Intertek (LSE: ITRK), a global leader in testing, inspection and certification, announces its battery testing laboratories in Cortland, NY, Stockholm, Sweden and Shanghai, China have received their CBTL (Certification Body Testing Laboratory) status for Category BATT, including the standard IEC 62133 for Lithium Ion Battery Packs. As the industry transition from UL 1642 to IEC 62133 begins in June, 2010, Intertek is positioned to serve the needs of lithium ion battery manufacturers who are bringing products to market globally.
From June 26, 2010 until June 26, 2011, all lithium ion batteries tested to UL 1642 will require additional testing to the differences between UL 1642 and IEC 62133. From June 27, 2011 and beyond, lithium ion batteries must be tested and certified only to IEC 62133.
CB Scheme, created by the IECEE (International Electrotechnical Commission for Electrical Equipment), is an international program for the exchange and acceptance of product safety test results among participating laboratories and certification organizations around the world. It offers manufacturers a simplified way of obtaining multiple national safety certifications for their products, providing entry into over 50 countries. Intertek is the world’s leading issuer of CB certificates among third party quality and safety organizations. IEC 62133 is the most important standard for exporting Lithium-Ion batteries, including those used in IT equipment, tools, laboratory, household and medical equipment.
“Only Intertek has CBTLs in North America and China providing certification to IEC 62133,” said John Quigley, CB Scheme Program Manager for North America. “We have expanded our battery testing capabilities to provide worldwide battery manufacturers and end-users the ability to quickly and more efficiently obtain CB Certifications in their local markets.”
Intertek is a leading third party provider of quality and safety solutions serving a wide range of industries around the world. Each year, the Company tests more than 2 million sets of battery and power supply products ranging from automotive batteries to consumer electronics. Intertek can assure that batteries and power supplies have met the related performance, efficiency and safety standards and provides a one stop solution for product testing, inspection, certification and battery technology consultancy service.
