“Stop Using the Charger at Once”: US Safety Agency Recalls Lithium Coin Battery Chargers Sold Online

The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a nationwide recall of approximately 1,100 lithium coin battery chargers with rechargeable 2032 batteries, sold through online giants Amazon and Walmart. The recall was made public on August 28 after authorities found the chargers were dangerous to children's lives and in violation of federal safety regulations.

Why the Recall Was Issued

According to the CPSC, the recalled chargers were manufactured by CT New Energy Technology and contained lithium coin batteries that could be easily accessed by children. If swallowed, such batteries are known to cause chemical burns, internal injuries, and even death within hours.

The safety watchdog further revealed that the packaging failed to comply with Reese’s Law, a federal regulation passed to ensure button and coin batteries are sold in child-resistant packaging with appropriate safety warnings. The corporation put households at serious risk, particularly those with small children, by evading this requirement.

What Consumers Should Do Immediately

On its official website, the CPSC has issued an urgent advisory:

• “Stop using the charger at once,” the agency cautioned.
• Parents are instructed to keep the batteries out of children’s reach.
• To neutralize risk, consumers should soak the batteries in water for 24 hours before disposal, ensuring the cells are discharged.
• Consumers are urged to contact CT New Energy Technology directly for a full refund, a Child-Resistant Safety Case, or a replacement kit.

The agency also confirmed that repair and replacement kits will be available after August 30, offering customers safer alternatives.

Legal and Safety Implications

CT New Energy Technology disseminated goods that were in violation of federal safety regulations by disregarding Reese's Law.This oversight has heightened scrutiny over the growing risks of unsafe electronics being sold through major e-commerce platforms.

The CPSC reinforced its stance on responsible disposal: “Button cell and coin batteries are hazardous. Batteries should be disposed of or recycled by following local hazardous waste procedures,” the agency warned.

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Expert View on Risks

Ann Marie Buerkle, former CPSC chair, explained to Newsweek how regulators evaluate such risks: “The government agency determines the severity of a potential injury based on the volume of product in the market and the injuries it can likely cause.”

With more than a thousand faulty units already in circulation, the potential for harm is considered serious enough to warrant a swift nationwide recall.

The incident highlights the urgent need for stricter screening of products sold online. CT New Energy Technology disseminated goods that were in violation of federal safety regulations by disregarding Reese's Law.