ODM Battery Certification and Compliance Checklist

2025-07-16
Ensure your ODM battery systems meet UL, IEC, UN38.3, and CE standards. ACE Battery helps you streamline compliance from cell to system level.

Did you know? Nearly 40% of battery energy storage projects globally face delays due to incomplete or failed certifications.


In the fast-evolving energy landscape, where storage systems are enabling renewable integration, grid resilience, and decentralized power, certifications are no longer just regulatory hurdles—they’re a critical enabler of market access, long-term safety, and investor confidence.


For companies using ODM battery systems to scale fast without building in-house R&D teams, ensuring global compliance is essential. Done right, it leads to:

  • Faster product deployment
  • Fewer project risks
  • Stronger brand trust
  • Qualification for large-scale tenders and government incentives
  • Competitive differentiation in regulated markets


At ACE Battery, we help partners embed certification into the core of every ODM battery project—so your product is not only technically sound, but fully market-ready.


What Are ODM Battery Certifications, and Why Do They Matter?


ODM (Original Design Manufacturing) means your battery supplier handles not just the physical product, but also the design, development, and—in many cases—certification and compliance. That makes your ODM partner’s expertise in testing, documentation, and international standards a decisive factor in the success or failure of your energy storage system (ESS).


For energy projects involving lithium battery packs, certification is crucial for:

  • Meeting safety and fire prevention regulations
  • Legally shipping and deploying products worldwide
  • Ensuring compatibility with grid or building systems
  • Securing insurance, funding, or government approvals


Industry Trends Driving Higher Compliance Expectations


With global installations of energy storage systems (ESS) expected to reach over 500 GWh by 2030, governments and utilities are tightening safety and environmental standards. Key trends include:

  1. Rise of solar + storage: More homes and businesses are installing hybrid systems, requiring UL1973 and IEC62619-certified batteries.
  2. Fire safety mandates: Countries like the U.S., Germany, and South Korea are enforcing thermal runaway testing (e.g., UL9540A) for stationary storage.
  3. Green supply chain pressure: RoHS and REACH compliance now influence battery procurement decisions in ESG-focused companies.

In this context, partnering with a forward-thinking ODM BESS provider like ACE Battery—with deep certification experience—is not optional; it’s strategic.


Core Certifications for ODM Battery Systems (By Region & Function)


Here’s a simplified checklist of the most relevant standards you may need, based on geography and system type:


StandardRegionPurpose
UL1973North AmericaBattery pack safety for ESS
UL9540ANorth AmericaFire propagation analysis (system-level)
IEC62619Global / EUSafety for industrial lithium batteries
UN38.3GlobalTransportation safety
CE / EMCEuropeElectromagnetic and product safety
UL991 / UL1998North AmericaFunctional safety for BMS (hardware/software)
RoHS / REACHEurope / GlobalEnvironmental compliance (substances)
MSDS / SDSGlobalMaterial safety for shipping and registration


Tip: If you're planning to deploy across multiple regions, choose certifications that overlap or are internationally recognized (like IEC62619).


Certification Requirements by Battery System Layer


ODM battery systems must be evaluated across multiple components. Here's a layer-by-layer view:


ComponentCertification Needed
Battery CellsUN38.3, MSDS, RoHS
Battery ModulesIEC62619, thermal simulation
BMS HardwareUL991, MTBF reliability
BMS SoftwareUL1998, IEC60730
Battery PacksUL1973, CE, EMC
Full Energy Storage System (BESS)UL9540A, grid interconnect (if required)


Avoid These Common Certification Pitfalls in ODM Projects


To maximize your return on investment and minimize rework, watch for these risks:


  • Delayed Certification Planning
    Many ODM projects fail to consider certification timelines until after prototype development—leading to redesign or missed delivery dates.


  • Lack of System-Level Testing
    Even with certified components, the integrated system may still fail if UL9540A or EMC testing is overlooked.


  • Insufficient ODM Experience
    Some suppliers may provide functional packs, but lack the documentation, test reports, or process expertise needed for export or grid compliance.


  • Region-Specific Misalignment
    A pack designed for the U.S. may not pass EU EMC requirements. A partner with global certification understanding can avoid costly oversights.


How ACE Battery Supports ODM Certification and Compliance


As an ODM epxert with over 10 years in custom battery design and manufacturing, ACE Battery integrates certification planning directly into our ODM development process. By doing so, we minimize compliance risks and help you launch your product smoothly in regulated markets.


Here’s how we support you:


Built-In Certification Strategy

  • Certification roadmap established during project planning
  • Cell and component sourcing aligned with required safety documents


In-House BMS Development for UL991/1998

  • Both hardware and software BMS components developed in-house, ensuring traceability and code compliance
  • MTBF simulations and DFMEA analysis provided


Prototyping for Pre-Compliance Testing

  • Engineering prototypes undergo internal functional and reliability testing before 3rd-party submission
  • We assist with CE/EMC prediction, thermal behavior validation, and stress testing under −40°C to 70°C


Document Package Support

  • Technical drawings, material declarations (RoHS/REACH), SDS, and test reports included
  • UN38.3-compliant shipping certification available


Global Experience

We support ODM battery certification for deployment in:

  • 🇺🇸 United States (UL1973, UL9540A, NRTL)
  • 🇪🇺 European Union (CE, RoHS, IEC62619)
  • 🌐 Global logistics (UN38.3, SDS, REACH)


ODM Battery System Certification & Compliance Checklist


ItemDescription By ACE Battery Notes
Cell Testing (UN38.3)Transport readinessRequired for all battery shipping
Pack UL1973 / IEC62619Pack-level safetyMay vary by market
BMS UL991 / 1998Functional logic safetySoftware/hardware compliant
System UL9540AThermal propagationRequired in U.S. utility-scale
EMC / CENoise & grid interface⚠️ SharedBased on application context
SDS / MSDS / RoHSSafety & substance useExport & customs documentation


Let's Build a Compliant, Future-Proof Battery System


In a global energy market shaped by safety regulations, carbon targets, and smarter grids, compliance is not an afterthought—it’s your competitive edge.


At ACE Battery, we ensure your ODM battery systems are built for global success—from concept and safety architecture to system certification and documentation delivery.


We offer:

  • Certification-ready design and prototyping
  • Full documentation and lab coordination support
  • Experience across UL, IEC, CE, RoHS, UN38.3, and more


Let’s connect to map out your certification journey and bring your custom battery solution to market with speed and confidence. Contact our technical team today!

Share
Previous article
Next article
Contact Us for Your Energy Solution!

Our expert will reach you out if you have any questions!

Select...