A new technical standard for batteries, SA TS 5398: Electrical Energy Storage Equipment – Safety Requirements (SA TS 5398), was published by Standards Australia in October 2025, updating the requirements established under the Best Practice Guide: Battery Storage Equipment – Electrical Safety Requirements (Best Practice Guide). SA TS 5398 includes guidance for new technologies including lead acid batteries.

We’re phasing SA TS 5398 into requirements for the approved batteries list over two years to minimise disruption for industry, while ensuring products can align with new guidelines.

• From 1 January 2026, we will accept applications to join the approved batteries list under SA TS 5398 or the Best Practice Guide. Applications under the Best Practice Guide will be given an expiry date of no later than 31 December 2027 while applications under SA TS 5398 will be given an expiry date three years from the date the application is approved.
• By 31 January 2026, expiry dates for existing battery listings approved under the Best Practice Guide will be updated to expire no later than 31 Dec 2027.
• From 1 January 2027, we will only accept applications under SA TS 5398.
• On 31 December 2027, any remaining batteries that were approved under the Best Practice Guide will expire from the approved batteries list.

It’s important to note that while SA TS 5398 is being gradually introduced into requirements for the Clean Energy Council’s approved batteries list, other entities including the Electrical Regulatory Authorities Council, Standards Australia, networks and government programs, may choose to align requirements with SA TS 5398 sooner. The Clean Energy Council is talking to all these entities to align requirements where possible. Ensure you follow all relevant guidelines when installing battery products.

As we transition to the new technical specifications, we are updating application requirements and changing the expiry dates of some existing approved batteries.

• From 1 January 2026, you can apply to join the approved batteries list under SA TS 5398 or the Best Practice Guide.
  • Applications under the Best Practice Guide will be given an expiry date of 31 December 2027, or the date the relevant certificates expire, whichever is earlier. Applications under SA TS 5398 will be given an expiry date three years from the date the application is approved, or the date the relevant certificate expires, whichever is earlier.
  • In anticipation of battery equipment being classified as Risk Level 3 equipment under the Electrical Equipment Safety System's (EESS) Equipment Safety Rules, our requirements for an application under the new technical specifications will align with EESS requirements. An application under the new technical specifications would require a Certificate of Conformity to SA TS 5398 under the RECS scheme and the EESS, issued by a RECS certifier with the new technical specifications within their JAS-ANZ accreditation scope, or an EESS Regulatory Authority. Detailed requirements of certification will be provided once more information is available. A Certificate of Suitability may be acceptable if the specific product is not in-scope electrical equipment.
• In January 2026, we’ll update expiry dates for existing battery listings approved under the Best Practice Guide to no later than 31 December 2027. You will need to apply with testing and certification to SA TS 5398 to have your products on the approved batteries list after 31 December 2027.
• From 1 January 2027, you can only apply to have your product join the approved batteries list with certification to SA TS 5398.
• On 31 December 2027, any remaining batteries that were approved under the Best Practice Guide will expire from the approved batteries list.

Find out more about applying to the approved product lists: