Questions to ask when making a battery buying decision.

For more information, please visit HUIYAO.

Because of the growing number of performance rating schemes and/or ways to value your buying decision in the market today, it has become difficult to make a decision that doesn&#;t come with some form of buyer&#;s remorse at a later date. The following are some of the more obvious things to watch out for when buying:

• Some companies rate their Reserve Capacities (minutes that the battery will deliver a discharge current) at 23 amps instead of the industry standard (BCI published) way of establishing Reserve Capacity at 25 amps.
• Amp Hour (AH) ratings can be at 5-hour, 10-hour, 20-hour and even 100-hour rates, so make sure you compare the same rate.
• Cranking Amps (the ability of the battery to deliver a higher starting current over a shorter period for engine starting) are given at different temperatures, so make sure that you compare the published &#;Cranking Amps&#; of each battery at the same temperature. CCA or Cold Cranking Amps at 0°F/-18°C is the industry standard rating. You may see ratings published at CA, MCA, MCCA and HCA. All reputable suppliers will publish the CCA.

Some companies have invented their own rating system by recognizing that the process of comparing deep-cycle batteries should be simplified. An American-based manufacturer of batteries invented a new labelling system incorporating the &#;Lifetime Energy Unit&#; (LEU). This was their attempt to help a buyer determine the lifetime performance and value of any given battery in the market. Simply stated, and in the words of the SANTA FE SPRINGS, CA. Manufacturer,  &#;Lifetime Energy Units " signifies the kilowatt-hours of energy a battery delivers over its lifetime. The bigger the number, the total work the battery can perform. Before introducing LEUs, accurately determining battery performance and value required complex calculations. Engineers compute the true worth of a battery as the total energy it contains, measured in kilowatt-hours (KWH). To derive a number for KWH, they build a curve that profiles the relationship between runtime and the number of cycles. The area under the curve is the total energy the battery delivers over its lifetime. When amp-hours are multiplied by battery voltage, the result is the battery's capacity in watt-hours. The next step - comparing a battery's value - is also simplified. By dividing the LEU by the battery's price, the prospective purchaser obtains a value figure (energy units per dollar) that ensures an apples-to-apples comparison between competing products.&#;

Discover ultimately rejects this position. As with the variations in determining Reserve Capacity and Cranking Amps mentioned earlier, this is NOT a recognized Battery Council International (BCI) method for rating or comparing batteries as suggested by the manufacturer. The manufacturer leaves out the exact method of determining LEUs, for an exact comparison to be done, which was their stated purpose for establishing the rating. This creates a situation where two suppliers could use two sets of methodologies to determine their respective LEUs, making reasonable comparisons impossible. This implies that the LEU idea or concept is simply a marketing tool with no real scientific basis for engineers, as the manufacturer suggests.

LEUs &#; as a way of helping buyers make an informed decision &#; would work very well if the buyer was given some additional pieces of data (data that IS available from other manufacturers and that could be used to make meaningful comparisons):

1. The exact discharge control methods (test procedures) used in determining the battery's &#;Cycle Time&#; (what discharge rate and to what depth is the battery discharged?).
2. Whether or not the batteries can be pre-conditioned before running the procedure.
3. The resulting ampere hours of power discharged per cycle
4. The recharge control methods (test procedures) before the next discharge procedure.
5. The exact control methods used in determining the battery's &#;Life Cycles.&#;
6. The resulting ampere hours of power discharged over the life of the battery.

In addition to the problems listed above for making good performance comparisons amongst different batteries, using the LEU marketing tool to make a serious value comparison is equally flawed. The value comparison requires more detail. Some, but certainly not all, of the issues to be examined and required in determining value are:

1. Time and Supply costs associated with servicing the battery (as recommended by the manufacturer) to ensure it achieves its assumed life cycles.
2. Costs associated with Workers' Safety and Clothing needs (as recommended by the manufacturer).
3. The cost associated with Environmental Issues, Storage and Equipment Damage resulting from the emission of free hydrogen molecules during discharge and recharge.
4. Freight/time costs and/or restrictions related to shipping.

