied to a consumer on or after 22 June 2022?

The packaging does not need to comply with the warning requirements contained
in the information standard.

The packaging must comply with the general requirements for warnings. Button/coin batteries of lithium chemistry with a diameter of 20mm and above must also be marked with an internationally recognised “Keep Out of Reach of Children” symbol.

This flow chart does not apply to circumstances where batteries are supplied as part of a replacement service. For example, where a business replaces the battery in a consumer’s watch, the warning and information requirements would not apply to the replacement battery.

Button/coin battery safety A guide for business on the application of mandatory standards

Meeting the mandatory requirements

Consumer goods that contain button/coin batteries
Applicable mandatory standards:
Consumer Goods (Products Containing Button/Coin Batteries) Safety Standard 2020 Consumer Goods (Products Containing Button/Coin Batteries) Information Standard 2020.
The standards apply to:
products that use button/coin batteries (regardless of the chemistry or size of the
button/coin battery)
accessories of consumer goods, such as remote controls that contain button/coin batteries containers or other storage devices that are intended to store button/coin batteries (regardless of
the chemistry or size of the button/coin battery intended to be stored, or whether the container is supplied with a battery at point of sale).
The mandatory safety and information standards for consumer goods containing button/coin batteries specify requirements for design and construction, performance, testing, safety markings and instructions. Unless subject to one of the standards’ exemptions listed below, products that you supply must meet all of the requirements in order to comply.
Design and construction
The Consumer Goods (Products Containing Button/Coin Batteries) Safety Standard 2020 contains mandatory requirements for the construction of products to ensure that they are safe and do not pose a risk to children. The standard mandates the following 4 requirements:
1. Consumer goods containing button/coin batteries have a secure battery compartment and do not release the batteries during reasonably foreseeable use or misuse conditions, regardless of whether the batteries are intended to be replaceable.
2. Consumer goods containing button/coin batteries intended to be replaced by consumers have a secure battery compartment that is resistant to being opened by young children.
3. Consumer goods containing button/coin batteries that have the battery compartment secured by screws or similar fasteners must include captive fasteners to ensure that they remain with the battery compartment door, cover or equipment (unless they comply with one of the product specific standards listed in table 1).
4. Consumer goods with non-replaceable button/coin batteries that are accessible to the consumer must be tested prior to supply to ensure that batteries are secure.
Compliance testing must be undertaken prior to the supply of goods to consumers to demonstrate that products meet these safety requirements.
Some of the referenced national and international standards include 2 alternatives for demonstrating that button/coin batteries are secure and not easily accessible including:
battery compartments are secured with a screw or similar fastener and not accessible without the
use of a tool, or
button/coin batteries are not accessible without the use of a tool unless at least 2 independent
movements have been applied simultaneously to the battery compartment.
However, some of the referenced standards (such as the electric toys standard) are more prescriptive and state that batteries fitting in the small parts cylinder must not be accessible without the use of a tool.

Button/coin battery safety A guide for business on the application of mandatory standards

Unless another standard specifies that one of these alternatives must be applied to your product, all mechanisms are permitted as long as your product passes the relevant compliance tests outlined below.
Mandatory compliance testing
To demonstrate compliance with the design/construction requirements of the Consumer Goods (Products Containing Button/Coin Batteries) Safety Standard 2020 prior to supply, suppliers can choose to have their product/s assessed against the set of tests referenced in either:
one of the product-specific industry standards that is, industry standards that apply to a specific
product category, or
a non-product specific industry standard that is, an industry standard that applies to products that
contain button/coin batteries.
These mandatory compliance tests are intended to ensure that consumer goods are durable, that battery compartments are secure and that they will remain secure for the life of the product. To help ensure safety, it is important to test products at various stages of development and distribution. To be compliant with the mandatory standards, a representative sample of a consumer good must be tested before it is supplied to consumers. For more information on product testing including when to test and ongoing testing please refer to the ACCC’s Guide to testing: product safety.
There are some products, such as medical devices, which are not specifically covered by the standards listed below. Any one of the tests in the standards outlined in table 1 below can be applied to any good in order to demonstrate compliance with the requirements.
The internationally recognised standards in table 1 are identified in the Consumer Goods (Products Containing Button/Coin Batteries) Safety Standard 2020 as providing acceptable button/coin battery security and compliance testing requirements that can be met to demonstrate compliance with the following 2 design and construction requirements:
Consumer goods containing button/coin batteries are secure and do not release the batteries
during reasonably foreseeable use or misuse conditions, regardless of whether the batteries are intended to be replaceable.
Consumer goods containing button/coin batteries intended to be replaced by consumers have a
secure battery compartment that is resistant to being opened by young children.
Suppliers can demonstrate that a product they supply meets these requirements by testing the product against an appropriate standard listed in table 1 prior to supply and ensuring that the product complies with the applicable clauses.

