Amazon High-Risk Product Compliance: Electronic Products

Course Outline and Content

The course is structured to cover compliance for different high-risk product categories:

• 3.2 High-Risk Product Compliance - Toys: Detailed compliance requirements for the North American, European, and Japanese markets to help sellers avoid risks.
• 3.2 High-Risk Product Compliance - Electronic Products: An introduction to compliance requirements for consumer electronics, including relevant standards and their scope.
• 3.3 High-Risk Product Compliance - Cosmetics: Information to help sellers understand compliance requirements for cosmetic products.
• 3.4 High-Risk Product Compliance - Lighting Products: Detailed compliance requirements for lighting products in North America, Europe, and Japan.
• 3.5 High-Risk Product Compliance - Furniture Products: Detailed compliance requirements for furniture products in North America, Europe, and Japan.

Table of Contents

1. 2. High-Risk Product Compliance - Electronic Products
1. 2.1 Overview of Chinese Battery Product Exports
2. 2.2 North American Consumer Electronics and Battery Compliance
1. 2.2.1 North American Compliance Overview
2. 2.2.2 Consumer Electronics and Their External Power Supply Compliance
3. 2.3 European Consumer Electronics and Battery Compliance
1. 2.3.1 European Compliance Overview
2. 2.3.2 Applicable European Regulations (Standards)
3. 2.3.3 European Wireless Requirements
4. 2.4 Japanese Consumer Electronics and Battery Compliance
1. 2.4.1 Japanese Compliance Overview
2. 2.4.2 Japanese Safety Regulations Overview
3. 2.4.3 Product Applicable Standards
4. 2.4.4 Japanese Wireless Frequency Requirements

2.1 Overview of Chinese Battery Product Exports

China is the world's largest producer and exporter of batteries. In 2021, China's total export value for major battery types reached $34.93 billion USD, a 60.78% increase from $21.73 billion USD in 2020. The export volume also grew by 4.02% to 35.05 billion units in 2021 from 33.69 billion units in 2020. The United States and Germany were major export destinations, with export values of $5.66 billion USD and $3.98 billion USD respectively in 2021.

Lithium batteries have consistently been the largest export category for batteries from China over the past six years. In 2021, their export value was $28.43 billion USD, accounting for 81.38% of the total battery export value. The export volume of lithium-ion batteries increased from 1.52 billion units in 2016 to 3.43 billion units in 2021, with major destinations including North America, Asia, and Europe.

2.2 North American Consumer Electronics and Battery Compliance

The growth of electric vehicles and energy storage industries is driving the expansion of lithium-ion battery applications. This increase in usage also correlates with a rise in quality issues and accidents. To protect Chinese sellers and prevent compliance problems in the global market, Amazon provides the following information on relevant standards and regulations for major target markets.

2.2.1 North American Compliance Overview

In addition to common consumer electronics like wireless earphones, laptops, and tablets, North American compliance requirements also extend to their external power supplies, lithium batteries, power banks, light electric vehicles and their batteries, and radio equipment.

In the United States, regulatory oversight is primarily handled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Electronic products must meet specific certification standards to be accepted and to manage risks.

2.2.2 Consumer Electronics and Their External Power Supply Compliance

Product Applicable Standards and Scope: Consumer electronic products and their external power supplies sold in the North American market must comply with the UL 62368-1 standard. This standard applies to electrical and electronic equipment in the audio, video, information, and communication technology, business, and office machinery sectors with a rated voltage not exceeding 600V, as well as external power supplies intended for these products.

The following table shows examples of products and equipment covered by UL 62368-1:

Case Studies and Risk Control

Case Study 1: Child Ingestion of Batteries

• Case Details: A child disassembled a projector flashlight and ingested a button battery, leading to choking and airway obstruction.
• Risk Control: Design products with structures that make it difficult for children to open the battery compartment. For example:
• Require tools to open the battery compartment.
• Require at least two independent methods of operation using hands to open.

Case Study 2: Laptop Battery Overheating

• Case Details: A laptop overheated, posing a fire hazard.
• Risk Control: Select appropriate components and ensure products are UL certified. This includes:
• Receiving inspection and testing services.
• Controlled critical components to ensure quality.
• Meeting standard requirements to save testing time.