If these data were known, the buyer could then determine the true energy units per dollar or lifetime energy value as suggested by the manufacturer who introduced the LEU calculation.

What to consider when buying a deep-cycle battery

It is our opinion that to determine the actual best &#;bang for your buck&#; for batteries in cycling applications, you should gather the following information and perform the following calculations:

Information gathering before buying? Determine the amount of energy the battery will deliver in its life using test procedures recognized by worldwide manufacturers and published in the BCI technical manual. This information should be available from all manufacturers and should include the following:

• Discharge current used (25Amps, 75Amps, 20-hour rate, etc.)
• Discharge time (Cycle Life) to an effective 100% depth of discharge (1.75 volts per cell)
• Discharge cycles (Life Cycles) achieved before the battery could not deliver at least 50% of its original rated capacity

NOTE: Different types of batteries use test procedures that allow different end-of-life criteria. For example, an electric vehicle or standard deep-cycle product would be considered at its end of life when it could not deliver 50% of its rated capacity. At the same time, a golf cart battery would not be determined to be at its end of life until it could produce at least 1.75 volts per cell during 40 minutes of discharge at 75 amperes. 

Determine the number of times the battery will be serviced in its lifetime, as the manufacturer recommends. It is important to use the manufacturer's recommended service schedule. For time/cost analysis, we recommend you use an average of 10 minutes per service per battery. 

Determine the average per hour/minute labour costs in your organization. This number varies by region and industry - should not include anything but direct labour costs. You can safely use a figure of $18.00 - $25.00 per hour ($.30 - $.42 per minute) ( dollars) without benefits etc. One transit authority stated that their direct labour cost associated with maintaining batteries in each transit bus was $180.00 per year; another stated it was as high as $550 per battery. We suggest using $22.00 as an average hourly cost ($.367 per minute). 

Cost of service materials over the life of the battery, such as; distilled or specially treated water - using a per cell fluid usage by volume of 20% on an average cell volume of 2.35l/80oz and a 75% consumption efficiency or between $.02-$.04 per oz. Battery fluid volumes are as low as 5l/169oz and as high as 16l/540oz; cleaning and neutralizing agents at 1oz per battery or $.25 per battery per service; special clothing; repair and replacement of battery boxes and trays and more.

Cost Per Battery

• Purchase price of the battery
• Freight or handling charges (overland or can they be shipped through courier or air)

Calculating Cost to Own

Estimate the cost of materials used when servicing the battery as the manufacturer recommends. For comparison, it is reasonable to use just $1.70 each time for distilled water, cleaning and neutralizing agents and ignore the other variable costs. Multiply this amount by the years the manufacturer says the battery will last in the application. Multiply the result by the number of times the manufacturer says the battery should be serviced per year to achieve the published life expectancy. Our experience shows that most manufacturers will recommend your service flooded batteries at least once a month. 

Two of the &#;World's&#; leading manufacturers and sellers of Flooded, GEL and AGM Deep-cycle batteries state the following on their websites:  &#;Flooded batteries need water. More importantly, watering must be done at the right time and in the right amount or the battery&#;s performance and longevity suffers. Water should always be added after fully charging the battery. Before charging, there should be enough water to cover the plates.&#; This would suggest that the world&#;s leading manufacturers of flooded deep-cycle batteries recommend that service is required, particularly as the battery ages, BEFORE and AFTER every charge/discharge cycle. In some cases, they suggest that failing to do so will void the warranty. If you cycle the battery two times per week, the battery will last approximately three years following the manufacturer's recommended service procedures. This means your per battery service material costs will be at least $1.70 x 12 services per year x 3 years = $61.20. If you serve as the manufacturers suggest, it will be as much as $1.70 x 104 services per year x 3 years = $530.40. Our experience shows that for a battery to last three years when being cycled two times per week, it needs to be serviced at least once every four cycles or bi-monthly. $1.70 x 3 years x 26 services = $132.60 per battery. Every user of deep-cycle batteries is familiar with dried &#;rotten egg&#; smelling batteries, the result of NOT maintaining a proper service schedule over the battery's life.

