Written reply to PQ on SAFETY mark for power banks sold in Singapore

Question:

Mr Ng Shi Xuan: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry (a) whether the Ministry will consider requiring the SAFETY mark for power banks that are sold to consumers in Singapore, in addition to existing requirements for International Electrotechnical Commission certification; and (b) if not, why not. 

Written Answer by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong

1.                  Under the Consumer Protection (Consumer Goods Safety Requirements) Regulations 2011, all power banks supplied in Singapore must comply with international safety standards, including the International Electrotechnical Commission standards. Under the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore, the Consumer Product Safety Office (CPSO) conducts regular market surveillance to ensure that products sold in the market comply with these requirements. The failure to comply with any directive issued by the CPSO to cease the supply of non-compliant products may result in fines or imprisonment.

2.                  The Government is currently assessing the requirement for power banks to be listed as a Controlled Good under the Consumer Protection (Safety Requirements) Regulations. If so, all power banks will be subject to additional pre-market registration requirements prior to their sale in Singapore, including the need to affix the Safety Mark. It could also necessitate the inclusion of safety instructions and usage precautions to consumers.