EU EN IEC 60598-1:2024+A11:2024 Annex W: New Safety Requirements for Battery-Powered Luminaires 2025

Deadline Alert: Act Now for Compliance!

December 31, 2025 is the mandatory implementation date for EN IEC 60598-1:2024+A11:2024, the new European standard for luminaires. This update introduces Annex W, a comprehensive set of safety requirements specifically designed for battery-powered lighting products .

If you manufacture or sell any battery-powered luminaires, including:

Flashlights & headlamps
Portable work lights
Outdoor camping lanterns
Battery-powered table lamps
Solar street lights
Any LED lighting with integrated or replaceable batteries

You must comply with Annex W to access the EU market after December 31, 2025.

What is Annex W?

Annex W is a newly added normative appendix in the 2024 version of the standard that establishes specific safety requirements for battery-powered luminaires . Unlike previous standards that only had general battery requirements, Annex W provides detailed specifications for:

1. Battery Compatibility & Safety

Battery type restrictions: Only certified battery types meeting specified safety standards (e.g., IEC 62133-2) are permitted
Charge/discharge safety monitoring: Systems must prevent over-discharge, short-circuiting, and thermal runaway
- Example: Monitoring temperature during charging/discharging, especially critical for lithium-ion batteries
Durability testing: 390-hour endurance test for charging systems to ensure long-term reliability
Abnormal condition testing: Simulating single-cell short-circuit in battery packs to verify safety mechanisms

2. Structural & Protection Requirements

Dual battery retention: Battery compartments must have secondary securing mechanisms to prevent accidental ejection
Pressure relief capability: Battery cavities in sealed enclosures (IP65+) must include venting systems to prevent explosion risks
Insulation & electrical protection: Enhanced requirements for preventing contact with live parts and heat sources
Environmental protection: IP rating maintenance even during battery replacement

3. Labeling & Warning Requirements

Battery compatibility labeling: Clear identification of acceptable battery types and chemistries
Safety pictograms: Mandatory symbols for lithium coin batteries (to prevent ingestion hazards)
Charging instructions: Step-by-step guidance for safe charging practices
Maintenance warnings: Clear indication of servicing requirements and risks

Non-Compliance Risks

Risk Category	Impact on Your Business
Market Access	Products refused entry at EU borders; blocked from online/offline sales
Customer Relationships	Major retailers and distributors reject non-compliant products; existing contracts voided
Certification Delays	ENEC, GS, CE-LVD certification updates denied or postponed
Regulatory Penalties	Fines up to 4% of annual turnover; product recalls at manufacturer's expense
Brand Damage	Consumer safety incidents leading to negative publicity and loss of trust

GTG's Battery Luminaire Compliance Solutions

As a leading certification body specializing in lighting safety, GTG offers:

Annex W Gap Analysis: Comprehensive assessment of your current designs against Annex W requirements
Pre-Compliance Testing: Verify safety features before official certification
Full Certification Service: End-to-end support from documentation preparation to test execution
Design Optimization: Practical recommendations to meet requirements without compromising performance
Factory Inspection Preparation: Guidance for successful audits
Post-Certification Support: Ongoing compliance maintenance and updates

Action Plan for Manufacturers

Immediate Assessment (Now)
- Inventory all battery-powered luminaire models
- Determine which ones fall under Annex W scope
- Contact GTG for a complimentary compliance consultation
Design Review (Within 30 Days)
- Evaluate battery retention, charging systems, and labeling
- Make necessary modifications to meet Annex W requirements
- Submit updated designs for GTG's technical review
Testing & Certification (6-8 Months)
- Complete all required safety, performance, and durability tests
- Obtain official certification before the December 31, 2025 deadline
- Update product documentation and labeling
Sustained Compliance (Ongoing)
- Implement production monitoring for continued adherence
- Update suppliers and manufacturing processes as needed
- Maintain records for potential regulatory audits

Don't wait until the deadline approaches! The sooner you begin the compliance process, the smoother your transition to the new standard will be. Products certified to Annex W will not only meet regulatory requirements but also gain a competitive advantage in the marketplace by demonstrating superior safety performance.

Contact GTG today at +86+13925598091 or net03@gtggroup.com to secure your position in the EU battery lighting market.

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