China Electric Bicycle Battery certification rules CCAP-GZ-464204：2024 have been revised and replace the previous version CCAP-GZ-464204:2023. China’s Certification Center for Automotive Products (CCAP) published the updated rules on June 30, 2024, and they came into effect on July 1, 2024.
Main Revisions in the New Version: CCAP-GZ-464204:2024
1. Updated Standards: The standards for the product certification of batteries for electric bicycles now include:
- GB43854-2024 Safety Technical Specification for Lithium-ion Batteries for Electric Bicycles (see below for more detail)
- GB/T32504-2016 Civil Lead-Acid Battery Technical Code for Safety (see below for more detail).
- GB/T36972-2018 (now removed)
2. Unit Division Principles: Revisions have been made to the principles for dividing units within the certification process. 3. Certification Documentation: The requirements for the documentation necessary for certification applications have been updated. 4. Product Description and Component List: The product description form and the list of key components and raw materials have been revised. 5. Type Test Items: Revisions have been made to the items required for type testing and the implementation requirements. 6. Enterprise Classification: The principles for classifying production enterprises have been revised.
Implementation Time and Transition Requirements to CCAP-GZ-464204:2024:
- Implementation Date:
- From the implementation date of these rules, all certification applications must comply with the new version.
- Transition Requirements:
- For batteries and chargers certified before June 30, 2024, the old version certificates remain valid. Transition to the new version certificates can occur through methods such as scope expansion, changes, post-certification supervision, or certificate renewal upon expiration.
These updates reflect efforts to maintain the safety and quality of electric bicycle batteries and chargers by aligning with the latest standards and revising certification processes accordingly.
Impact on manufacturers of the updated China Electric Bicycle Battery Certification Rules – CCAP GZ-464204:2024
Here’s an overview of the key impacts of the revisions: Compliance and Certification Process
- New Standards:
- The 2024 rules incorporate the GB43854-2024 standard for lithium-ion batteries, which imposes stricter safety and performance requirements compared to previous standards
- The inclusion of GB/T32504-2016 also require manufacturers to adjust their products and processes to comply with the updated standards.
- Documentation and Testing:
- Manufacturers must provide comprehensive documentation, including revised product description forms and lists of key components and raw materials. This increases the administrative burden and necessitates meticulous record-keeping
- Type test items and implementation requirements have been revised, likely leading to more rigorous and extensive testing procedures. This can increase both the time and cost associated with certification.
Production Adjustments
- Design and Manufacturing Changes:
- Safety enhancements mandated by the new standards, such as improved flame retardancy, overcharge protection, and real-time data monitoring, may require significant redesigns of battery and charger products
- Integrating these safety features may also necessitate changes in the production process, potentially involving new technologies and materials.
- Quality Control:
- Stricter inspection and quality control measures are now necessary to ensure compliance. This includes both initial factory inspections and ongoing post-certification supervision, which can increase operational complexity and cost.
Market Impact
- Market Access: Compliance with the new certification rules is mandatory for market access in China. Products that do not meet the updated standards cannot be legally sold or imported, which may limit market opportunities for non-compliant manufacturers.
Key information about CCAP-GZ-464204：2024
Standards for Certification
- Battery Products
- GB43854-2024: Safety Technical Specifications for Lithium-ion Batteries for Electric Bicycles
- GB/T 22199.1-2017: Valve-regulated Lead-acid Batteries for Electric Bicycles – Part 1: Technical Conditions
- GB/T 32504-2016: Safety Technical Specifications for Civil Lead-acid Batteries
- QB/T 2947.2-2008: Batteries and Chargers for Electric Bicycles – Part 2: Nickel Metal Hydride Batteries and Their Chargers
- Charger Products
- GB42296-2022: Safety Technical Requirements for Chargers for Electric Bicycles
Certification Application Materials:
1. Basic Information
- Certification entrustment letter application form
- Factory inspection survey form
- Registration documents for the certification applicant, manufacturer, and factory (initial application and changes):
- Copy of the business license (foreign companies must provide equivalent legal registration and production proof)
- Trademark registration and legal authorization documents from the manufacturer (must include certification from the Chinese Trademark Office)
- Copies of relevant contracts if the applicant is a seller or importer (initial application and changes)
- Authorization letter for agents (if applicable)
- Commitment letter and legal responsibility documents for foreign applicants, including warranty, recall, and related quality responsibilities.
2. Product Information
- Quality system documents:
- Quality manual, including organizational chart and/or job responsibilities
- Copy of any existing quality management system certification
- Product description for electric bicycle batteries and chargers (initial application and parameter changes)
- Explanation of product models/specifications/unique codes (if applicable)
- Photographs showing key features of the product from multiple angles (front, top, bottom, left, right, back)
- Product drawings:
- Assembly, structural, and electrical schematics showing shape, size, weight, electrode positions, vent positions, terminal sizes (positive and negative)
- Cross-sectional diagram identifying key components (e.g., cell case, battery cover, electrolyte, terminals, separators, vents, protection devices)
- User manual
- List of key components and raw materials, including names, specifications, materials, and manufacturers
- Production consistency control plan and quality assurance capability control documents (initial application and changes).
