Applicability
Do Lithium Battery Imports from China Need a CoC?
Yes. Lithium batteries imported from Mainland China fall under Phase 1 of the SABS PVoC programme. Batteries used in solar energy storage systems fall under the solar PV products category. Standalone batteries, power banks, and batteries sold as consumer electronics accessories fall under the electrical appliances category. Both require a PVoC CoC from 20 September 2026.
Which Category Do Lithium Batteries Fall Under?
Solar PV vs Electrical Appliances
Lithium batteries fall under different Phase 1 categories depending on their intended use. Batteries designed for solar energy storage (lithium iron phosphate batteries, LiFePO4, used with solar inverters) fall under the solar PV products category. Standalone batteries, power banks, and batteries sold as consumer electronics accessories fall under the electrical appliances category.
Both categories are covered by Phase 1 and require a PVoC CoC from 20 September 2026. The applicable SANS standards differ by category: SANS 62133 covers battery safety, SANS 62368-1 covers audio/video and IT equipment (which includes many battery-powered devices).
The Applicable SANS Standards
What the Inspection Covers
For lithium batteries, the inspection body will test against the applicable SANS standards. Key standards include SANS 62133 (secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes — safety requirements for portable sealed secondary lithium cells) and SANS 62368-1 (audio/video, information and communication technology equipment).
The inspection covers safety requirements including overcharge protection, short-circuit protection, thermal runaway prevention, and labelling requirements. Batteries that do not meet these requirements will not receive a CoC.
Why Lithium Battery Compliance Matters
Safety and Enforcement
Lithium batteries are a high-risk product category for fire and thermal runaway. The PVoC inspection requirement for lithium batteries is specifically designed to prevent substandard batteries from entering the South African market. SARS Customs and the BMA will be particularly vigilant about lithium battery shipments from 20 September 2026.
Lithium batteries imported without a valid CoC are liable to detention and forfeiture. Given the fire risk associated with substandard batteries, SARS Customs may apply heightened scrutiny to non-compliant shipments.
What to Do for Lithium Battery Imports
Practical Steps
Engage one of the four designated inspection bodies (CCIC, SGS, Intertek, Bureau Veritas) in China before your lithium battery shipment leaves China. Provide the inspection body with the product specifications, applicable SANS standards, and quantity. The inspection body will test the batteries and issue the CoC PDF if they pass.
Register the CoC on cofc after receiving the PDF. Give the verification URL to your clearing agent for the SAD500.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions
Are power banks covered by Phase 1?
Yes. Power banks are portable battery-powered devices that fall under the electrical appliances category of Phase 1. They require a PVoC CoC from 20 September 2026 if imported from Mainland China.
Are EV batteries covered by Phase 1?
Electric vehicle batteries are a specialised category. Phase 1 covers batteries used in solar energy storage and consumer electronics. EV-specific batteries may fall under different regulatory frameworks. Consult your clearing agent for guidance on EV battery imports.
What SANS standards apply to solar batteries?
Solar batteries (lithium iron phosphate batteries used in solar energy storage systems) are primarily tested against SANS 62133 (battery safety) and SANS 62619 (secondary lithium cells and batteries for use in industrial applications). The inspection body will advise on the specific standards applicable to your battery type.
Can I get a CoC for a batch of batteries?
Yes. The CoC covers a specific consignment of goods. If you import multiple shipments of the same battery model, each shipment requires its own CoC. The inspection body will inspect a sample from each consignment.
Continue Learning
Solar Panel PVoC Requirements
Full guide for solar PV imports including batteries.
Electrical Appliances PVoC
Full guide for electrical appliance imports.
The PVoC Programme
Full regulatory context.
Certificate of Conformity Guide
What a CoC is and how to register it.
PVoC Service Providers
Who the inspection bodies are.
Lithium battery imports from China require a PVoC CoC.
Register on cofc before your lithium battery shipment arrives at a South African port.
Sources: Government Gazette No. 54374 (20 March 2026); Standards Act 8 of 2008; Customs and Excise Act 91 of 1964. Last verified: 3 May 2026. certificatesofconformity.co.za is an independent reference publication operated by LinkDaddy LLC, a Florida-registered US entity. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the SABS, NRCS, SARS, or any agency of the Government of South Africa.