Child-Resistant Packaging Mandated for Coin Batteries in South Korea

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On July 16, 2025, the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) announced a proposed amendment to the Operational Guidelines for Safety Management of Electrical Appliances and Consumer Products. The revision aims to classify button- and coin-type primary batteries as products that require child-resistant packaging (CRP) and to update the criteria for CRP registration number assignment.


These batteries are widely used in everyday products such as toys, remote controls, and small electronics. However, if swallowed by children, they can cause severe internal injuries—including burns, perforations, and ulcers—due to electrochemical reactions within the body. In serious cases, failure to remove the battery promptly can be fatal.


In the United States, a tragic incident in 2020 involving 18-month-old Reese Hamsmith, who swallowed a coin battery, led to the enactment of Reese’s Law. Starting in March 2024, the law implements stricter packaging and labeling requirements for these batteries to help prevent similar accidents.


Aligning with international safety efforts, South Korea plans to adopt comparable standards. The new requirements will specify dual-layer packaging that is hard for children to open, along with clear safety symbols and warning labels. The final standards and regulations are expected to be issued by the end of 2025, with enforcement starting in 2026 after a six-month grace period.


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