Button/coin battery safety A guide for business on the application of mandatory standards

Table 1:

Industry standards with acceptable button/coin battery security and compliance testing requirements

Product specific standard IEC 62368-1: 2018 Audio/video, information and communication technology equipment Part 1: Safety requirements AS/NZS 62368.1:2018 Audio/video, information and communication technology equipment Part 1: Safety requirements AS/NZS 60065:2018 Audio, video and similar electronic apparatus Safety requirements IEC 62115:2017 Electric toys Safety and ISO 81241:2018 Safety of toys Part 1: Safety aspects related to mechanical and physical properties
AS/NZS 62115:2018 Electric toys Safety and AS/ NZS 8124.1:2019 Safety of toys Part 1: Safety aspects related to mechanical and physical properties
AS/NZS 60598.1:2017 Luminaires Part 1: General requirements and tests Non- product specific standard UL 4200A UL Standard for Safety for Products Incorporating Button or Coin Cell Batteries of Lithium Technologies

Applicable clauses Clauses 4.8.3, 4.8.4, 4.8.5
Clauses 4.8.3, 4.8.4, 4.8.5
Clauses 12.7.2, 12.7.3, 12.7.4
Clause 13.4.1 or 13.4.2, whichever is applicable (IEC 62115:2017) Clause 5.24 (ISO 8124-1:2018) Clause 13.4.1 or 13.4.2, whichever is applicable (AS/NZS 62115:2018) Clause 5.24 (AS/NZS 8124.1:2019) Clause 4.101.1
Applicable clauses Section 5 and 6

Comment
The tests outlined in each of these standards are near identical and are designed to test security and durability of products that contain button/coin batteries, including certain tests which are focused on testing battery compartments.
Tests include pre-conditioning tests (stress relief test and battery replacement test), abuse tests (drop test, impact test, crush test) and compliance test (force test applying a rigid test finger).

Note:

UL4200A is an industry standard that applies to products incorporating lithium button/coin batteries. For the purposes of the Australian standard, products that contain both lithium and non-lithium button/coin batteries shall be tested in line with the applicable clauses.
See section on accessing mandatory and industry standards for information on accessing standards.

Satisfying the testing requirements contained in one of the industry standards listed above will support compliance with the Standards if:
For consumer goods that contain button/coin batteries that are intended to be replaced, the
button/coin batteries contained in the product are not released after normal use and foreseeable abuse tests (stress relief, battery replacement, drop, impact, crush and force tests).
For consumer goods that contain button/coin batteries that are not intended to be replaced, the
button/coin batteries contained in the product are not released when a representative sample of the product is tested in accordance with use and abuse tests (stress relief, battery replacement, drop, impact, crush and force tests).

Note:

A representative sample is a random selection of sufficient quantity to provide assurance of consistency across each product batch.

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

Design and construction requirement:
Consumer goods that contain button/coin batteries that are secured by screws or similar
fasteners shall be captive to ensure that they remain with the battery compartment door, cover or equipment.

Button/coin battery safety A guide for business on the application of mandatory standards

This requirement only applies to products that comply with the non-product specific industry standard or one of the product specific standards listed in table 1 that include captive fastener requirements. Products that meet the compliance requirements of one of the product specific standards listed in table 1 that do not include captive fastener requirements are not required to comply with this requirement.
A captive fastener is a screw or similar device that remains with the door, cover or equipment when the battery compartment is opened. Having a captive fastener avoids its potential loss during battery replacement, which would render the battery compartment insecure and the batteries inaccessible. A loose screw or fastener could also be a choking hazard for young children.
The use of captive screws or fasteners is considered best practice and will help to ensure that battery compartments remain secure after battery replacement and for the life of the product. The use of captive screws or fasteners is a requirement of some product-specific standards, however, suppliers of any product using screws or similar fasteners to secure a button/coin battery compartment are encouraged to comply with this requirement.
Suppliers can demonstrate that a product they supply meets this requirement by testing the product against an appropriate standard listed in table 2 prior to supply and ensuring that the product complies with applicable clauses.

Table 2: Industry standards with acceptable captive screw compliance testing requirements

Product specific standard IEC 62115:2017 Electric toys – Safety

Applicable clauses Clause 13.4.6

IEC 62115:2017 Electric toys Safety and ISO 81241:2018 Safety of toys Part 1: Safety aspects related to mechanical and physical properties
AS/NZS 60598.1:2017 Luminaires Part 1: General requirements and tests

Clause 13.4.6 Clause 4.101.2

Comment
The tests outlined in each of these standards are near identical and are designed to ensure the screw or fastener remains with the compartment door or cover before and after battery replacement.
The test includes a force being applied to screw/fastener after the compartment has been opened/removed. The screw/ fastener should not become separated from the door/cover.

Satisfying the testing requirements contained in one of the industry standards listed in table 2 will support compliance with the Standards if:
For consumer goods that contain button/coin batteries that are secured by screws or similar
fasteners, battery compartment fasteners remain secure when a representative sample of the products are tested in accordance with captive fastener tests.

Note:

A representative sample is a random selection of sufficient quantity to provide assurance of consistency across each product batch.

Testing criteria for all products where the battery is accessible and where the battery is not intended to be replaced

Design and construction requirement:
Consumer goods with non-replaceable button/coin batteries that are accessible to the consumer
must be tested for secureness.

Where products contain a button or coin battery that is not intended to be replaced by the user, but is accessible (i.e. the product has an opening that allows a consumer to reach the battery), a secureness test must be performed in addition to the design and construction requirements listed above.

