由 caicai8478 Key Summary
Southeast Asia is one of the fastest-growing battery markets in the world, driven by its thriving electronics manufacturing industry and the shift to electric vehicles. However, the region is not a single market, with significant differences in import regulations, certification standards, and technical requirements across countries. Exporters must thoroughly understand the specific regulations of target countries to ensure smooth customs clearance and market access.
I. General Requirements and Recommendations (Applicable to All Southeast Asian Markets)
Before discussing country-specific differences, the following are some general basic requirements:
MSDS Report: A battery’s Material Safety Data Sheet is a mandatory document required by customs and logistics providers. It describes the battery’s chemical composition, hazards, and safe handling instructions.
UN38.3 Test: This is a mandatory test for safe transportation, applicable to both air and sea transportation. It verifies that the battery is safe during transportation (such as altitude simulation, thermal shock, vibration, and impact). The report must be issued by a qualified laboratory.
Dangerous Goods Packaging: Lithium batteries are classified as Class 9 dangerous goods and must be packaged in accordance with UN specifications (such as UN boxes) and properly labeled with lithium battery labels and dangerous goods signs.
CE / FCC Marks: For electronic products containing batteries, these internationally recognized certifications can increase market acceptance, but they cannot replace mandatory certification in the local country.
II. Differences and Special Requirements in Major Market Countries
- Vietnam
Vietnam is a major base for electronics manufacturing and assembly, with a huge demand for batteries, and its regulatory system is rapidly improving.
Compulsory Certifications:
CR Mark: This is a mandatory safety and electromagnetic compatibility certification in Vietnam for all electronic and electrical equipment distributed in the Vietnamese market, including those containing batteries. Batteries, as a component of the product, must be included in the overall certification.
Quixing Certification: This is a mandatory certification for automobiles, motorcycles, and their parts, including starting batteries and electric vehicle batteries.
Labels and Instructions:
Product labels, instruction manuals, and warranty cards must be in Vietnamese.
Manufacturer information, importer information, country of origin, rated capacity, and voltage must be clearly labeled.
Customs Notes:
Batteries have strict commodity coding and classification requirements and must be accurately declared.
Importers must possess the appropriate business qualifications.
Market Trends: The electric vehicle market (especially electric motorcycles) is experiencing explosive growth, leading to a surge in demand for power batteries.
- Thailand
Thailand, Southeast Asia’s automotive manufacturing hub, is actively promoting the electric vehicle industry, and its standards system is heavily influenced by international standards.
Compulsory Certification:
TISI Mark: A mandatory certification issued by the Thai Industrial Standards Institute. Not all batteries require TISI certification, but the following categories generally do:
Lead-acid batteries (for automobiles and motorcycles).
Secondary lithium-ion batteries (for specific products such as power banks).
Exporters should check the latest mandatory product list published by TISI.
NBTC Certification: If a battery product incorporates wireless communication functionality (such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi), this certification must be obtained from the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission of Thailand.
Customs and Taxation:
The customs clearance process is relatively standardized, but the documentation requirements are strict.
Thailand offers tax exemptions and subsidies for electric vehicles and parts, and battery products that meet certain standards may receive preferential treatment.
Market Trends: Chinese electric vehicle brands (such as BYD and Great Wall) have invested heavily in Thailand, driving demand for the entire power battery industry chain.
- Indonesia
Indonesia has a large domestic market and is committed to developing its local battery industry to support its electric vehicle strategy.
Compulsory Certification:
SNI Mark: A mandatory certification based on Indonesian national standards. Currently, lead-acid batteries (especially for automobiles and motorcycles) are typical products requiring SNI certification. For lithium-ion batteries for consumer electronics, it is important to closely monitor whether the Indonesian government will include them on the mandatory SNI list.
Type Approval License: For communications equipment, a type approval application must be submitted to the General Administration of Posts and Telecommunications.
Importer Qualifications:
Importers must possess an API (Importer Identification Number).
Some products may require an SPB (Import Approval Letter), which is a more complex process.
Localization Requirements:
The government has a strong desire to promote local battery production. In the long term, pure battery exports may face higher tariffs, while collaboration with local companies for assembly or production will be more encouraged.
Market Trends: Leveraging its abundant nickel resources (a key raw material for lithium batteries), Indonesia is actively attracting investment to build a complete supply chain from smelting to battery manufacturing.
- Malaysia
The Malaysian market is mature, and its regulatory system is highly aligned with international standards.
Compulsory Certification:
SIRIM certification: Malaysia’s mandatory safety certification. Most electrical and electronic products (including those with batteries) require SIRIM certification and product labeling.
CoA: Each batch of imported regulated products requires a Certificate of Conformity from SIRIM, which is a necessary document for customs clearance.
Labeling Requirements:
Must include the SIRIM certification mark.
Labels in both English and Malay are recommended.
Customs: The process is clear, transparent, and efficient.
- Philippines
The Philippine market is price-sensitive, but regulatory requirements cannot be ignored.
Compulsory Certification:
PS Mark or ICC Mark:
PS Mark: Applicable to products listed in the mandatory product catalog by the Philippine Bureau of Standards.
ICC Mark: Products not listed in the mandatory PS list but classified as “risk” require an import clearance certificate.
Batteries (especially lead-acid batteries and some lithium batteries) are likely to require certification.
Customs Bureau: Customs are known for their strict document scrutiny and may require additional test reports or explanations.
Market Characteristics: The consumer electronics and motorcycle markets are large, with stable demand for replacement batteries.
III. Summary and Recommended Actions
Country Core Compulsory Certification Key Special Requirements Market Focus
Vietnam CR Mark, Kuixing Certification (for vehicles) Vietnamese labeling, importer qualifications Electronics manufacturing, electric motorcycles
Thailand TISI Mark (for some batteries) NBTC (with communications) Benefiting from EV policy dividends, international standards, electric vehicle manufacturing center
Indonesia SNI (primarily lead-acid batteries) Importer API/SPB, strong localization preference Domestic demand market, local battery industry chain
Malaysia SIRIM certification + CoA Requires CoA for each batch of customs clearance, standardized process Mature, demanding consumer market
Philippines PS Mark / ICC Mark Strict customs inspection, price sensitivity Consumer electronics, motorcycle replacement market
Action Checklist for Exporters:
Clarify Product Category: First, determine whether your battery is for consumer electronics, power vehicles, or energy storage devices. This determines the applicable regulations.
Confirm Target Country Certification: Before shipping, be sure to confirm with the importer the specific mandatory certifications required (CR, TISI, SNI, SIRIM, etc.) and apply for them in advance.
Prepare technical documentation: Ensure you have all the necessary documentation, including the UN 38.3 report, MSDS, certification, pro forma invoice, packing list, etc.
Standardize packaging and labeling: Use UN boxes with lithium battery markings, and prepare product labels and instruction manuals in accordance with the requirements of the target country.
Choose reliable partners: Partnering with experienced importers, freight forwarders, and local certification consulting firms is key to successfully entering the Southeast Asian market. They can provide the most timely and accurate regulatory guidance.
By carefully preparing and respecting the unique characteristics of each market, Chinese battery exporters can effectively seize the vast opportunities in the Southeast Asian market.