The Dangers of Cheap Li-ion Batteries and the Future of Compliance

China-based British compliance expert, Clive Greenwood, joins  Renaud this time to discuss the risks that cheap Li-ion batteries from China flooding the globe pose to consumers.

They go on to discuss in detail the health and safety and compliance laws governing batteries (and most products), and forthcoming sustainability laws that will be in place from next year that will affect all importers. It doesn’t matter if you’re in the EU, USA, or elsewhere; you’re running out of time to comply with the laws discussed, and no, those cheap batteries aren’t going to be compliant…

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Episode sections

• 00:00 – Greetings and introducing Clive.
• 02:41 – Today’s topic: The Risks Posed by Cheap Batteries from China.
• 06:09 – The battery lifecycle.
• 11:31 – Some examples of the differences in cost and risk of batteries and EV components from China.
• 20:19 – Existing and forthcoming standards and regulations affecting batteries.
• 26:52 – How personal EVs will probably be governed by IATF 16949 in future.
• 29:10 – New legislation coming in 2024 and 2025 that targets consumer lithium batteries specifically and what this means to importers.
• 37:19 – From 2025 the liability for fires and other dangers caused by poor-quality batteries is going to be on YOU, the importer, and there’s no escape.
• 41:13 – Selling products with a Li-ion battery? Take these actions…
• 43:47 – Most issues with batteries are ‘near-misses’ that importers may never hear about leading to a lack of awareness about the risks with batteries.
• 45:35 – Chargers and the prevention of battery fires.
• 47:51 – The ESPR represents a serious challenge for importers with a supply chain in China (and other Asian countries to an extent).
• 50:19 – Liability for problems won’t wait for the importer to put things right, they need to be right the first time around.
• 52:14 – What changes are happening in other parts of the world regarding health and safety? 
• 57:08 – Wrapping up.

Related content…

• Chinese battery danger (Telegraph article – paywall)
• Get help from Sofeast to prepare to comply with the EU ESPR
• What is the EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation?
• The EU Ecodesign Regulation Is Coming, But Are You Prepared? [Podcast part 1]
• How To Comply With The EU Ecodesign Regulation? [Podcast part 2]
• E-Waste Impact on the Environment (Analysis)
• Understanding The Environmental Impact of EV Batteries

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Disclaimer…

We are not lawyers. What we wrote above is based only on our understanding of the regulatory requirements. Sofeast does not present this information as a basis for you to make decisions, and we do not accept any liability if you do so. Please consult a lawyer before taking action.