NOTE: when asked, more than 80% of equipment managers could not produce or describe a &#;battery service schedule&#; - for equipment under their supervision that uses cycling batteries.

In our opinion, if you were to match a quality flooded battery against a Discover Semi Traction EV Dry Cell AGM or GEL battery of the same size and AH rating for use in the same application, you would find the total cost of ownership to be higher for the flooded battery option. Discover Semi Traction EV Dry Cell AGM or GEL batteries require less service, and as a result, with proper charging methods, Discover batteries will out-value flooded batteries. It is more likely that the standards of service for the flooded batteries will not be met in the real world. Therefore, it will not meet the manufacturer's required levels to achieve maximum life.

Additionally, when considering flooded versus Dry Cell AGM or GEL, one must also consider other inconveniences and/or costs associated with servicing, working with or having sensitive equipment around flooded batteries. These would include, but are not limited to:

• damaged and/or special clothing
• battery compartment repairs
• air quality problems
• workers compensation claims
• occupational health issues
• hazardous materials handling requirements
• shipping restrictions
• damage to service areas from acid and corrosive by-product spills

We feel the more competitive and demanding the channel (jobber/installer/large user/rental equipment), the more compelling and feasible the switch to Discover Semi Traction EV Dry Cell AGM or GEL batteries becomes. The larger the bank of batteries used, the more important costs associated with service and the more compelling and feasible the switch to Discover batteries becomes.

Products sold in the United States must generally be labeled or marked according to the requirements in the applicable regulations. Some labeling requirements apply to all products, while others only cover certain types of products, materials, or even age groups.

Commonly, a single product is subject to several different product labeling and marking requirements, which is why you can often see a plethora of product information and compliance marks on everything from chargers to baby clothing.

This guide serves as an introduction to US product labeling and marking requirements for clothing, electronics, children&#;s products, furniture, and many other products.

Note that this guide covers both federal and some state-level labeling requirements. That being said, this is not an exhaustive list of labeling requirements in the United States.

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Country of Origin Marking

Country of origin marking is mandatory for almost all consumer products sold in the United States. For example, products manufactured in Vietnam should be labeled as Made in Vietnam.

The marking can either be applied to the product or the packaging &#; depending on the size and various exemptions. However, many brands choose to apply the country of origin marking both to the products and the packaging, as it can be difficult to navigate the exemptions.

Examples

• Made in China
• Made in Vietnam
• Made in USA
• Made in Germany

Additional requirements

Further, special rules concerning country of origin marking for the following products:

• Watches
• Native American style jewelry
• Native American style accessories
• Assembled products

Recommended article: Country of Origin Requirements in the United States: An Overview

16 CFR Part 323: Made in USA

16 CFR Part 323 defines &#;Made in the United States&#; as products, including its components, that are built, crafted, created, made, manufactured, or produced in the United States.

Products should not bear the &#;Made in the United States&#; label unless the following take place within the United States:

• The product&#;s processing
• The product&#;s final assembly
• Sourcing of the product&#;s components

CPSIA Tracking Label

Toys and other children&#;s products (intended for 0-12 years) imported or manufactured in the United States must carry a permanent CPSIA tracking label that provides the following identifying information:

• Manufacturer name
• US address
• US number
• Website
• Date of production
• Production location
• Batch number

Tracking labels facilitate the identification and recall of non-compliant and unsafe products.

What is a Batch number?

A batch number is a combination of letters, numbers, or symbols that identifies the production run, manufacturing facility, and country.

Example: SKU-YYMM-01-CN

Recommended article: CPSIA Tracking Label Guide For Importers & Amazon Sellers

Choking warning labels (CPSIA)

16 CFR Part .19 sets choking hazard labeling requirements for:

• Small parts
• Balls and small balls
• Latex balloons
• Marbles

The warnings differ slightly, but must contain the warning symbol, the word &#;WARNING&#;, and the words &#;CHOKING HAZARD&#; before the actual warning.

