U.S. House approves new consumer safety standards for lithium-ion batteries

The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) has reported that the U.S. House of Representatives has passed H.R. 973, the Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-ion Batteries Act, by a vote of 365 to 42.

The bill directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission to issue mandatory federal safety standards for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries used in micromobility devices, including e-bikes and scooters.

The legislation aims to address an increase in fires caused by these batteries, which have been linked to safety hazards across the United States.

Fire service leaders support lithium-ion battery regulation

IAFC President and Board Chair Fire Chief Josh Waldo welcomed the passage of H.R. 973 by the House of Representatives.

Waldo said: “I am thankful that the U.S. House of Representatives has voted overwhelmingly to pass the Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act (H.R. 973).

“I thank Representative Ritchie Torres, House Speaker Mike Johnson, Chairman Brett Guthrie, and Ranking Member Pallone for their leadership in passing this critical legislation to set fire safety standards for lithium-ion batteries and their charging elements in e-mobility devices.

“We look forward to working with our allies to pass this legislation in the Senate.”

According to the IAFC, the next step for the legislation will be consideration in the Senate, where a companion bill, S. 389, has already cleared the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation.

Scope and implementation of the battery safety legislation

The legislation requires the Consumer Product Safety Commission to finalise federal standards within 180 days of enactment.

It specifies the adoption of the ANSI/CAN/UL 2271 standard for batteries used in light electric vehicles, ANSI/CAN/UL 2849 for e-bike systems, and ANSI/CA/UL 2272 for personal e-mobility devices.

The Commission is instructed to apply these standards only to consumer products as defined under existing consumer product safety law.

Future revisions to these standards must be reported to the Commission, and if no objection is raised within 90 days, the updates will take effect after 180 days.

Reporting requirements and long-term oversight

The bill also requires the Commission to submit a report to Congress within five years of enactment.

This report must include data on fires, explosions and other hazards linked to lithium-ion batteries in micromobility devices.

The report must specify the source of the information, details of the battery and product models involved, and whether the batteries complied with the mandated standards, if known.

It must also include information on the manufacturer and country of origin of the batteries when available.

Lithium-ion battery fire risks addressed through U.S. House legislation: Summary

The International Association of Fire Chiefs reported that the U.S. House passed H.R. 973 with bipartisan support.

The bill is titled the Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-ion Batteries Act.

It mandates federal safety standards for lithium-ion batteries in micromobility devices.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission must implement these standards within 180 days.

Standards include ANSI/CAN/UL 2271, UL 2849 and UL 2272.

Future revisions to these standards will be treated as official safety rules unless objected to.

A companion Senate bill, S. 389, has passed committee and awaits full Senate consideration.

Fire Chief Josh Waldo, IAFC President and Board Chair, expressed support for the legislation.

The Act includes a requirement for the Commission to report on battery-related hazards within five years.

Reports must include sources, product and battery details, compliance status, and manufacturing information.