Taiwan: BSMI certification for Secondary Lithium Cell Blocks, Battery Packs (Modules), Battery Systems for battery energy storage systems

 

Taiwan has published a new regulation for Lithium-ion accumulators (excl. spent) (HS code(s): 850760); Electric accumulators (excl. spent, and lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride and lithium-ion accumulators) (HS code(s): 850780).

The Regulation is called Proposal for Legal Inspection Requirements for Secondary Lithium Cell Blocks, Battery Packs (Modules), Battery Systems for battery energy storage systems (BESS) use.

It makes products in scope subject to the BSMI conformity assessment.

To meet the goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, renewable energy generation equipment and energy storage systems are expected to be gradually adopted in households and communities. Given the thermal runaway risks of lithium-ion batteries used in energy storage systems, the BSMI proposes to include secondary lithium cell blocks, battery packs (modules), and battery systems with capacities between 1 kWh and 100 kWh (inclusive), used in Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), under its mandatory inspection scope.

Applicants will be able to choose between two conformity assessment procedures: Registration of Product Certification (RPC) or Type-Approved Batch Inspection (TABI).

1. Registration of Product Certification (RPC) Scheme

Products subject to Modules II+IV, II+V, or II+VII must first undergo type testing (Module II) by the BSMI or a BSMI-recognized testing laboratory. In addition, the production site’s quality management system must comply with:

• Module IV: Full Quality Management System
• Module V: Production Quality Management System
• Module VII: Factory Inspection

For Modules IV and V, a CNS 12681 (ISO 9001) series registration certificate from the BSMI or a BSMI-recognized certification body is required. For Module VII, a factory inspection report from the BSMI or a recognized inspection body is needed.

All three modules require a declaration of conformity-to-type to ensure mass-produced goods match the type-tested model. Once certified and registered, products can bear the Commodity Inspection Mark with the letter “R” and an identification number from the BSMI. These products can pass through customs without further inspection unless sampled during RPC border checks.

Fees: NT$5,000 (about US$170) for both the application and annual fee per certification, valid for three years. Serial products incur an additional NT$3,000 (about US$102) per application. Type testing fees vary by product and testing laboratory policies.

2. Type-Approved Batch Inspection (TABI) Scheme

Under TABI, manufacturers or importers must have their products type-tested by the BSMI or a designated testing laboratory, then apply to the BSMI or its branches for Type Approval. Once approved, each production batch or shipment must be submitted for inspection before release from the production site or entry port.

The BSMI will review applications and related documents, and may request additional samples for testing. Approved products may display the Commodity Inspection Mark with the letter “T” and an identification number.

Fees: NT$3,500 for the Type Approval certificate, valid for three years. Type testing fees vary by product and testing laboratory policies.

To find out more about product compliance in Taiwan and the BSMI conformity assessment, do not hesitate to contact the Product Compliance Institute.