Also, while the warning for small parts is only necessary for products that are meant to be used by children who are between 3 and 6 years of age, other warnings target different age groups.

Recommended article: Warning Labeling Requirements for Children&#;s Product in the United States

Other warning labels (CPSIA)

There are warning label requirements that apply to specific products covered by the CPSIA. These requirements come from specific CPSC standards, or ASTM standards that are incorporated by reference in CPSC standards.

Examples

a. 16 CFR &#; Safety Standard Mandating ASTM F963 for Toys incorporates by reference ASTM F963, which in turn sets warning requirements.

b. 16 CFR Part &#; Safety Standard for Entrapment Hazards in Bunk Beds sets warning requirements directly.

c. 16 CFR Part &#; Safety Standard for Crib Mattresses sets warning requirements directly.

Textiles Labeling

The Textile, Wool and Fur Acts and Rules require importers and manufacturers of some textile, wool, and fur products to comply with product-specific labeling requirements. Additionally, there are care labeling requirements for textile wearing apparel.

Textile, Wool and Fur Acts and Rules

16 CFR Parts 300, 301, and 303 cover the Textile, Wool and Fur Acts and Rules, and contain labeling requirements for products such as:

• Wearing apparel
• Fur products
• Wool products

Importers and manufacturers of textile fiber, wool, and fur products must provide on their product&#;s labels information such as the following:

• Fiber content
• Manufacturer&#;s name or registered identification numbers
• Country of origin

Care Labeling of Textile Wearing Apparel & Certain Piece Goods

Manufacturers must provide care labels on their clothing textile products. They must either use the care terms found in Appendix A to 16 Part 423, or the symbols found in ASTM D-96c Standard Guide for Care Symbols for Care Instructions on Textile Products.

Manufacturers can alternatively use also care terms and symbols on their care labeling.

Is size mandatory on the textile label?

The provision of sizes on textile labels is not mandatory. However, it is practical and therefore strongly recommended to add sizes to labels, as consumers and retailers expect the provision of such information.

Consumers might not buy, or return once bought, clothing that does not indicate size.

Recommended article: Textiles Labeling Requirements in the United States

Guides for Select Leather and Imitation Leather Products

The Leather Guides provide guidance regarding how not to misrepresent leather products on labels that bear information such as the following:

• Material content
• Trade names
• Properties (e.g. &#;waterproof&#;)

If the product is made of or includes imitation leather, the label should disclose the product&#;s material, such as the following information:

• &#;Not leather&#;
• &#;Imitation leather&#;
• &#;Simulated leather&#;
• &#;Top Grain Cowhide With Simulated Pigskin Grain&#;

Recommended article: Leather Product Regulations in the United States: An Overview

FCC 47 CFR Part 15 Device Labeling Requirements

FCC 47 CFR Part 15 regulates radiofrequency (RF) energy emissions on electric and electronic devices, as they can negatively interfere with other devices operating within the 9 kHz &#; GHz RF range.

The regulation also establishes information on proper labeling, such as the inclusion of an FCC logo, an FCC ID, or a statement declaring conformity.

The labeling information is different for:

a. Unintentional radiators, that is, devices that do not emit frequency energy wirelessly (e.g. electrical coffee machine)

b. Intentional radiators, that is, devices that intentionally generate frequency energy (e.g. wi-fi device)

Unintentional radiators

Unintentional radiators must bear a unique label that includes information such as:

• Product identification (trade name and model type/serial number)
• Compliance statement
• FCC logo (optional)

The user manual and the device&#;s packaging or removable label must bear the compliance statement if the product:

• Is too small for the compliance statement
• Does not have an electronic label display

Recommended article: FCC Unintentional Radiators: A Practical Guide

Intentional radiators

Intentional radiators must bear two labeling items:

• An FCC ID (grantee code and product code); and
• Compliance statement

If the product is too small or does not have an electronic display for the label, the importer or manufacturer must place the compliance statement in the user manual and the device&#;s packaging or a removable label.