Button/coin battery safety A guide for business on the application of mandatory standards

A battery is accessible where the consumer good has an opening and the battery is not contained in a secure battery compartment or otherwise fully enclosed inside the consumer good. An example of when this test should be applied is for musical greeting cards which include a button/coin battery that is not intended to be replaced but that may be accessible to consumers through an opening.
Suppliers can demonstrate that a product they supply meets this requirement by testing the product against the industry standard in table 3 prior to supply and ensuring that the product complies with the applicable clauses.

Table 3: Industry standard with acceptable secureness test

Name of standard

Applicable clauses

Comment

UL4200A Products Incorporating Button or Coin Cell Section 6.4 (Secureness test) Batteries of Lithium Technologies

This test involves a force being applied to the battery with a test hook to ensure that battery does not become separated from the product.

Note:

Satisfying the testing requirements outlined above will support compliance with the Consumer Goods (Products Containing Button/Coin Batteries) Safety Standard 2020 if::
Button/coin batteries do not become separated from the product when a representative sample of
the products are tested in accordance with the secureness test.

Note:

A representative sample is a random selection of sufficient quantity to provide assurance of consistency across each product batch.

Products requiring alternative tests
Some products may require a specific compliance test not listed in table 1. An example is designer watches where impact and crush tests may not be economical to apply and there are alternative tests to demonstrate that a button/coin battery is not released during reasonably foreseeable use and misuse conditions. In such cases, an alternative compliance test may be applied. If an alternative compliance test is applied, it must demonstrate that the batteries are secure, are not accessible to children and do not become free when the product is subjected to reasonably foreseeable use or misuse conditions.

Who can perform compliance testing?
A manufacturer or supplier may engage a third party to conduct compliance testing, or undertake compliance testing in-house. Compliance testing, whether carried out by third parties or performed in-house, should follow best practices contained in ISO/IEC 17025. If compliance testing is performed in- house, you should also consider the possible legal implications of conducting in-house testing. This may include, but is not limited to, the credibility of internal testing reports in the event a matter proceeds to court, or your ability to make use of certain defences (such as reasonable reliance on information supplied by another person).1
Exemptions from design and construction requirements
The Consumer Goods (Products Containing Button/Coin Batteries) Safety Standard 2020 includes exemptions from design and construction and compliance testing requirements for the following products:
Consumer goods supplied in a one-off transaction by a supplier who had acquired the goods as a
consumer for example when a consumer sells an unused product on an online platform, such as a private sale.

1 For more information on product compliance testing, see Guide to testing: product safety.

Button/coin battery safety A guide for business on the application of mandatory standards

Hearing aids and hearing instruments/accessories that is, equipment that picks up sound and
delivers processed sound to the ear canal through air-conduction. An example of a hearing aid accessory is a hearing aid battery pack for a cochlear implant.
Audio-visual and information and communications technology equipment containing button/coin
batteries that are soldered in place, such as personal computers, electronic musical instruments, smartphones, cash registers, calculators and copying machines.
Professional equipment that is, equipment to which all of the following applies:
The equipment is intended to be used in trades, professions or industries.
The equipment is not intended for sale to the general public.
The equipment is not intended to be used where children are present.

Note:

Suppliers should be aware that the criteria for professional equipment’ listed above does not necessarily align with the definition ofprofessional equipment’ or `professional apparatus’ in existing industry standards. Suppliers will only be eligible for the professional equipment exemption where each of the above criteria is satisfied.

Warnings and information requirements
The Consumer Goods (Products Containing Button/Coin Batteries) Information Standard 2020 sets out the requirements for warnings that must be provided on consumer goods that contain a button/coin battery. In addition to mandatory requirements for warnings, this information standard also includes best practice recommendations for additional safety information to include when supplying consumer goods that contain a button/coin battery.
Warnings are necessary when supplying consumer goods containing button/coin batteries to:
alert consumers to the button/coin battery hazard provide relevant information so that appropriate action can be taken when it is suspected that a child
has swallowed or inserted a button/coin battery.
Size, durability and colour of warnings
Warnings provided on products, packaging and instructions should be designed to comply with the design principles for warnings, including size, legibility and durability.
The standard ISO 3864-2:2004 Graphical Symbols Safety Colours and Safety Signs Part 2: Design Principles for Product Safety Labels contains information about product safety label design. This standard includes examples of alert words, examples of graphical alerts and warnings, and safety label development considerations, including with respect to colour, size, legibility and durability.
Compliant warnings may take numerous forms, however, for reference, an example of an internationally recognised safety alert symbol, which is in a form which meets the requirements of the Standards, is:

The safety alert symbol example aligns with the safety colour recommended for warning symbols in the voluntary industry standard ISO 3864-2:2016 Graphical symbols Safety colours and safety signs Part 2: Design principles for product safety labels.
While not mandatory, the use of colour in safety signs is considered best practice as this helps to draw attention rapidly to objects and situations affecting safety and health and to gain swift understanding of a specific message.

