The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has recently finalized some key rules concerning button cell and coin batteries. On September 11, 2023, the commission voted in favor of adopting holistic safety requirements for these batteries and their associated products, following the guidance of Reese’s Law. These safety requirements are not limited to just the batteries, but extend to products containing or designed to contain these specific batteries.
A direct final rule allowed the Commission to adopt ASNI/UL 4200A-2023 as the standard for safety requirements. This standardization brings along with it a range of construction, performance, labelling, and certification requirements to ensure the highest level of safety and transparency for button cell and coin batteries.
These rules aim to safeguard consumers and the environment against potential hazards related to the usage of such batteries. The development comes in the wake of a greater emphasis on consumer safety and product transparency in many sectors.
Reese’s Law has played a significant role in instigating this change. This law is a direct response to numerous safety concerns that were being associated with button cell and coin batteries. The new rules are evidential of the extended measures that can be expected in the future to bolster consumer safety norms.
Legal professionals working with corporations and law firms that deal with products using button cell and coin batteries should take note of the guidelines and requirements laid out in the ASNI/UL 4200A-2023. It is crucial to ensure that your clients’ products comply with these newly implemented rules for both legal and ethical reasons.
You can find detailed information on these newly adopted regulations here.