China Proposes New Safety Standard for Lithium-Ion Batteries in Toys: A TBT Update

by  BlidOne

Country: China
Notification Date: 2025-12-19

Overview

China has issued a significant WTO TBT notification concerning the safety of lithium-ion cells and batteries used in toys. This proposed national standard aims to enhance product safety by establishing specific requirements and test methods for these components. The initiative underscores China's commitment to consumer safety, particularly for children's products, and will introduce new compliance considerations for manufacturers and exporters.

Key Details

• Country: China
• Document Symbol: G/TBT/N/CHN/2161
• Notification Date: 2025-12-19
• Comment Deadline: Not specified
• Effective Date: To be determined

Summary of Changes

This notification introduces a new national standard titled "National Standard of the P.R.C., Safety of lithium ion cells and batteries used in electronic and electrical equipment — Part 4: toys." The document specifically details safety requirements and corresponding test methods for lithium-ion cells and batteries. Its scope encompasses lithium-ion cells and batteries designed for toys with a maximum output voltage not exceeding 24 volts direct current (DC). Furthermore, it extends applicability to lithium-ion cells and batteries utilized in similar products intended for children and infants, broadening its reach within the children's product market.

Impact Assessment

This proposed standard will significantly affect manufacturers of toys that incorporate lithium-ion batteries, as well as suppliers of such batteries to the Chinese market. Companies in sectors producing electronic and electrical equipment for children, including but not limited to toys, will need to evaluate their products. For international trade, non-compliant products may face market access barriers to China, potentially requiring product redesigns, re-certification, or adjustments to supply chains to meet the new safety benchmarks. Exporters must ensure their products adhere to these forthcoming technical requirements to maintain competitive access.

What Businesses Should Do

Affected companies should proactively review their product portfolios and assess current compliance with existing and anticipated safety standards. It is crucial to engage with your supply chain partners, particularly battery manufacturers, to ensure future components will meet these requirements. Although a comment deadline is not specified, companies may consider monitoring the WTO TBT portal for updates and engaging with relevant industry associations. Preparing for potential design changes and re-testing processes well in advance of the effective date will be key to uninterrupted market access.

Conclusion

China's proposed safety standard for lithium-ion batteries in toys represents an important regulatory development aimed at enhancing product safety. Businesses engaged in manufacturing or exporting toys and similar children's products to China must monitor this notification closely. Proactive engagement with the proposed requirements is vital to ensure continued compliance, smooth market access, and to uphold consumer trust in a critical product category.