ID :
67090
Mon, 06/22/2009 - 17:55
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/67090
The shortlink copeid
S. Korea to strengthen safety rules for lithium batteries amid Japanese concerns
By Lee Joon-seung
SEOUL, June 22 (Yonhap) -- South Korea plans to strengthen safety rules for
rechargeable lithium batteries amid concerns expressed by Japan, a government
agency said Monday.
The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) said that under revised
rules to go into effect next month, all local manufacturers and importers of
recharable batteries must receive certificates from product safety laboratories
and organizations.
"All products must be tested individually and get related labels and serial
numbers showing they have passed inspections," the agency under the Ministry of
Knowledge Economy said in a press release. Products tested should reflect the
highest safety standards, such as the ability to cope with overheating and
outside pressure.
It stressed that the measures are being taken to protect consumers from injuries
caused by serious malfunctions reported in batteries that are widely used in
laptop computers, mobile phones and other portable devices.
Consumer complaints have been filed about the sudden heating of battery units,
which have sometimes exploded.
KATS said the Korea Testing and Research Institute, the Korea Testing Laboratory,
the Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute and the Korea Electric Testing
Institute will conduct all testing and issue certificates.
The agency said that while inspections and labels will be carried out starting
July 1, no administrative action will be taken until the end of the year.
Related to news reports on concerns expressed by Japan and the possibility that
Tokyo may take the matter to the World Trade Organization (WTO), the ministry
said it is aware of complaints and is reviewing the implications.
Japan currently controls 60 percent of the world's lithium battery market,
trailed by South Korea.
According to a Japanese newspaper, Tokyo has claimed that South Korea's latest
measures could hurt its presence in the South Korean market and can be construed
as a violation of fair trade rules set by the WTO.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
(END)
SEOUL, June 22 (Yonhap) -- South Korea plans to strengthen safety rules for
rechargeable lithium batteries amid concerns expressed by Japan, a government
agency said Monday.
The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) said that under revised
rules to go into effect next month, all local manufacturers and importers of
recharable batteries must receive certificates from product safety laboratories
and organizations.
"All products must be tested individually and get related labels and serial
numbers showing they have passed inspections," the agency under the Ministry of
Knowledge Economy said in a press release. Products tested should reflect the
highest safety standards, such as the ability to cope with overheating and
outside pressure.
It stressed that the measures are being taken to protect consumers from injuries
caused by serious malfunctions reported in batteries that are widely used in
laptop computers, mobile phones and other portable devices.
Consumer complaints have been filed about the sudden heating of battery units,
which have sometimes exploded.
KATS said the Korea Testing and Research Institute, the Korea Testing Laboratory,
the Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute and the Korea Electric Testing
Institute will conduct all testing and issue certificates.
The agency said that while inspections and labels will be carried out starting
July 1, no administrative action will be taken until the end of the year.
Related to news reports on concerns expressed by Japan and the possibility that
Tokyo may take the matter to the World Trade Organization (WTO), the ministry
said it is aware of complaints and is reviewing the implications.
Japan currently controls 60 percent of the world's lithium battery market,
trailed by South Korea.
According to a Japanese newspaper, Tokyo has claimed that South Korea's latest
measures could hurt its presence in the South Korean market and can be construed
as a violation of fair trade rules set by the WTO.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
(END)
