Malaysia Power Bank & Charger Compliance: Chargers Need a CoA, the Power Bank Body Follows New Lithium-Battery Rules

To sell "power banks and chargers" compliantly in Malaysia, the key is to first split the product into two parts: one is the mains-plugged charger or adaptor (AC power supply/adaptor), the other is the power bank body itself, which contains a lithium battery and supplies power externally. The former clearly falls under the regulated electrical equipment governed by the Energy Commission (Suruhanjaya Tenaga, ST)—under the Electricity Supply Act 1990 and the Electricity Regulations 1994, it must obtain a Certificate of Approval (CoA) and carry a SIRIM safety label. The latter (the power bank body) centres on lithium-battery safety, and the coverage of mandatory certification has in recent years been evolving toward "new battery-related rules"—be sure to confirm the current announcement. Do not conflate the two.

Chargers / adaptors: clearly regulated

Any charger, adaptor or switch-mode power supply (SMPS) plugged into the mains to charge a phone, laptop or power bank is a low-voltage consumer product connected directly to the grid, and is regulated electrical equipment. ST issues the CoA on the basis of a Type Test Report from SIRIM (or a recognised laboratory). Common corresponding standards:

In other words, even if what you sell is a "power bank set," as long as the box includes a mains charging head, that charging head itself must be compliant and labelled.

The power bank body: lithium-battery safety at its core

The safety core of the power bank body is the internal lithium-ion cell and battery pack. The main international standard is IEC 62133 (safety of secondary lithium batteries), adopted in Malaysia as MS IEC 62133; at the whole-unit level, MS IEC 62368-1 is often referenced. Note that, compared with mains chargers—which have long been clearly regulated—the coverage of mandatory SIRIM/CoA certification for the power bank "body" is still evolving: the authorities are advancing mandatory certification and new rules for battery products, and whether it is actually already mandatory, and which certification route applies, is subject to the current ST/SIRIM announcement. Do not assume based on old information.

Certification and labelling process

The broad direction is the same as other electrical equipment: prepare the Type Test Report → apply to ST for the CoA → SIRIM supplies or authorises the safety label → label and bring to market. A CoA is generally valid for 12 months. For process details, see the electrical CoA application process; for marking the label and approval number, see ST electrical safety label requirements; for the overall regime, see the electrical certification and labelling pillar.

The extra hurdles of e-commerce and air freight

Power banks face two often-overlooked hurdles at the e-commerce and logistics ends. The first is platform enforcement: platforms such as Shopee and Lazada are tightening safety and labelling requirements for battery-type goods, and listings that lack a legitimate label or make false claims may be delisted, which can also affect the seller's account. The second is transport restrictions: containing a lithium battery makes it Class 9 dangerous goods, and air freight must comply with UN38.3 testing and IATA lithium-battery transport rules, with regulations on capacity (Wh), packaging and marking. Before engaging a freight forwarder, prepare the UN38.3 Test Summary in advance, or the goods may be refused or held. Prepare "certification, labelling and transport documents" together to avoid getting stuck at the last mile.

Import vs. local

The easiest pitfall for importers is caring only about the power bank body and forgetting that the bundled charging head must also be compliant; when a charger is imported via the CoA route, consignment testing is usually applied, so factor each batch's testing time into the lead time. Because the power bank body involves lithium-battery transport (UN38.3) and an evolving mandatory-certification scope, importers should confirm the current regulated status before importing, to avoid discovering on arrival that a whole container cannot be cleared or listed.

Common mistakes

• Certifying only the power bank body and ignoring that the in-box mains charging head needs a CoA.
• Treating "having CE/FCC" as a basis for selling in Malaysia.
• Assuming power banks are permanently exempt from SIRIM—the regulations are tightening, and you must check the current announcement.
• Ignoring the transport and safety testing of lithium batteries (UN38.3, MS IEC 62133).

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Q: Do power banks in Malaysia definitely need SIRIM certification now? The coverage of their mandatory certification is still evolving, and battery-related new rules are advancing. Whether it is actually already mandatory is subject to the current ST/SIRIM announcement; it is advisable to confirm directly with the competent authority before marketing.

Q: What about the charger / adaptor? A mains-plugged charger or adaptor is clearly regulated electrical equipment; it must first obtain an ST-issued CoA and carry a SIRIM safety label before it can be sold.

Q: Which standard does the power bank body correspond to? The core is lithium-battery safety MS IEC 62133, with MS IEC 62368-1 often referenced for the whole unit; transport additionally requires UN38.3.

Q: For a "charger + power bank" set, how is compliance counted? Split it: the bundled mains charging head needs a CoA and SIRIM label; the power bank body is handled according to the current regulated status—both parts must be covered.

Q: How long is a CoA valid, and does a model change require redoing it? Generally 12 months, renewed on expiry; a change of model, cell or factory usually requires a fresh application or amendment.

• [ ] Split the product into two parts—"mains charger" and "power bank body"—for assessment
• [ ] Obtain an ST CoA and affix a SIRIM safety label for the mains charger
• [ ] Prepare MS IEC 62133 battery-safety and UN38.3 transport documents for the power bank body
• [ ] Confirm with ST/SIRIM whether the power bank body is currently mandatorily regulated
• [ ] Importers: confirm the consignment-testing schedule and customs-clearance documents

In summary: the first step in power bank compliance is to "split it open"—the mains-plugged charger has long been regulated electrical equipment needing a CoA and SIRIM label; the power bank body centres on lithium-battery safety (MS IEC 62133), and mandatory certification is evolving toward new battery rules. Be sure to check the current announcement before marketing, so the whole batch does not get stuck at customs or in platform enforcement.

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This article is compiled from official sources and is for reference only; actual compliance is subject to the latest official text and review by the competent authority.