Amazon has recently launched new requirements for all products that contain button cell or coin batteries due to the new changes to Federal Regulation under Reese’s Law. All products that contain Coin or Button Cell batteries are now required to submit 3rd party lab testing to prove their product is complying with the law and Amazon’s policies.
According to Amazon, this applies to: “All consumer products containing or capable of containing button or coin batteries—regardless of whether the battery(ies) can be replaced or not. button batteries look like small, squat silver cans from five to 25mm in diameter and one to six mm high — resembling a button.”
Why did Amazon Change the Requirements for Button Cell or Coin Batteries?
It’s important to make it clear that Amazon did not necessarily change its requirements, but they’re more so reacting to the changes to Reese’s Law. Button cell or coin batteries are very dangerous if swallowed, and due to their shape, can easily get stuck in the throat. Children and pets are at risk of accidentally ingesting them, which can result in severe injury and fatalities.
Since products that contain button cell or coin batteries can be disassembled, new changes to Reese’s law have resulted in all products that contain these types of batteries (regardless of whether the batteries can be replaced) needing to obtain 3rd party lab testing proving their products are safe and comply with all laws and regulations.
What are the New Requirements for Products with Button Cell or Coin Batteries on Amazon?
Amazon sellers who carry button cell or coin battery-containing products must now obtain and submit 3rd party lab testing to prove their product complies with the law and Amazon’s policies. The requirements include:
- Proof of compliance with Underwriters Laboratories 4200A (UL4200A) from an ISO 17025-approved lab
- General Certificate of Conformity that lists compliance with UL4200A
To submit your 3rd party lab testing, navigate to the Manage Your Compliance (MYC) page by using the menu on the left-hand side of the page, hovering over Performance – and choosing “Account Health”. From there, on the right-hand side of the page at the bottom, click “Product Compliance Requests” and submit the requested documentation.
What Should Amazon Sellers Carrying Button Cell or Coin Battery-Containing Products Do to Remain Compliant?
It’s important for Amazon sellers who carry button cell or coin battery-containing products to keep a very close eye on their performance notifications and their Manage Your Compliance (MYC) page to ensure they’re actioning promptly to submit their 3rd party lab testing, to avoid suppression to the ASIN and any disruptions in sales.
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