Overview
IEC 62902:2025 - "Secondary cells and batteries - Marking symbols for identification of their chemistry" (Edition 2.0, 2025) specifies standardized marking symbols and rules to identify the electrochemical chemistry of secondary cells, batteries, battery modules and monoblocs placed on the market for end use. The standard applies when the battery volume exceeds 900 cm³. Its intent is to improve safety and traceability across installation, operation and decommissioning phases by enabling clear visual identification of battery chemistry (e.g., lead‑acid, Ni‑Cd, Ni‑MH, Li‑ion, lithium metal).
Key Topics
- Scope & applicability: Marks required for cells, batteries, modules and monoblocs >900 cm³ when placed on the market for end use.
- Marking types: Defined symbols and text for markings with and without an optional recycling symbol.
- Chemistries covered: Lead‑acid, nickel‑cadmium (Ni‑Cd), nickel metal hydride (Ni‑MH), lithium‑ion (Li‑ion) and lithium metal; scheme extensible as other chemistries gain market share.
- Design rules: Dimensions, character design, frame/contrast and background‑colour guidance (including exemptions and clarifications).
- Adaptive size: Rules for sizing markings to fit varying battery surfaces.
- Durability & permanence: Test procedures and acceptance criteria for resistance to water, cleaning agents, electrolytes and neutralizing solutions to ensure markings remain legible throughout life cycle.
- Battery volume calculation: Added method for consistent determination of the 900 cm³ threshold.
- Additional Li‑ion details: Extra chemistry information options for Li‑ion batteries to aid sorting and recycling.
Applications
Who uses IEC 62902:2025 and why:
- Battery manufacturers & OEMs: Apply uniform chemistry markings to new products for market compliance.
- Recyclers & waste‑management facilities: Rapidly identify chemistries to prevent improper processing (reducing fire/explosion risk).
- Transporters & storage operators: Support safe handling and segregation by chemistry.
- Installers & maintenance teams: Ensure correct system integration and end‑of‑life procedures.
- Regulators & procurement specialists: Reference in procurement specs, labeling legislation, and conformity schemes.
Practical benefits include safer recycling/sorting workflows, reduced accidental mixing of incompatible chemistries (notably Li‑ion in lead‑acid streams), and improved lifecycle traceability.
Related standards
- IEC 62902:2025 is maintained by IEC TC 21 (Secondary cells and batteries). For full implementation consult the normative references cited in the standard and applicable transport, waste‑management and national labeling regulations (e.g., UN transport regulations and local recycling laws) as relevant to your region.
Open preview (PDF)Secondary cells and batteries - Marking symbols for identification of their chemistry
