Taiwan: Changes to BSMI certification for power supply equipment, including secondary lithium power banks

 

In light of the widespread use of products containing lithium-ion cells and batteries, as well as the increasing safety risks associated with such products, the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI) has proposed revisions to the inspection requirements for nine categories of electronic products, including secondary lithium power banks and other power supply equipment. The proposed amendments are intended to strengthen product safety and better protect consumer rights and interests. A key change is the expansion of the inspection scope for batteries to include secondary lithium cell blocks, battery packs, modules, and battery systems.

The nine product categories covered by the proposal are:

1. Secondary lithium power banks (limited to products weighing no more than 18 kg that are either non-fixed or equipped with wheels or other movable devices);
2. Secondary lithium charging boxes (limited to products with a rated energy capacity not exceeding 160 Wh);
3. Non-fixed or movable secondary lithium jump starters for vehicles;
4. Secondary lithium cells (excluding button cells);
5. Secondary lithium cell blocks, battery packs (modules), and battery systems (limited to battery systems with a capacity not exceeding 100 kWh);
6. Secondary lithium batteries for use in road vehicles other than propulsion (limited to vehicles with two or more wheels);
7. Secondary lithium batteries for electric motorcycles;
8. Secondary lithium batteries for electric bicycles; and
9. Secondary lithium batteries for electric-assist bicycles.

The proposal provides for two conformity assessment procedures:

1. Registration of Product Certification (RPC) Scheme – Modules II+IV, II+V, or II+VII

Under the RPC scheme, a combination of conformity assessment modules is used to verify compliance with the applicable inspection standards at both the design and production stages. Module II requires products to undergo type testing by laboratories designated by the BSMI. In addition, the manufacturing facility must be assessed to confirm that products manufactured at the site conform to the type-tested prototype submitted under Module II. Depending on the selected assessment route, this may involve evaluation of the full quality management system (Module IV), the production quality management system (Module V), or a factory inspection (Module VII).

For Modules IV and V, manufacturers must obtain a registration certificate issued by a BSMI-recognized certification body in accordance with CNS 12681, which is equivalent to ISO 9001. For Module VII, a factory inspection report issued by the BSMI or a BSMI-recognized inspection body is required. In all cases, applicants must also submit a declaration of conformity to ensure that mass-produced products remain consistent with the type-tested model.

Once certified and registered, the product may bear the Commodity Inspection Mark, consisting of a graphical symbol and an identification number comprising the letter “R” followed by a five-digit code assigned by the BSMI. Unless selected for border inspection under the RPC surveillance mechanism, certified products may be cleared through customs without further inspection.

The application fee and annual fee under the RPC scheme are both NT$5,000 per product type. RPC certificates are valid for three years. For products forming part of a series, an additional fee of NT$3,000 applies for each additional model. Type-testing fees vary depending on the product and are charged in accordance with the fee schedule of the designated testing laboratory.

2. Type-approved Batch Inspection (TABI) Scheme

Under the TABI scheme, manufacturers or importers must first have their products type-tested by the BSMI or a BSMI-designated testing laboratory before applying for a Type Approval Certificate from the BSMI or one of its branch offices.

After obtaining the Type Approval Certificate, manufacturers or importers must apply for batch inspection each time before the products are released from the manufacturing premises or imported through a port of entry. The BSMI will review the application and supporting documentation and may require additional product samples for testing where necessary.

Products that successfully pass batch inspection may bear the Commodity Inspection Mark, consisting of a graphical symbol and an identification number made up of the letter “T” followed by a five-digit code assigned by the BSMI.

The application fee for a Type Approval Certificate is NT$3,500, and the certificate is valid for three years. Type-testing fees vary by product and are determined in accordance with the fee schedule of the relevant designated testing laboratory.