Button/coin battery safety A guide for business on the application of mandatory standards

Required warning content
The Consumer Goods (Products Containing Button/Coin Batteries) Information Standard 2020 does not specify exact wording that must be used, but rather gives a list of matters that must be included in warnings. Suppliers are able to determine the design and specific wording of their warnings. Table 4 lists the required warning types. The sections following table 4 explain which warnings are required where, based on product type.
Table 4: Warnings on consumer goods
Requirement a. An alert word such as “WARNING”
b. An internationally recognised safety alert symbol
c. A statement to the effect that the battery is hazardous and is to be kept away from children (whether the battery is new or used)
d. If the battery is a lithium button/coin battery a statement to the effect that the battery can cause severe or fatal injuries in 2 hours or less if it is swallowed or placed inside any part of the body
e. If the battery is a non-lithium button/coin battery a statement to the effect that the battery can cause serious injuries if it is swallowed or placed inside any part of the body
f. Advice to the effect that medical attention should be sought immediately if it is suspected the battery has been swallowed or placed inside any part of the body.

Note:

A suitable example of an internationally recognised safety alert symbol includes a combination of symbol ISO 7010-W001 and symbol IEC 60417-636.7

Warnings on instructions

When consumer goods containing button/coin batteries are accompanied by instructions, the instructions must include a warning about the battery that is clearly visible, prominent and legible and contain all warning requirements listed in table 4.

Warnings on packaging

Packaged consumer goods containing button/coin batteries are required to be marked clearly with a warning. At a minimum, the front panel of the packaging must display symbol warnings. The warning symbol alone may also be used if there is text to advise the reason for the warning. For example:

Warning: Contains button or coin cell battery. Hazardous if swallowed see instructions.

Where a packaged consumer good is supplied with accompanying instructions, the additional required warning content (including a) and from c) to f) in table 4) must be provided in the instructions. The required warning symbol must still appear on the front panel of the packaging as per the above.
Where packaged consumer goods are supplied without instructions, the additional required warning content (including a) and from c) to f) in table 4) must be provided either on the product packaging or attached to/provided with the product such as by a swing-tag or sticker.
All warnings must be clearly visible, prominent and legible.

Button/coin battery safety A guide for business on the application of mandatory standards

Unpackaged goods

Where consumer goods are unpackaged, all warnings and information listed in table 4 must be attached to the product, which may be by way of a sticker or a swing tag.

Lower risk products

Some categories of consumer goods that contain button/coin batteries pose a lower risk in terms of battery accessibility and more flexible warning requirements apply. Consumer goods that are deemed to pose a lower risk include:
hearing aids and associated hearing instruments/accessories where the button/coin battery is not intended to be removed or replaced by a consumer where a specialist is required to install or remove the button/coin battery where the button/coin battery is fully enclosed in the product and is not accessible to the consumer.

Products where the button/coin battery is fully enclosed include personal computers. This category does not include products where the battery is intended to be replaced and is housed in a secure compartment.

For lower risk products, the warning content in table 4 can be provided in the accompanying instructions.

If a consumer good falls within a category that is deemed to pose a lower risk and is not accompanied by instructions, the warning must be attached to, or included with, the consumer good.

Exemptions from warning requirements

The Consumer Goods (Products Containing Button/Coin Batteries) Information Standard 2020 includes exemptions from warning requirements for the following products:
Audio-visual and information and communications technology equipment containing button/coin
batteries that are soldered in place such as personal computers, electronic musical instruments, smartphones, cash registers, calculators and copying machines.
Professional equipment that is, equipment to which all of the following applies:
The equipment is intended to be used in trades, professions or industries.
The equipment is not intended for sale to the general public.
The equipment is not intended to be used where children are present.

Note:

Warnings and information recommendations
The Consumer Goods (Products Containing Button/Coin Batteries) Information Standard 2020 also contains the following best practice recommendations. While not mandatory, the ACCC encourages suppliers to comply with these best practice recommendations in the interests of making consumers as aware as possible of the button/coin battery hazard.
Warnings on products
It is recommended that consumer goods that contain a button/coin battery also include a warning on the product itself located on or close to where the battery is accessible. A warning attached to the product is considered best practice as it provides ongoing awareness of the button/coin battery hazard over the lifetime of the product. This is recommended in addition to warnings on packaging and instructions as these are often disposed of once the product has been purchased.
It is recommended that the warning includes the matters covered in a) to f) of table 4 above.

Button/coin battery safety A guide for business on the application of mandatory standards

Warnings on packaging
In addition to the required safety alert symbol, it is recommended that where space permits, product packaging should also include the information listed in table 4 above including a) and from c) through to f).
Warnings for products sold online
It is recommended that consumer goods containing button/coin batteries supplied via an electronic platform include a warning in the product description that is clearly visible, prominent and legible. The warning should alert consumers to the fact that the product they are purchasing contains a button/coin battery and that these are hazardous. It is recommended that the warnings and information provided online should include the information listed in a) to f) of table 4 above.
Providing warning information online gives consumers access to the same information prior to purchase that they would have if purchasing from a physical store. This allows consumers to make informed purchasing decisions.
Example of an online warning provided in the product description (Catch.com.au)