Recommended article: FCC Intentional Radiators: A Practical Guide

Energy Labeling Rule

16 CFR Part 305, Energy and water use labeling for consumer products under the energy policy and conservation act (&#;Energy Labeling Rule&#;), covers products such as energy and water use appliances.

Labeling Information

The Energy Labeling Rule requires importers and manufacturers of energy and water appliance products to include information on labels such as the following on their products:

• Operating cost
• Water use rate
• Conformance with relevant standards
• Energy consumption
• Energy efficiency
• Energy cost
• Water cost

The above information may be different according to the product (e.g., lighting, washing machine) and should be placed in the following places:

• On product catalogs
• On labels attached to the product
• In written advertising
• In broadcast advertising
• On printed matter at point of sale

Appendix L to Part 305 provides examples of prototype labels that include instructions regarding font, color, label size, and so on. The specifics of each instruction depend on the appliance that the label is attached to, e.g., the font and label sizes for refrigerator-freezer energy labels differ from those for specialty consumer lamp energy labels.

Product Examples

• Dishwashers
• Furnaces
• Television sets
• Faucets
• Ceiling fans

Recommended article: Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) Guide: An Overview

Mattress Labels

Mattresses are subject to labeling requirements set out by the following standards:

a. 16 CFR Part &#; Standard for the Flammability of Mattresses and Mattress Pads

b. 16 CFR Part &#; Standard for the Flammability (Open Flame) of Mattress Sets

Importers and manufacturers should provide labels that bear information such as the following:

• Protection instructions
• Importer&#;s or manufacturer&#;s name and address
• Compliance statement
• Information concerning fire retardants

Recommended article: Mattress Regulations in the United States: An Overview

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Art Material Labels

The CPSC sets labeling requirements for art materials under the Labeling of Hazardous Art Materials Act (LHAMA).

Labeling information

ASTM D-, which is incorporated by reference in 16 CFR Part , requires labeling information such as the following:

• Statement of conformance
• Signal word &#;WARNING&#; (when chronic hazards exist)
• List of potentially chronic hazards
• Name of chronically hazardous components
• Safe handling instructions
• List of sensitizing components
• Combined statement (for more than one chronic hazardous component)
• Phrases stating information sources
• Chronic hazard statements
• Precautionary statements

Product examples

Here are a few examples of products subject to LHAMA:

• Paints
• Colored pencils
• Glues
• Model and Hobby kits

Recommended article: Labeling of Hazardous Art Materials Act (LHAMA): An Essential Guide

Lithium Battery Labels

Different types of batteries have their own labeling requirements in various regulations. We briefly explain that below.

Button cell and coin battery label

16 CFR Part sets warning label requirements for consumer products that contain button cell or coin batteries.

Note that toy products for children under 14 years old are exempt from the requirements of 16 CFR Part if:

a. These products are designed, manufactured, or marketed as playthings for children below the age of 14, and

b. Comply with the battery accessibility and 16 CFR Part &#;s labeling requirements.
Part also exempts zinc-air button cell and coin batteries.

Recommended article: Button and Coin Battery Safety Standards and Regulations in the US

Lithium batteries label

49 CFR Part 173.185 sets packaging labeling requirements for lithium batteries.

For instance, packages that contain lithium batteries must bear the following information:

• The lithium battery mark
• The UN number (such as UN )
• The word &#;OVERPACK&#; when applicable

The outer package of lithium batteries whose net weight does not exceed 5 kg must carry certain words, such as: &#;LITHIUM METAL BATTERIES&#;FORBIDDEN FOR TRANSPORT ABOARD PASSENGER AIRCRAFT&#;.

