Lithium Battery Power Bank Import/Export Guide in China

Key Implementation Details

Effective Date: October 1, 2022
Standard Code: SN/T 5370-2022
Scope: Mandatory for all lithium-ion power bank imports/exports classified as dangerous goods

1. Why This Standard Matters

Market Context:

• Growing demand for high-capacity power banks (20,000mAh+)

• Increased safety incidents involving non-compliant batteries

Regulatory Impact:
✔ For Customs: Unified inspection criteria for border control
✔ For Manufacturers: Clear quality benchmarks for production
✔ For Traders: Reduced shipment rejections through pre-compliance

2. What Products Are Covered?

Included:

• Portable power banks with USB interfaces

• Lithium-ion battery packs meeting:
  • Input ≤250V
  • Output ≤60V DC
  • Single-port current ≤5A

Excluded:

• Fixed-installation power supplies

• Non-lithium battery types (e.g., lead-acid)

3. Critical Technical Requirements

A. Physical & Labeling Standards

Example: A 20,000mAh power bank must show:
“Li-ion Battery | 74Wh | Input: 5V/3A | Output: 5V/4.5A”

B. Transport Safety

UN Classification: UN3480 (Lithium-ion battery packs)
Required Tests: Full UN38.3 compliance (8 tests):

1. Altitude simulation

2. Thermal cycling

3. Vibration

4. Shock

5. Short circuit

6. Impact/crush

7. Overcharge

8. Forced discharge

Labeling Rules:

• ≤100Wh: Exempt from Class 9 label if SP 188 compliant

• >100Wh: Must display Class 9 hazard label (black flame icon + white background)

C. Packaging Protocols

• Drop Test: 1.2m height in all orientations

• Weight Limit: 30kg/package max

• Short-Circuit Prevention: Non-conductive separators between batteries

4. Compliance Workflow

Step-by-Step Inspection Process

1. Batch Definition: Same shipment + identical models

2. Sampling Method: GB/T 2828.1 (Level II, AQL 1.0/2.5)

3. Judgment Criteria:

   • 1 critical failure = Full batch rejection

   • Minor defects → 1 retest opportunity

Non-Compliance Consequences

5. Pro Tips for Exporters

Document Checklist:
✓ UN38.3 test report (<3 years old)
✓ Multilingual MSDS
✓ GB 31241 safety certificate

Pre-Shipment Must-Dos:

• Verify Wh rating labels match test data

• Confirm packaging meets UN3480 + IATA DGR

Special Cases:
⚠ >160Wh batteries: Additional dual-use item restrictions apply

Why This Revision Works Better

• Visual Organization: Tables and bullet points simplify complex regulations

• Actionable Guidance: Clear compliance steps for manufacturers/traders

• Risk Highlights: Emphasizes critical failure points (e.g., UN38.3 tests)

• Practical Examples: Real-world labeling scenarios

This version maintains regulatory precision while making the content accessible to both technical and non-technical readers. Let me know if you’d like any further refinements!