See Product Safety Australia website for further information on selling products online.
Contact information for the Australian Poisons Information Centre
It is recommended that consumer goods containing button/coin batteries be supplied with a warning containing the contact information for the Australian Poisons Information Centre.
For example the warning should include advice such as:
`If it is suspected a button/coin battery has been swallowed or otherwise placed inside any part of the body, a person should contact the Australian Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 immediately for 24/7 fast, expert advice.’
This is considered best practice advice as it provides consumers with guidance on what action to take if it is suspected that a button/coin battery has been swallowed or inserted. The Australian Poison Information Centre can provide expert and timely advice to callers in emergency situations.
Advice about the safe disposal of button/coin batteries
It is recommended that consumer goods containing a button/coin battery be supplied with advice about how to safely dispose of the battery. Button/coin batteries can still pose a threat when old or spent so it is important to safely dispose of them immediately. Current recycling advice is to put sticky tape around both sides of the battery, secure them out of reach of children and take them to your nearest recycling facility.

Button/coin battery safety A guide for business on the application of mandatory standards

Warnings on safe disposal may cover the following advice:
Dispose of used button/coin batteries immediately. Place sticky tape around both sides of the battery and dispose of it immediately in an outside bin,
out of reach of children, or recycle safely.
Button/coin batteries
Applicable mandatory standard:
Consumer Goods (Button/Coin Batteries) Safety Standard 2020.
The safety standard applies to:
button/coin batteries that are lithium, or non-lithium with a diameter of 16mm or greater, when:
supplied as replacements (i.e. not with a consumer good), or provided with a consumer good unless the battery is preinstalled in a secure compartment.
Applicable mandatory standard:
Consumer Goods (Button/Coin Batteries) Information Standard 2020.
The information standard applies to:
all button/coin batteries regardless of size or chemistry.
The mandatory safety and information standards for button/coin batteries specify requirements for child-resistant packaging, testing, and safety markings and instructions. Unless subject to one of the standards’ exemptions listed below, button/coin batteries that you supply must meet all of the requirements in order to comply.
Child-resistant packaging
The Consumer Goods (Button/Coin Batteries) Safety Standard 2020 contains mandatory child-resistant packaging requirements to ensure that they are safe and do not pose a risk to children. Packaging refers to all types of packaging or containers used when supplying applicable button/coin batteries. The standard requires that: 1. button/coin battery packaging/containers shall be designed to be resistant to being opened by
young children 2. button/coin battery blister packaging shall be designed to release only one battery at a time.
Compliance testing must demonstrate that the product meets the child-resistant packaging requirements.
This safety standard allows flexibility in design and construction of battery packaging. Any design is acceptable as long as it meets the safety requirements regarding child accessibility and passes relevant compliance tests outlined below.
For example, the requirement might be met by a product using one of the following battery compartment designs:
Button/coin batteries supplied in blister packaging (see figure 3). Button/coin batteries supplied in a non-blister packaging/container-like devices.

Button/coin battery safety A guide for business on the application of mandatory standards

Figure 1: Examples of blister-type packaging

Source: Duracell, Energizer, Panasonic and https://baby.lithiumbattery.info.
Compliance testing
Compliance requirement:
Button/coin battery packaging/containers shall be designed to be resistant to being opened by
young children.
Suppliers can demonstrate that a product they supply meets this requirement by testing the product against an appropriate standard listed in table 5 below and ensuring that the product complies with applicable clauses prior to supply to customers.
Internationally recognised standards in table 5 are identified in the Consumer Goods (Button/Coin Batteries) Safety Standard 2020 as providing acceptable child resistant packaging and testing requirements that can be met to demonstrate compliance.

Button/coin battery safety A guide for business on the application of mandatory standards

Table 5: Industry standards with acceptable child resistant packaging compliance testing requirements

Standards for reclosable and non-reclosable packaging
AS 58082009 Child-resistant packaging Requirements and testing procedures for non-reclosable packages for non-pharmaceutical products
EN 862:2016 Packaging Child resistant packing Requirements and testing procedures for nonreclosable packages for non-pharmaceutical products
ISO 28862:2018 Packaging Child-resistant packaging Requirements and testing procedures for non-reclosable packages for non-pharmaceutical products
AS 19282007 Child-resistant packaging Requirements and testing procedures for reclosable packages
ISO 83172015 Child-resistant packaging Requirements and testing procedures for reclosable packages
USA: 16 CFR §1700 Poison Prevention Packaging Standard

Applicable clauses Clause 3.2.1
Clause 3.2.1
Clause 4.2.1
Clause 4.3.1 Clause 3.3.1 paragraphs 1700.15(a) and (b) (1) and section 1700.20.

Comment
Tests in these standards are similar and include product/ packaging being tested by a child test panel.

Satisfying the testing requirements contained in one of the standards listed in table 5 will support compliance with the Standards if:
An individual child test shall be considered a failure in relation to a single-use package if within 10 minutes, or 5 minutes when no demonstration has been given, the child gains access to one or more units from the packaging provided. When tested and evaluated, the packaging shall be deemed child- resistant if:
at least 85% of the children in the test panel are unable to access one or more units within 5 minutes
without a demonstration, and
at least 80% of the children in the test panel are unable to access one or more units within 10 minutes
(5 minutes without a demonstration and 5 minutes after a demonstration, if appropriate).
Testing criteria for products in blister packaging
Compliance requirement:
button/coin battery blister packaging shall be designed to release only one battery at a time.

