The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has quietly updated its lithium battery standards! The 2025 edition of IEC 60086-4 primarily targets certain special types of disposable lithium batteries (e.g., spiral-wound over-discharge batteries). However, for most companies—“Stay calm and monitor the situation for now.”
Ⅰ、What changes were made in this update?
Key revisions：
- Test M: Applies only to spiral-wound over-discharge batteries (e.g., models like CR17345, CR15H270).
- Labeling requirements: Battery specifications and labels must now include additional parameters (though the changes are minor).
No need to worry：
Ordinary button batteries, cylindrical batteries, etc., are unaffected by Test M.
II、Who needs to pay attention?
Related products：
- Companies that manufacture/export specific models of disposable lithium batteries (e.g., CR17345, FR14505).
- Suppliers providing specialized batteries for medical devices, industrial instruments, etc.
Action recommendations：
- Check whether your product models fall under the scope of Test M.
- Update labeling content accordingly for new production batches starting in 2025.
III、Key Takeaways from Lab Testing
Testing Complexity：
- Test M primarily simulates safety under over-discharge scenarios (e.g., reverse installation of batteries).
- Minor adjustments to existing testing processes are required; no new equipment is needed.
Risk Advisory：
- Non-mandatory standard: Previous versions remain valid, and no customs seizure risks are currently involved.
- Hidden benefit: Compliance with the new standard may enhance appeal to overseas buyers during procurement.
IV、Three Recommendations for Enterprises
- Self-check models: Spend 5 minutes verifying if your products involve special types like CR17345.
- Minor label adjustments: Update parameters during your next label printing cycle (virtually zero cost).
- Passive upgrade: Wait until clients explicitly request compliance before submitting for testing.
V 、What Can Anbotek Do?
Existing services：
- Already supports the new Test M.
- Compare differences between old and new test reports (includes a detailed change log).
▎Conclusion：
This standards update acts as a “gentle reminder” – for most companies, staying informed is the optimal approach. Of course, if you produce those specific battery models, consider contacting Anbotek for testing details~
Post time: Apr-30-2025
