A Regulatory Shift: From Voluntary to Mandatory
Selling home energy storage batteries in the Philippines currently faces a major regulatory change. The system is transitioning from voluntary to mandatory certification. According to a draft regulation issued by the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – through its Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS) – in May 2026, battery energy storage systems (BESS) now fall under the scope of mandatory product certification.
Under this new regulation, all residential energy storage batteries sold in the Philippines must obtain either a PS certification mark or an ICC certificate.
The Core Certification Pathways: PS Certification vs. ICC Certification
Technical Standards and Reference Frameworks
To meet certification requirements, products must comply with the Philippine National Standards (PNS). Currently, BPS has recommended adopting UL standards as the reference for PNS, specifically:
- UL 9540A:2025 – This standard evaluates test methods for thermal runaway fire propagation in battery energy storage systems. It serves as a core safety indicator for storage batteries.
- UL 2056:2025 – This standard addresses power banks with a capacity of 100Wh or less. If your residential storage product falls into a similar category, you should pay close attention to this standard.
Key Timelines and Recommended Actions
This new regulation does not take full effect immediately. Instead, BPS has provided a clear transition period. This gives you a critical window to prepare for market entry.
Phase 1: First 12 months after regulation effective date (Voluntary Certification Period)
During this phase, manufacturers and importers can apply for certification voluntarily. This represents the best opportunity to familiarize yourself with the process and secure certification ahead of the curve.
Phase 2: 12 to 36 months after effective date (Mandatory Initiation Period)
During this phase, manufacturers and importers must formally begin the certification process. In other words, you cannot delay your application beyond this point.
Phase 3: After 36 months (Full Enforcement Period)
During this phase, market surveillance and enforcement will be fully implemented. Products without certification will no longer be allowed for sale. Moreover, non-compliant products may face removal from shelves, recalls, or even penalties.