Suppliers can demonstrate that a product they supply meets this requirement by testing the product against the standard listed in table 6 and ensuring that the product complies with the applicable clauses.

Button/coin battery safety A guide for business on the application of mandatory standards

Table 6: Industry standard with acceptable blister packaging compliance testing requirements

Standards for blister packaging
IEC 600864:2019 Primary Batteries Part 4: Safety of lithium batteries

Applicable clauses Annex E

Comment
Tests in this standard include bending, torsion, tearing and pushing tests to ensure batteries are not easily released from blister packaging.

Note:

The policy intent of the Consumer Goods (Button/Coin Batteries) Safety Standard is to allow blister packaging to comply with either the tests in the standards outlined in table 5 or comply with the tests at annex E of IEC 600864:2019 Primary Batteries Part 4: Safety of lithium batteries. Some stakeholders have suggested there is an issue with how this is drafted and the ACCC is evaluating what steps are necessary to ensure the standard strictly reflects the policy intent.

Satisfying the testing requirements contained in the standard above will support compliance with the Standards if all of the following applies:
1. Each battery remains in its packaging until the end of the test series.
2. In order to prevent a child from pulling the battery out from its compartment, the packaging does not open sufficiently wide or long to allow a child to extract the battery.
3. For a multi-battery package, each battery remains in its containment until the end of the test series, even when one or more other batteries are removed from the packaging.

Exemptions from child resistant packaging requirements

The Consumer Goods (Button/Coin Batteries) Safety Standard 2020 includes exemptions from the child resistant packaging requirements and compliance testing requirements for:
button/coin batteries of zinc-air chemistry designed for, or intended to be used in, hearing aids button/coin batteries supplied in bulk if:
the button/coin batteries are supplied with the intention to be used in trades, professions or industries, and
the button/coin batteries are not intended for sale to the general public.

Note:

An example of when this exemption might be applied is for professions such as jewellers, watchmakers or services persons that may receive button/coin batteries in bulk in order to install and replace button/coin batteries on behalf of consumers.

Warnings and information requirements
The Consumer Goods (Button/Coin Batteries) Information Standard 2020 sets out the requirements for warnings that must be provided on batteries and battery packaging. In addition to mandatory requirements for warnings, the standard also outlines best practice recommendations for additional safety information that should be included.
Warnings are necessary when supplying button/coin batteries to:
alert consumers to the button/coin battery hazard, and provide relevant information so that appropriate action can be taken when it is suspected that a child
has swallowed or inserted a button/coin battery.
All button/coin batteries, other than those supplied in bulk for professional use, are required to have appropriate warnings and information on the front panel of button/coin battery packaging or containers.

Button/coin battery safety A guide for business on the application of mandatory standards

Size, legibility and durability of warnings
Warnings provided on batteries and battery packaging should be designed to comply with the design principles for warnings, including size, legibility and durability. The standard ISO 3864-2:2004 Graphical Symbols Safety Colours and Safety Signs Part 2: Design Principles for Product Safety Labels contains information about product safety label design. This standard includes examples of alert words, examples of graphical alerts and warnings, and safety label development considerations, including with respect to colour, size, legibility and durability. Compliant warnings may take numerous forms, however, for reference, an example of an internationally recognised safety alert symbol and “Keep out of reach of children” safety symbol, in a form which meets the requirements of the Standards, is:
The safety alert symbol example aligns with the safety colour recommended for warning symbols in the voluntary industry standard ISO 3864-2:2016 Graphical symbols Safety colours and safety signs Part 2: Design principles for product safety labels. While not mandatory, the use of colour in safety signs is considered best practice as this helps to draw attention rapidly to objects and situations affecting safety and health and to gain swift understanding of a specific message.
Required warning content
The information standard does not specify exact wording that must be used, but rather gives a list of matters that must be included in warnings. Suppliers are able to determine the design and specific wording of their warnings. Table 7 lists the required warning types. The sections following table 7 explain which warnings are required where, based on battery and product type.

Button/coin battery safety A guide for business on the application of mandatory standards

Table 7: Warnings on batteries and battery packaging Requirement a. An alert word such as “WARNING”
b. A combination of an internationally recognised safety alert symbol and an internationally recognised “Keep out of reach of children” safety symbol
c. A statement informing the consumer that button/coin batteries are hazardous and should be kept away from children (whether the battery is new or used)
d. If the battery is a lithium button/coin battery, a statement informing the consumer that the battery can cause severe or fatal injuries in 2 hours or less if swallowed or placed inside any part of the body
e. If the battery is a non-lithium button/coin battery, a statement informing the consumer that the battery can cause serious injuries if swallowed or placed inside any part of the body
f. Advice to seek medical attention immediately if the consumer suspects that a button/coin battery might have been swallowed or placed inside any part of the body

Note:

A suitable example of an internationally recognised safety alert symbol includes a combination of symbol ISO 7010-W001 and symbol IEC 60417-6367

Although suppliers are able to determine the specific wording of warnings, the Consumer Goods (Button/Coin Batteries) Information Standard 2020 makes reference to a number of industry standards which include examples of warning text and safety symbols that may be used exclusively or in combination.

