With the development of technology, 3C products have become a necessity in people’s lives. Portable batteries are also becoming more popular as they can provide power charge to electronic devices. Nevertheless, the performance and safety of portable batteries are of central concern to consumers. To understand the quality of portable batteries circulating in the market, the Bureau of Standards, Metrology & Inspection (BSMI) and the Consumers’ Foundation launched an inspection together. A total of 20 products were purchased from major 3C stores on the island. Inspection results show that three samples failed the “rated electric capacity” test under the quality category, five failed the “key component matching” inspection and 11 failed the “Chinese labeling” requirements.

Inspection standards
The inspection was carried according to the following standards and requirements
1) CNS 14336-1 “Information technology equipment − Safety − Part 1: General requirements”
2) CNS 15364 “Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes − Safety requirements for portable sealed secondary cells, and for batteries made from them, for use in portable applications”
3) CNS 14857-2 “Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes – Electrical tests of secondary lithium cells and batteries for portable applications”

Tests on “rated electric capacity,” “mechanical strength,” “abnormal operation and malfunction” and “temperature regulation” were conducted, followed by “key component matching” inspection. Commodity inspection mark and Chinese labeling inspections were done according to the above standards and the Commodity Inspection Act.

Inspection results
1) Quality tests:
1.1 All passed the “mechanical strength,” “abnormal operation and malfunction” and “temperature regulation” tests.
1.2 Three items (number 6, 9 and 13) failed the “rated electric capacity” test because the test results did not match that indicated in the original registration application and the batteries could not provide enough power.

2) Key component matching: Five items (number 7, 9, 12, 15 and 18) failed the inspection because the interior composition or protected circuit board did not match that indicated in the original technical documents. Two items (number 7 and 18) were suspected of basic design alternation.

3) Labeling:
3.1 All passed the commodity inspection mark inspection.
3.2 Chinese labeling: A total of 11 items failed the inspection because of the following reasons.
3.2.1) The input voltage and current value (number 9 and 19), output voltage and current value (number 3 and 15), maximum total output current (number 17) and rated electric capacity (number 15) did not match that indicated in the original registration application.
3.2.2) The output voltage and current or total output current (number 6 and 20) were not indicated on the product’s body.
3.2.3) The date of manufacture or rated electric capacity (number 7, 8, 15 and 20) were not indicated on the product’s body.
3.2.4) The indicated cell capacity and rated electric capacity caused confusion (number 3, 9, 10 and 15).
3.2.5) The name of the person responsible for registration and inspection was not indicated on the product’s body, outer packaging, label or instruction booklet (number 2).

Follow-up procedures
1) With regards to the three items (number 6, 9 and 13) that failed the quality test, the registration of product certification will be rescinded according to Article 42-1 of the Commodity Inspection Act. If the vendor concerned failed to recall or correct the product within a given time limit, a fine between 100,000 NTD and 1,000,000 NTD will be imposed according to Article 63-1 of the Commodity Inspection Act.

2) With regards to the five items that failed the key component matching inspection, please refer to the following details.
2.1 Regarding the items that were not involved in basic design alternation, vendors responsible for two of the three items (number 12 and 15) will be notified to submit registration approval according to Article 40 of the Commodity Inspection Act. As for the remaining one item (number 9), please refer to follow-up procedure 1) as it also failed the quality test.
2.2 Regarding the two items (number 7 and 18) that were suspected of basic design alternation, vendors will be notified to submit a new registration application according to Article 40 of the Commodity Inspection Act. Also, the vendors will be imposed with a fine between 200,000 NTD and 2,000,000 NTD according to Article 60 and Article 63 of the Commodity Inspection Act and must recall or correct the product within a given time limit.

3) With regards to the 11 items (number 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 17, 19 and 20) that failed the Chinese labeling inspection, vendors will be notified to make a correction according to Article 59 of the Commodity Inspection Act. Failure to do so will result in a fine between 100,000 NTD and 1,000,000 NTD and the registration of product certification will be rescinded according to Article 42-2 of the Commodity Inspection Act. Regarding the four items (number 6, 7, 9 and 15) that either failed the quality tests or were involved basic in design alteration, please refer to follow-up procedure 1) and 2).

The BSMI said that portable battery is subject to mandatory inspection before being dispatched from the factory or imported. The BSMI has an annual market inspection scheme to counter marketed products that are not in conformity with national standards. Inspectors will be dispatched to look into under qualified products, make a record and take legal actions. Consumer rights are ensured under this double-checking mechanism.

Precautions when purchasing portable battery:
The BSMI said that manufacturers are responsible for product safety and correctness of labels. Consumers are also urged to pay attention to the following precautions when purchasing desktop speakers.

1) Consumers are advised to purchase desktop speaker that comes with a commodity inspection mark . For further inquiries, please refer to https://civil.bsmi.gov.tw/bsmi_pqn.
2) Make sure that the manufacturer’s name and address, product specification (such as voltage and electric capacity), product model and date of manufacture are clearly indicated. Do not purchase portable battery of questionable source. The capacity of lithium battery decreases with time so the closer to the date of manufacture, the better the power supply efficiency.
3) Make sure that the product comes with a Chinese instruction booklet, instruction on the packaging and warnings. Read the instructions carefully before use and use accordingly, paying special attention to warnings in the instruction.
4) Should the desktop speaker malfunctions, stop from use immediately and contact the manufacturer’s designated repair station. Do not change the parts or disassemble by yourself.
5) Rated electric capacity is the actual output electric capacity. Avoid buying portable battery that is small, cheap but has big electric capacity because the label could contain false information. When choosing portable battery, take into consideration the rated electric capacity and output current according to your personal need. Products that come with a warranty service are recommended.
6) Store the portable battery in a dry place and avoid direct contact with the sunlight. Using it in a humid environment can damage the circuit inside. Avoid place the battery together with inflammables and metal goods.
7) Unplug the power immediately after charging to avoid overcharging. Also avoid over-discharging to prevent life shortening.
8) According to the Civil Aeronautics Administration, portable battery can be carried on board as carry-on baggage and not as check-in baggage.

The BSMI reminds consumers that more knowledge you have about the products you are buying means more safety. For more information, please visit the BSMI Product Safety Internet at https://safety.bsmi.gov.tw or call the toll free number of 0800-007123.

Agengy in charge : 3th Divison Office
Contact person : Mr. Wang, Chun-Chao
Telephone : (02)2343-1777