E-battery Fires Continue in NYC Despite Laws and Online Crackdown
Despite the implementation of laws and efforts to crack down on the sale of uncertified batteries, e-battery fires in New York City (NYC) persist. The FDNY (Fire Department of New York) reports responding to an e-battery fire almost every day, highlighting the need for certified batteries to improve safety.
Last summer, NYC passed laws prohibiting the buying and selling of non-UL certified batteries. These laws have resulted in the issuance of 89 summonses to local stores for selling uncertified batteries. However, the availability of these batteries online remains a concern.
FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh emphasizes the ongoing presence of uncertified batteries, stating that they are still sold in stores across the city and online. In an effort to address this issue at a national level, Commissioner Kavanagh recently traveled to Washington DC to advocate for national safety standards for batteries.
Although NYC’s laws have successfully restricted the sale of uncertified batteries on platforms like Amazon, where customers are now unable to ship them to NYC addresses, other online marketplaces like eBay continue to sell these batteries, despite their stated policies against it. eBay claims to have removed more than 259,000 listings of uncertified batteries.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission acknowledges the challenges consumers face in distinguishing between certified and uncertified batteries. Robert Kaye, representing the Commission, emphasizes the need for federal groups to take action nationwide. Additionally, the Commission has called on e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, Walmart, Facebook Marketplace, and eBay to remain vigilant in preventing the sale of uncertified products on their platforms.
To address the issue, UL Solutions advises consumers to look for the UL Mark on batteries and products, which indicates certification. They also provide a search engine on their website to verify product certification.
In response to the situation, eBay asserts its commitment to maintaining a safe environment for its users and states that listings for e-mobility devices, including batteries and chargers, must comply with UL 2272 or UL 2849 safety standards. eBay claims to actively enforce these policies, using various methods including trained investigators and artificial intelligence to identify and remove prohibited products.
As efforts continue to address the sale of uncertified e-batteries, it remains crucial for consumers to exercise caution and ensure they are purchasing certified batteries. The city of New York believes federal intervention is necessary to effectively regulate the sale of uncertified batteries, while platforms like eBay are working to enforce their own policies and remove non-compliant listings.
Overall, the ongoing prevalence of e-battery fires in NYC underscores the importance of strict regulations and increased awareness regarding certified batteries to enhance public safety.
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