2.2.3 Lithium Battery and Power Bank Compliance

Part 1: Lithium Battery Compliance

Product Applicable Standards and Scope: Lithium batteries are subject to UL 1642 and UL 2054 safety standards. The scope of application is detailed in the following table:

Risks and Hazards of Products Containing Lithium Batteries and Misuse: Products like tablets, laptops, mobile phones, power banks, and earphones often contain lithium batteries. Misuse can lead to hazards such as fire, explosion, exposure to harmful chemicals, swelling, and other issues.

Lithium Battery/Battery Pack Labeling Requirements:

• 1. Manufacturer or Brand
• 2. Battery Model
• 3. Manufacturing Date
• 4. Rated Voltage and Capacity (for battery packs)
• 5. Warning Instructions (for battery packs)

Lithium Battery Testing Introduction: Under UL 1642 and UL 2054 standards, lithium batteries require the following tests:

Amazon Policy and Appeal Guidelines:

Currently, Amazon prohibits the sale of the following types of batteries in the North American market:

• Products containing restricted battery models (e.g., 14500, 16340, 18650, 20700, 21700, and 26650, including cylindrical lithium-ion batteries that may pose safety risks).
• Products that promote the inclusion of restricted battery models, even if the battery is not included in the product.

Policy Clarification for Cylindrical Lithium-ion Batteries:

• Products with Restricted Batteries: Appeals are not accepted.
• Packaging Without Restricted Batteries (but advertised): If the packaging does not contain restricted batteries, but the product detail page or images mention them, the product will be prohibited from sale. To appeal, sellers must:
• Remove all marketing claims about the product containing restricted lithium-ion batteries.
• Update the product detail page and images to clearly state that the product does not sell restricted lithium-ion batteries, making this a primary product selling point.
• Products with Built-in Restricted Battery Packs: If the battery is not sealed/packaged to prevent individual battery removal, it will be prohibited from sale with no appeal path.

Tips: If you believe your ASIN has been incorrectly delisted, please contact the relevant seller support team for your marketplace. Provide detailed information as per the Amazon email notification or instructions. For North America, contact highrisk-electronicsafety@amazon.com. For Australia, contact highrisk-electronicsafety@amazon.com.au.

Case Study: Headlight with Restricted Cylindrical Lithium-ion Battery

• Scenario: My product is a headlight that uses two restricted model batteries (as shown). If the product is sold with the batteries, but the batteries are not installed in the headlight, can it be sold on Amazon Japan? If allowed, what documents should I submit?
• Answer: Yes, it can be sold if the number of included batteries does not exceed the number required for the product's power supply. You need to submit the Japanese product manual.
• Scenario: If the product sold contains a self-assembled battery pack made of restricted batteries, and it is not sealed/packaged to prevent individual battery removal, can it be sold on Amazon Japan?
• Answer: Self-assembled battery packs made of restricted batteries are prohibited from sale, unless they include a protection circuit and prevent the removal of individual batteries (as shown).
• Answer: Products with self-assembled restricted battery packs are allowed for sale if the number of batteries is equal to or less than the number required for the product's power supply. Sellers need to provide the Japanese product manual. Refer to the help page for more information.

2.2.4 Light Electric Vehicle and Battery Compliance

Product Applicable Standards and Scope: The following table outlines the applicable standards and their scope for light electric vehicles and their batteries:

Case Study: Emergency Room Visits Related to Micro-mobility Products

From 2017 to 2019, emergency room visits related to micro-mobility products in the U.S. have increased annually.

Product Regulation: Relevant products are regulated by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The CPSC is an independent regulatory agency of the U.S. federal government responsible for protecting consumers from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with consumer products. OSHA is part of the U.S. Department of Labor. For more regulatory information, visit the official websites of the CPSC and OSHA.

2.2.5 North American Wireless Requirements

FCC Regulatory Requirements:

The FCC (Federal Communication Commission), established in 1934, manages U.S. government radio communication. It issues EMC regulations and includes them in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). FCC regulations specify testing methods and common standards for different products. Note: EMC and RF standards are covered in 47 CFR.

