Taiwan requires mandatory ROHS and EMC certification for electronic handheld power tools, lithium batteries, and EV chargers
Taiwan, January 2025 — Manufacturers, importers, and distributors supplying power tools, EV chargers, and household electrical appliances using lithium batteries will face a significant regulatory shift in Taiwan. The Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI), under Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs, has formally amended its Legal Inspection Requirements for EV chargers and converters, hand-held electric tools, household appliances powered by lithium batteries and lithium storage — requiring mandatory inspection for rechargeable, battery-powered tools for the first time while simultaneously updating safety and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standards for these products.
The changes are driven by the rapid proliferation of lithium-battery-powered tools in both consumer and professional markets and growing concerns over the risks posed by substandard batteries and hazardous chemicals. The new framework seeks to close regulatory gaps and bring Taiwan's standards in line with international best practices.
What Is Changing — and When
Beginning from December 2024 to January 2026, BSMI has issued various amendments covering different elecrical products. The December 2025 amendment alone cover 19 categories of hand-held electric tools (all rated voltage ≤250V, hand-held operation only).
Electric products using lithium batteries (coffee mills/coffee bean grinders, mattress, electro-thermic warmers for personal use, insect killers & squatters, shavers and clippers, ), power conversion system (less than 20 kW), electric vehicle conductive AC charging equipment (less than or equal to 30 kW), electric vehicle conductive DC/ combo charging equipment (less than or equal to 30 kW), stationary Lithium battery storage appliances (less than 20 kWh)
Power conversion system (over 20 kW and not exceeding 100 kW), PV inverters (less than 100 kW), stationary Lithium battery storage appliances (20 kWh and not exceeding 100 kWh)
Electric drills and impact drills, circular saws, sanders and polishers (non-disc type), grinders and disc polishers, impact wrenches, screwdrivers, and car polishers.
Nibblers, tappers and threaders, planers, routers, drain cleaners, hedge trimmers, lawn and grass trimmers, grass shears, reciprocating saws, chain saws, die grinders, and shears.
Two Compliance Pathways
Businesses may choose between two conformity assessment procedures:
1. Registration of Product Certification (RPC) Scheme. Products must undergo type testing by BSMI or a recognized laboratory, combined with quality management system certification (ISO 9001 or equivalent) or a factory inspection. Once registered, products carry the 'R' Commodity Inspection Mark and can clear customs without further batch inspection. Application and annual fees are NT$5,000 each (approximately US$170), with certification valid for three years.
2. Type-Approved Batch Inspection (TABI) Scheme. After obtaining Type Approval through product testing, manufacturers or importers must apply for batch inspection each time products are released or imported. Products carry the 'T' Mark. Type Approval fees are NT$3,500, with a three-year validity period. This pathway suits lower-volume or more occasional imports.
Lithium Battery Safety — A Core Driver
The new rules directly address lithium battery safety as a primary compliance concern. However, the BSMI has included a meaningful concession for businesses: where lithium batteries conform to IEC 63370 and hold certificates or test reports from Taiwan Accreditation Foundation-accredited laboratories, a significant list of test items under CNS 62841-1 may be exempted. This can substantially streamline the compliance burden for products using certified battery components.
Action Required: Existing Certificate Holders
Companies that currently hold TABI or RPC certificates for the affected products must apply for a replacement certificate ahead of the compliance dates, submitting updated type test reports and technical documents under the revised standards.
Failure to meet these deadlines carries serious consequences. Certificates will be revoked under Taiwan's Commodity Inspection Act and associated regulations — effectively barring products from the Taiwanese market until re-certification is achieved.
Labelling and Restricted Substances
In addition to product safety compliance, businesses must ensure that the presence conditions of restricted substances — including lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), hexavalent chromium (Cr+6), PBB, and PBDE — are clearly marked on product bodies, packaging, labels, or user manuals in line with CNS 15663. The Commodity Inspection Mark must incorporate the relevant RoHS designation alongside the certification number. Disclosure via a website URL is permitted as a supplement, provided the URL is printed on the product or packaging.
What This Means for Your Business
With implementation still two years away, businesses have a meaningful window to prepare — but given the time required for product type testing, quality management certification, and documentation, early action is strongly advisable. Key steps for affected companies include:
- Auditing your product portfolio to identify which items fall within the 19 covered categories.
- Engaging BSMI-recognized testing laboratories to initiate type testing under the revised CNS 62841 standards.
- Reviewing existing lithium battery suppliers for IEC 63370 conformance, which can meaningfully reduce testing scope.
- Selecting the appropriate conformity assessment pathway (RPC or TABI) based on volume, supply chain structure, and customs requirements.
- Updating labelling and marking to satisfy both the Commodity Inspection Mark and RoHS substance disclosure requirements.
Businesses are encouraged to consult the official BSMI website and seek qualified compliance advisors to ensure their certification roadmaps are in order well ahead of these deadlines.
Source: Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI), Ministry of Economic Affairs. Original document available at bsmi.gov.tw.