For example IEC 60086-4:2019 Primary batteries Part 4: Safety of lithium batteries – Section 7.2(a) includes the following warning that would be considered appropriate for both lithium and non-lithium button/coin batteries:

WARNING
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN Swallowing can lead to chemical burns, perforation of soft tissue, and death. Severe burns can occur within 2 hours of ingestion. Seek medical attention immediately.
IEC
Warnings on battery packaging
Button/coin batteries are required to include relevant warnings on the packaging or container they are supplied in. If there is enough space, all the required warnings must appear on the front panel of the packaging. However if space is limited, at a minimum an alert word, symbol and statement outlining the button/coin battery hazard should appear on the front panel of the packaging, with the rest of the warnings provided elsewhere on the packaging.

Button/coin battery safety A guide for business on the application of mandatory standards

Warnings on lithium button/coin batteries with diameter of 20mm or more
Lithium button/coin batteries with a diameter of 20mm or more must be marked with an internationally recognised “keep out of reach of children” symbol that is clearly visible, prominent and indelible. The symbol must be at least 6mm in diameter.
Example: Duracell lithium battery with symbol

Warnings and information recommendations
As well as the requirements set out above, the Consumer Goods (Button/Coin Batteries) Information Standard 2020 contains the following best practice recommendations. While these warnings and information are not mandatory, the ACCC encourages suppliers to comply with them in the interests of making consumers as aware as possible of the button/coin battery hazard.
Warnings on button/coin batteries
It is recommended that, where size permits, all button/coin batteries, including lithium batteries smaller than 20mm and all non-lithium button/coin batteries, should be marked with an internationally recognised “keep out of reach of children” symbol. The symbol should have a diameter of at least 6mm in order to be clearly visible to consumers. A warning provided on the battery is considered best practice as it provides ongoing awareness of the button/coin battery hazard over the lifetime of the product and importantly raises awareness of the risk at the critical time when a button/coin battery is being removed or replaced. As button/coin batteries come in a range of sizes, it will not always be practical to include the warning on smaller batteries. Where markings are practical, the symbol should have a diameter of at least 6mm to ensure that it is clearly visible.
The “keep out of reach of children” symbol reminds consumers of the risk posed by these batteries after the packaging has been discarded and at the time of battery replacement.

This recommendation does not apply to lithium button/coin batteries with a diameter of 20mm or more as these batteries must be marked with the above symbol.

Button/coin battery safety A guide for business on the application of mandatory standards

Warnings for products sold online
It is recommended that button/coin batteries supplied via an electronic platform include a warning in the batteries’ description that is clearly visible, prominent and legible. The warning should alert consumers to the fact that button/coin batteries are hazardous. It is recommended that the warnings and information provided online should include all of the matters covered in table 7.
Providing warning information online gives consumers access to the same information prior to purchase that they would have if purchasing from a physical store. This allows consumers to make informed purchasing decisions.
Contact information for the Australian Poisons Information Centre
It is recommended that button/coin battery packaging be supplied with a warning containing the contact information for the Australian Poisons Information Centre.
For example the warning should include advice such as:
`If it is suspected a button/coin battery has been swallowed or otherwise placed inside any part of the body, a person should contact the Australian Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 immediately for 24/7 fast, expert advice.’
Advice about the safe disposal of button/coin batteries
It is recommended that button/coin battery packaging be supplied with advice about how to safely dispose of the batteries. Button/coin batteries can still pose a threat when old or spent so it is important to safely dispose of them immediately. Current recycling advice is to put sticky tape around both sides of the battery, secure them out of reach of children and take them to your nearest recycling facility.
Warnings on safe disposal may cover the following:
Dispose of used button/coin batteries immediately. Tape both sides of used button/coin batteries and dispose of them immediately in an outside bin,
out of reach of children or recycle safely.

Button/coin battery safety A guide for business on the application of mandatory standards

Supplier responsibilities
Under the ACL, supply includes being in the business of sale, exchange, lease, or hire or hire-purchase of goods, or the provision, granting or conferring of services. This definition includes retailers and may extend to goods held for the purposes of resupply.
A mandatory standard on a particular product applies to anyone in the business of supplying that product, including manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers. As a supplier, you are legally responsible for ensuring that button/coin batteries and consumer goods containing button/coin batteries you supply meet the mandatory standard requirements, which are enforceable by law. Failure to comply with mandatory standards can result in legal action, penalties and/or recalls.
All suppliers are equally responsible for ensuring that products they supply meet the mandatory standard.
To do this, we strongly advise you to take the following steps:
Read the requirements specified in the Standards. Have systems in place to visually check these products to ensure they comply with the requirements
of the Standards.
Where necessary, use reports from reliable, independent testing laboratories to verify compliance. Register to receive automatic email updates from the Product Safety Australia website (www.
productsafety.gov.au) to help ensure you are aware of the latest product safety information.
Proof of compliance
Suppliers must be able to prove that any consumer goods containing button/coin batteries are compliant with the Standards, including with respect to the requirement to test representative samples to an appropriate product specific or non-product specific standard referred to in the Standards prior to supply. A supplier must be able to produce evidence of compliance with the mandatory requirements of the Standards (such as test reports) if requested to do so by a regulator such as the ACCC.
Please refer to the sections on compliance testing for further detail (pages 1013).
Product sourcing, testing and other compliance measures
If you supply consumer products in Australia at any stage in the supply chain, you are responsible for product safety. There are a number of measures you can take to ensure products you purchase for supply are safe, compliant and of acceptable quality including:
sourcing safe products testing for safety and implementing robust quality assurance processes.
For more information please refer to the ACCC’s guidance on responsible sourcing of products and ACCC’s Guide to testing: product safety.