Common RF Technical Specifications:

USA Wi-Fi Frequency Bands:

2.3 European Consumer Electronics and Battery Compliance

2.3.1 European Compliance Overview

EU CE Regulation Introduction: For different products, the EU has directives that specify basic quality and safety requirements. Compliance with these directives is necessary for product approval. CE marking signifies that a product complies with EU CE regulations and can be freely circulated in the EU market. Manufacturers are responsible for assessing their products and ensuring compliance with all relevant EU CE regulations before launching them in the market.

Manufacturer's Responsibilities: Before a product enters the EU market, manufacturers must evaluate it according to EU CE regulations, complete technical documentation, and issue a declaration of conformity to ensure product safety. Manufacturers should follow these six steps:

1. Confirm product specifications.
2. Identify required CE directives and standards.
3. Determine if third-party assessment (NB certificate) is required. (*NB: A notified body is an organization designated by an EU country to assess the conformity of certain products before being placed on the market. Ref: Notified bodies (europa.eu)).
4. Test and confirm relevant technical documentation.
5. Mark the product with CE and complete the EC Declaration of Conformity.

Importer's Responsibilities:

Importers must ensure that products comply with EU CE regulations and are CE marked before they can be placed on the market. Confirm the following three points:

1. Has the manufacturer completed the necessary CE assessment?
2. Are the CE Declaration of Conformity and related technical documents complete?
3. Is the manufacturer readily contactable?

Important Notes for Importers:

1. The product itself must be labeled with the manufacturer's and importer's name and address. If product size is a limitation, this information can be placed on the packaging or in the user manual.
2. The manufacturer's address can be in Europe or outside Europe and does not necessarily have to be the actual manufacturing address; it can be an after-sales service location or an authorized representative's address.
3. A website address cannot substitute for a physical address.
4. If an importer introduces a product into Europe under their own name, only the importer's information needs to be displayed. If the manufacturer is in Europe and introduces the product into Europe under their own name, even if the product is manufactured outside Europe, only the manufacturer's information needs to be displayed.

Product Labeling Requirements:

• Position: The CE mark should be on the product itself. If product size is a limitation, it can be placed on the packaging or in the user manual.
• Size: The minimum height should be 5mm, scaled proportionally.
• Color: Any color is acceptable; it can be solid or hollow.

2.3.2 Applicable European Regulations (Standards)

Consumer Electronics: Consumer electronics must comply with the following European regulations:

1. LVD (IEC/EN 62368)
2. EMC (EN 55032 & EN 55035)
3. RoHS (EN IEC 63000)
4. Energy Efficiency
5. REACH/WEEE/Packaging Directive
6. RED

Switching Power Supplies: Switching power supplies must comply with the following European regulations:

1. LVD (IEC/EN 62368)
2. EMC (EN 55032 & EN 55035)
3. RoHS (EN IEC 63000)
4. Energy Efficiency
5. REACH/WEEE/Packaging Directive

2.3.3 European Wireless Requirements

EU CE EMC/RF Regulations: For different products, the EU has directives that specify basic quality and safety requirements. Compliance with these directives is necessary for product approval. Radio frequency products must meet the CE directives shown in the diagram below. Compliance is assessed by independent third-party organizations (Notify Bodies) designated by EU member states' competent authorities.

Diagram: CE Directive -> EMC Directive (2014/30/EU) / RE Directive (2014/53/EU) / Other Directives. EMC Standards: EN 55032, EN 55035. RF EMC Standards: EN 301489-X series. RF Standards: EN 300328, EN 301893, EN 301908-13, etc.

EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) directive requires radio frequency products to comply with EMI (Electromagnetic Interference), EMS (Electromagnetic Immunity/Sensitivity), and EMF (Electromagnetic Field Radiation) standards. Specific projects and standards can be found in the table below.

To protect the human head and torso's central nervous system from electromagnetic fields, the EU has established standards for electromagnetic field (EMF) limits and measurement methods. The relevant regulations for electronic and electrical products' electromagnetic field radiation are primarily covered by the R&TTE Directive (1999/5/EC), the latest RED Directive (2014/53/EU), and the Low Voltage Directive.

RF Frequency Information in EU Regions:

European Wi-Fi Frequency Bands:

2.4 Japanese Consumer Electronics and Battery Compliance

2.4.1 Japanese Compliance Overview:

To prevent consumer injury or death from hazardous products, Japan prohibits the sale of regulated products without the PS mark. Manufacturers and importers of relevant products must notify the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) before manufacturing or importing these products. They must also comply with government-mandated technical requirements, known as technical standards.

