Ecuador Publishes Technical Regulation to Enforce Mercury and Cadmium Limits in Batteries

by Sara Fam

---

The Ecuadorian Standardization Agency (INEN) has published a technical regulation to enforce mercury (Hg) and cadmium (Cd) limits in batteries. This regulation establishes safety requirements for batteries in order to protect the life and health of people, preserve the environment, and avoid practices that may mislead users. It applies to imported and domestically produced products that contain primary and secondary cells and batteries marketed in Ecuador. It does not apply to batteries used in mining or for internal combustion starting motor engines for motor vehicles, aircrafts, boats, and yachts. It also does not apply to batteries that come built into computers and electrical appliances.
 
Under this regulation, the maximum limit of Hg in primary and secondary batteries must not exceed 0.0005% (5 ppm) in weight and the maximum limit of Cd in primary and secondary batteries must not exceed 0.002% (20 ppm) in weight. In addition to setting maximum limits of Hg and Cd in batteries, the regulation also sets the following requirements for primary and secondary cells and batteries:
 

• Product requirements;
• Designation, marking, and packaging requirements;
• Sampling requirements; and
• Test and procedure requirements for assessing conformity.

 
This technical regulation will come into effect on December 28, 2016.