Button/coin battery safety A guide for business on the application of mandatory standards

Information for retailers
If you are a retailer, you are responsible for ensuring that the products you supply meet the requirements of mandatory safety and information standards. To ensure that the products you sell comply with the Standards, you should always:
stipulate that any button/coin batteries or consumer goods containing button/coin batteries you
order must meet the Standards
undertake visual checks of delivered stock where possible to check compliance with the
requirements of the Standards
obtain and keep reliable written verification that products have been tested to, and meet, the
mandatory requirements.
Information for linguistically-diverse consumers
To assist consumers with a first language other than English, warnings and information should be provided in the form of text and a safety symbol that is clearly visible, prominent and legible.

Button/coin battery safety A guide for business on the application of mandatory standards

Non-compliance
Supplying consumer goods which fail to comply with the Standards is likely to contravene the ACL and expose a party to potential enforcement action by the ACCC.
For corporations, the maximum financial penalty for a breach of the ACL will be the greater of:
$50,000,000, or if the Court can determine the `reasonably attributable’ benefit obtained, 3 times that value, or if the Court cannot determine the benefit, 30% of the corporation’s adjusted turnover during the
breach turnover period.
For individuals, the maximum financial penalty for a breach of the ACL will be $2,500,000.
For more information please see ACCC’s guidance on fines and penalties.
Product liability
A manufacturer (or importer, if the manufacturer does not conduct business in Australia) may be liable under the product liability provisions in the ACL if they supply a product with a safety defect. A product has a safety defect if it does not meet the level of safety the public is generally entitled to expect. Visit the Product Safety Australia website for more information on product liability.

Button/coin battery safety A guide for business on the application of mandatory standards

Accessing mandatory and industry standards
The 4 mandatory safety and information standards are available online via the following links:
Consumer Goods (Products Containing Button/Coin Batteries) Safety Standard 2020
Consumer Goods (Products Containing Button/Coin Batteries) Information Standard 2020
Consumer Goods (Button/Coin Batteries) Safety Standard 2020
Consumer Goods (Button/Coin Batteries) Information Standard 2020
Applicable industry standards referenced in the Standards are available for purchase online from their respective standards-making organisations:
SAI Global’s website (https://www.saiglobal.com) International Organization for Standardization’s website (https://www.iso.org) Standards Australia (https://www.techstreet.com/sa).
The ACCC can make copies of industry standards available for viewing at one of its offices, subject to licensing conditions.
Mandatory safety standard for toys
The mandatory standard for toys for children up to and including 36 months of age currently prescribes requirements for the design and construction of toys for children up to and including 36 months.
This mandatory standard includes specific requirements for secure battery compartments on toys that contain button/coin batteries.
Existing regulations
Mandatory safety and information standards for consumer goods that contain button/coin batteries would have broad application to a wide range of products, including some medical devices and electrical appliances that are subject to regulatory control by specialist regulators, such as state-based electrical safety regulators and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
Specific guidance for medical devices on meeting the new standards’ requirements as well as the general requirements under the TGA’s regulatory framework is available from the TGA website at www.tga.gov.au
Although some state-based electrical equipment safety regulations require compliance with applicable industry standards, regulations vary significantly between states and territories in their scope and requirements for consumer goods that contain button/coin batteries. This results in regulatory gaps for products that are commonly distributed throughout Australia which these standards serve to close. Suppliers are responsible for ensuring they meet any relevant electrical safety regulations in addition to the requirements of these standards.

Button/coin battery safety A guide for business on the application of mandatory standards

Further information
More information about the mandatory safety and information standards is available from the Product Safety Australia website.
Email updates
Subscribe to updates on the Product Safety Australia website to receive automatic notifications when new information is available on button/coin batteries and other product safety issues. Email subscription is available at: www.productsafety.gov.au/newsletter/subscribe.
Would you like to keep up with the latest ACCC news and events? The ACCC has a number of free newsletters that you can sign up to. Subscribe online by visiting www.accc.gov.au/media/subscriptions.

Button/coin battery safety A guide for business on the application of mandatory standards

ACCC Button Coin Battery Safety User Guide

Button Coin Battery Safety

Product Information

Specifications:

Product Usage Instructions

Button/Coin Batteries and Consumer Goods

Who Should Read This Guide?

What are Button/Coin Batteries?

What are Consumer Goods that Contain Button/Coin

What are the Hazards?

Summary of Business Obligations

Meeting the Mandatory Requirements

Supplier Responsibilities

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Do the battery security and compliance testing requirements

Q: Who can perform compliance testing?

References

Read User Manual Online (PDF format)

Download This Manual (PDF format)

Related Manuals