Certification Process:
- Certification application, document review, and acceptance
- Division of product units and preparation of certification plans
- Signing certification contracts and fees
- Product type testing
- Initial factory inspection
- Comprehensive evaluation and approval of test and inspection results
- Issuance of certificate
- Post-certification supervision
Certification Validity & Content
- Validity: Certificates are valid for 5 years and are maintained through post-certification supervision by the CCAP. To extend the certificate, the applicant must submit a certification application within 90 days of expiry . If the final supervision result within the validity period is satisfactory, the CCAP will issue a new certificate.
- Content Consistency: The information on the certified product and its packaging must be consistent with the Certificate’s content.
Overview of Standard GB 43854-2024
The GB 43854-2024 standard, titled “Safety Technical Specification for Lithium-ion Batteries for Electric Bicycles,” is a new mandatory national standard in China. It was released by the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) and the National Standardization Administration and will come into effect on November 1, 2024. This standard sets comprehensive safety requirements and testing methods for lithium-ion batteries used in electric bicycles, aiming to enhance safety and performance in response to the increasing use of electric bicycles.
Key Aspects of Standard GB 43854-2024
- Scope and Application:
- The standard applies to lithium-ion battery cells and battery packs used in electric bicycles that conform to GB 17761, the safety technical specifications for electric bicycles. It specifically targets batteries with a maximum output voltage not exceeding 60V.
- Safety Requirements:
- The standard outlines rigorous safety tests for individual cells, including overcharge, over-discharge, external short circuit, thermal abuse, and needle penetration tests. For battery packs, it mandates tests on electrical safety, mechanical safety, environmental safety, and thermal diffusion.
- Test Methods:
- Key test items include overcharge tests at 1.5 times the capacity, needle penetration tests to ensure battery safety, and tests under normal and fault conditions for protective components. The tests aim to ensure that battery packs can handle overcharge, short circuits, and over-discharge safely.
- Additional Requirements:
- The standard requires battery packs to have interoperable coordinated charging functions, real-time data collection capabilities, and the use of flame-retardant materials. It also emphasizes the need for an intelligent management system to monitor battery conditions in real-time and mandates clear labeling of the battery’s “safe service life.”
- Implementation and Compliance:
- From the implementation date, all certifications must adhere to the new standard. Products not meeting these standards cannot be produced, sold, imported, or provided in China.
Transition Requirements to Standard GB 43854-2024
For electric bicycle batteries and chargers certified before June 30, 2024, existing certificates will remain valid. These can transition to the new version certificates through scope expansion, changes, post-certification supervision, or certificate renewal upon expiration.
The GB 43854-2024 standard represents a significant upgrade in the safety and regulatory framework for lithium-ion batteries in electric bicycles, reflecting China’s commitment to consumer safety and industry development.
Overview of Standard GB/T 32504-2016
GB/T 32504-2016, titled “Civil Lead-Acid Battery Technical Code for Safety,” is a Chinese national standard that specifies safety requirements for lead-acid batteries used in civilian applications. This standard was issued on February 24, 2016, and came into effect on September 1, 2016.
Key Aspects of GB/T 32504-2016
- Scope:
- The standard applies to all types of civilian lead-acid batteries and focuses on safety performance evaluation and certification. It does not cover lead-acid batteries used in industrial applications.
- Technical Requirements:
- The standard sets out detailed safety requirements, including flame retardancy, explosion-proof characteristics, and acid resistance. These requirements ensure that the batteries are safe to use and handle by non-professional users such as the elderly and children.
- Testing Methods:
- GB/T 32504-2016 outlines specific testing methods to evaluate the safety features of lead-acid batteries. These methods include tests for flammability, mechanical robustness, and resistance to environmental conditions like heat and moisture.
- Inspection Rules:
- The standard includes comprehensive inspection rules to ensure ongoing compliance. These rules cover both initial certification and routine inspections to maintain safety standards.
- Normative References:
- The standard references several other standards for its implementation, including:
- GB/T 2408-2008 (Plastics – Determination of burning behavior)
- GB/T 2900.41 (Electrotechnical terminology – Cells and batteries)
- GB/T 18332 (Lead-acid batteries for electric road vehicles)
- GB/T 19639 (Universal VRLAB)
- GB/T 22199 (Sealed lead-acid batteries for electric bikes).
Overall, the revised certification rules CCAP-GZ-464204:2024 present both challenges and opportunities for manufacturers of electric bicycle batteries and chargers. Compliance will require adjustments in product design, manufacturing processes, and quality control, but it also offers the potential for enhanced market reputation and competitive differentiation through improved product safety and performance.
Further information
Read the original announcement on China Electric Bicycle Battery Certification CCAP Rules Revised.
Read our previous article on China electric bicycle certification requirements – New CCC rules and GB standards for type testing.
Discover our services for China Compulsory Certification, or contact Cisema if you would like to learn more about CCC.
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