Sellers of portable chargers, power banks, and other lithium battery products on Amazon's US marketplace must now comply with stricter verification requirements that could determine whether their products remain listed on the platform.
The e-commerce giant has implemented a new policy mandating that all lithium battery products undergo direct verification by accredited third-party testing institutions (TIC). Products failing to meet this requirement face potential removal from Amazon's marketplace.
What the New Policy Means for Sellers
Under the updated regulations, Amazon will no longer accept seller-provided test reports at face value. Instead, authorized TIC organizations must directly submit verification documents to Amazon, confirming compliance with relevant safety standards and regulations.
This change significantly raises the compliance bar while aiming to enhance consumer protection. The move follows increasing scrutiny of lithium battery safety following incidents involving overheating and combustion in electronic devices.
Affected Certifications and Compliance
While Amazon hasn't specified exact certifications affected, industry analysts suggest North American safety standards like UL, ETL, and CSA certifications will require TIC verification. Battery-specific certifications including UN38.3 and EN/IEC 62133 are also likely impacted.
Other regional certifications such as CCC (China), CE (Europe), and PSE (Japan) currently remain unaffected, though sellers are advised to monitor for potential policy expansions.
Recommended Actions for Sellers
Sellers should take immediate steps to ensure compliance:
1. Conduct a comprehensive audit of all lithium battery products to identify which require TIC verification.
2. Partner with reputable, accredited TIC organizations to obtain valid test reports that meet Amazon's requirements.
3. Regularly check Amazon's official policy updates to stay informed about regulatory changes that might affect product listings.
The policy shift reflects Amazon's ongoing efforts to improve marketplace safety standards. Sellers who proactively adapt to these changes will maintain their competitive position while ensuring uninterrupted access to Amazon's vast customer base.