Recommended article: Hazardous Materials Regulations: An Essential Guide

Batteries containing mercury label

The Mercury-Containing and Rechargeable Battery Management Act requires that products containing regulated rechargeable batteries that cannot be easily removed to bear:

a. A chasing arrows recycling symbol

b. The chemical name or the abbreviation &#;Ni-Cd&#; and the phrase &#;BATTERY MUST BE RECYCLED OR DISPOSED OF PROPERLY&#; (for nickel-cadmium batteries)

c. The chemical name &#;LEAD&#; or the abbreviation &#;Pb&#;, the words &#;RETURN&#;, &#;RECYCLE&#;, and if sealed the phrase &#;BATTERY MUST BE RECYCLED&#; (for lead-acid batteries)

d. The statement &#;CONTAINS NICKEL-CADMIUM BATTERY. BATTERY MUST BE RECYCLED OR DISPOSED OF PROPERLY.&#;&#; or &#;CONTAINS SEALED LEAD BATTERY. BATTERY MUST BE RECYCLED&#; on the rechargeable product and its packaging.

Wooden Handicrafts Label

The USDA APHIS sets labeling requirements for wooden handicrafts.

Labeling information

7 CFR Part 319-40-9(c) requires identity labeling and markings that indicate the following of wooden handicrafts:

a. The general nature and quantity.

b. Country and locality, if known, of where the harvested tree came from.

c. Importer&#;s name and address.

d. The consignee&#;s name and address.

e. The identifying shipper&#;s mark and number; and

f. Permit number (if issued) that authorizes the handicraft&#;s importation into the United States.

Product Examples

• Baskets
• Bird houses
• Rustic lawn furniture
• Garden fencing
• Carvings

Recommended article: Wood & Bamboo Product Regulations in the United States: A Complete Guide

TSCA Labels

The Toxic Substances Control Act sets labeling requirements for various products, such as composite wood products, and products that contain toxic substances such as PCBs. We explain below the requirements regarding composite wood products.

Labeling information

Labels of imported composite panels, or bundles of such, must bear the following:

• The panel producer&#;s name
• Lot number
• The EPA TSCA Title VI TPC number
• Statement that products are TSCA Title VI certified

Product Examples

• Hardwood plywood
• Particleboard
• Medium density fiberboard

Recommended article: Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for US Importers: A Complete Guide

Pesticide Products Label

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets labeling requirements regarding pesticide products.

Pesticidal Claims

A substance is deemed to be used for pesticidal purposes if the seller or distributor claims &#; including in the labeling &#; that:

a. The substance can be used as a pesticide; or

b. The substance contains active ingredients and is it can be used for manufacturing pesticides.

Other labeling information

According to 40 CFR Part 156.10, pesticide products must bear a label containing the following information:

• The product&#;s name, brand, or trademark
• The producer or registrant&#;s name and address
• The net contents
• The product registration number
• The producing establishment number
• An ingredient statement
• Hazard and precautionary statements
• Directions for use
• Use classifications

Product Examples

• Insecticides
• Fungicides
• Rodenticides
• Antimicrobials
• Herbicides
• Pest repellants and attractants

Recommended article: Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) Guide

EPA-regulated devices Label

Pesticide devices are subject to FIFRA labeling requirements.

Labeling information

Pesticide devices covered by FIFRA are considered misbranded if the label:

a. Contains false and misleading designs, graphics, or statements.

b. Does not bear the establishment number

c. Contains the required information, but it is not prominently displayed

d. Does not contain proper usage directions

e. Does not carry an adequate warning or caution statement.

Product Examples

• UV lights
• Ultrasonic devices
• Replacement parts (e.g., bulbs)

Recommended article: See link in the above section

USDA Organic Seal

The USDA Organic Seal is a federally-protected official mark used by certified companies and farms to indicate that their products are organic.

Labeling information

There are four different cases to take into consideration:

a. Products that contain 100% organic ingredients may bear a &#;100 Percent Organic&#; claim and/or the USDA organic seal.

b. Products containing at least 95% organic ingredients may bear an &#;Organic&#; claim and/or the USDA organic seal.

c. Products that contain at least 70% of organically-produced ingredients may use the &#;Made with Organic [insert 1&#;3 ingredients]&#; claim, but must not carry the USDA Organic Seal.

d. Products that contain less than 70% of organic content must not bear the word &#;organic&#; or the USDA Organic Seal.

Note that, in general, the organic ingredients should also be listed on the label. You can find more information on this page.