Japan categorizes regulated products into designated and non-designated products, distinguished by the rhombic PS certification mark and the circular PS certification mark, respectively. Designated products requiring the rhombic PS certification mark must undergo technical inspection by a registered conformity assessment body before they can be marked and successfully launched. For non-designated products, manufacturers and importers must first notify METI and self-certify compliance with relevant standards before applying the circular PS mark to the product.

2.4.2 Japanese Safety Regulations Overview:

PS Mark Categories: The PS mark is divided into four categories:

• 10 PSC marks under the Consumer Product Safety Act.
• 457 PSE marks under the Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act.
• 8 PSTG marks under the Gas Business Act.
• 16 PSLPG marks under the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Safety Assurance and Transaction Promotion Act.

Examples of Products Requiring PS Mark:

• Portable Laser Application Devices (Consumer Product Safety Act): Laser Pointer, Laser Rangefinder, Laser Sight, Infrared Thermometer.
• Helmets (Consumer Product Safety Act): Half-face (125cc or less), Open-face, Full-face.
• AC/DC Power Supplies (Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act): AC Power Supply, DC Power Supply (Class 2), Battery Charger.
• Portable Liquefied Petroleum Gas Stoves (Liquefied Petroleum Gas Safety Assurance and Transaction Promotion Act): Split type (container and burner connected by hose), Built-in type (container housed within the appliance), Direct connection type (container directly connected to the burner).

Regulated Electrical Products (457 items):

• Designated Electrical Products (116 items) (Category A): Includes AC/DC power supplies (AC power adapters), power extension cords, electric toys, mobile generators, etc.
• Non-designated Electrical Products (341 items) (Category B): Includes refrigerators, air conditioners, electric heaters, washing machines, electric fans, circulation fans, vacuum cleaners, TV receivers, furniture with sockets, LED lights, LED lighting equipment, lithium-ion batteries, etc.

2.4.3 Product Applicable Standards:

Consumer Electronics:

• Television (テレビ): High-definition LED LCD TV, Annual power consumption 111kWh, Class DF1, Receiver size 43-inch. Model Name, Rated Power 100V~50/60Hz, Power Consumption 90W, Serial Number. HDMI.

Switching Power Supplies: AC Adapter/Power Supply. Model, Input: 100-240V 50/60Hz, Output: 5.0V 2.3A 11.5W VI. CULUS LISTED, 0QJQ Power Supply, UL Energy Verified LPS, OCE, AR, SAFETY MARK, PS, UL Japan.

2.4.4 Japanese Wireless Frequency Requirements:

Japan Radio Law and Telecommunications Business Law: The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) in Japan oversees the certification of radio frequency equipment. According to the Radio Law, wireless equipment manufactured, sold, or operated in Japan must comply with technical regulations approved by MIC and requires mandatory radio equipment type approval. The Telecommunications Business Law pertains more to radio frequency transmitting equipment and terminal equipment that directly or indirectly connects to public telecommunications networks. The Radio Law and Telecommunications Business Law correspond to JRL and JTBL certifications, respectively.

Scope of JRL and JTBL Certifications:

• Radio Law (JRL): Radio Base Station, Amateur Radio, Transceiver, etc.
• Telecommunications Business Law (JTBL): Mobile phone, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Cordless TEL, etc., Home telephone, Facsimile, Modem, PBX, PC, etc.

JRL Certification Test Standards:

Congratulations on Completing the Course!

Continue learning with more content:

• Compliance:
• Overview of Safety Compliance
• Product Compliance
• Tax Compliance
• Trade Compliance
• Official Lecture - Store Compliance Handbook: Avoid Pitfalls

Step-by-step guide to understanding compliance policies. Covers product/operations compliance to avoid product delisting and account suspension.

Scan QR code to learn more

• Official Lecture - Account Health

Secure operations to avoid account restrictions. Comprehensive review of product compliance and infringement, with operational advice to resolve account restrictions.

Scan QR code to learn more

Additional Learning Resources:

Click the 'like' button at the bottom right of the page to access more practical learning materials!

Scan the QR code to fill out the course feedback form and help us optimize your experience.