Product Examples

• Textiles
• Beef
• Fruits
• Nuts

California Proposition 65 Warning Label

California Proposition 65 restricts around 900 chemicals and heavy metals in consumer products sold in California.

As such, you can either get the product lab-tested to prove that it doesn&#;t contain any of the listed chemicals, or ensure that the product carries a warning label.

CA Prop 65 Warning Label Example

&#;This product can expose you to chemicals including [name of chemicals] which are known to the State of California to cause [cancer/birth defects or other reproductive harm]. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov&#;

Recommended article: California Proposition 65 Guide for US Importers & Amazon Sellers

US Law Label

The law label is required in many US states for bedding, plush toys, bean bags, or other stuffed products. Its purpose is to inform the consumer of the filling materials, and the company selling the product.

Label Information

• &#;Do Not Remove&#; Statement
• Filling materials (Weight %)
• Uniform Registry Number (URN)
• Company Name

Uniform Registry Number (URN)

Note that you might need to register to obtain a Uniform Registry Number (URN).

Recommended article: US Law Label Requirements for Importers: A Complete Guide

UL Mark

The Underwriter Laboratories (UL) mark indicates that the product has passed the UL testing and certification process. As such, you cannot affix the UL mark to a product that has not passed the relevant testing.

UL Marks

• UL Listed
• UL Certified
• UL Classified
• UL Recognized Component
• UL Performance Verified

UL Standards Examples

• UL &#; Standard for Lithium Batteries
• UL 20 &#; General-Use Snap Switches
• UL &#; General Requirements for Battery-Powered Appliances
• UL &#; Standard for Vehicle Battery Adapters
• UL &#; Standard for Robots and Robotic Equipment
• UL 879A &#; Standard for LED Sign and Sign Retrofit Kits

Note that UL compliance is not mandatory unless a standard is incorporated by reference in a regulation. One such standard is UL A &#; Standard for Safety for Products Incorporating Button or Coin Batteries or Coin Cell Batteries, which is incorporated by reference into 16 CFR Part .

Even if they are not always mandatory, compliance with UL standards is strongly recommended if you are importing, exporting, or manufacturing electronic products for the US market.

Recommended article: UL Standards for Importers and Amazon Sellers: An Essential Guide

ETL Mark (Intertek)

Intertek has its own compliance program called the ETL Certification program. Products that pass the necessary testing can use the ETL Mark, which signals compliance with standards in the United States and Canada.

The ETL Mark is therefore not mandatory but still recognized by consumers, retailers, and the authorities as a reliable compliance mark.

Recommended article: ETL Certification and Marking: A Complete Guide

NRTL Mark

For some products used in industry, construction, and more, it is mandatory under OSHA&#;s Occupational Safety and Health Standards (29 CFR Part .7) to undergo testing and certification at a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL).

Each NRTL is known for a certain set of test standards and utilizes its own distinct registered certification mark to indicate that a product complies with the relevant product safety test requirements.

After an NRTL certifies a product as being compliant with relevant standards, it permits the manufacturer to attach an NRTL mark to the product.

List of NRTL

The NRTL mark you receive on your certified product depends on which NTRL you choose to test your products. Here are some examples:

a. CSA Group Testing and Certification Inc.

b. Intertek Testing Services NA, Inc.

c. TÜV SÜD Product Services GmbH

Click here for more examples of NRTL marks.

Product Examples

• Automatic sprinkler systems
• Portable fire extinguishers
• Employee alarm systems
• LPG storage and handling systems

Recommended article: NRTL Approval for Importers and Manufacturers: A Summary

Product Packaging Labeling Requirements

If you import or manufacture products in the United States, you are also required to abide to relevant product packaging labeling requirements established in acts and regulations such as the following:

Amazon Product Labeling Requirements

Products sold on Amazon.com must comply with mandatory labeling requirements and other product regulations. Further, Amazon.com can request product and packaging photos demonstrating that the correct labels are present.

There are also cases when Amazon has even declined product listings for having labels that should not be printed on the product. Amazon is strict about compliance and far more likely to take action against incorrectly or otherwise non-compliant products than US customs or CPSC.

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