Brazil’s ANATEL Mandates Safety & Compliance for Stationary Lithium Batteries: Act 5314 Takes Effect October 2026
Brazil’s National Telecommunications Agency (ANATEL) has officially published Act No. 5314, bringing stationary secondary lithium batteries used in telecom and fixed energy storage applications into the mandatory certification category for energy storage devices. The regulation will be fully enforceable from October 12, 2026, marking a critical shift in compliance requirements for battery manufacturers, importers, and solution providers operating in Brazil’s telecom and renewable energy sectors.
What Does Act 5314 Cover?
The rule applies specifically to stationary secondary lithium batteries designed for fixed installations, operating under medium to high discharge rates, and intended for integration with telecommunications equipment. These batteries are now classified as Category III Telecom Products under ANATEL’s homologation framework, requiring third-party testing, type approval, and ongoing factory surveillance (recertification every three years).
In scope:
- Fixed lithium-ion batteries for telecom towers, base stations, and data center backup power
- Stationary energy storage systems (ESS) using lithium chemistries for grid support or off-grid telecom
- Batteries rated 24V DC or 48V DC, the dominant form factors in Brazilian telecom infrastructure
Out of scope (for now):
- Portable lithium batteries (covered under separate ANATEL rules)
- Electric vehicle (EV) batteries
- Other stationary chemistries (e.g., lead-acid, nickel-cadmium), already regulated under existing Category III requirements
Core Requirements: Compliance & Testing Standards
Act 5314 establishes harmonized technical assessment procedures aligned with Brazilian (ABNT) and international (IEC) standards. All products must pass rigorous electrical, safety, and EMC testing before receiving ANATEL homologation.
Key Normative References
| Standard | Title | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| ABNT NBR 16975:2021 | Secondary lithium cells and batteries for stationary applications – Electrical specifications and test methods | Defines electrical performance, discharge, and endurance criteria |
| ABNT NBR 16976:2021 | Secondary lithium cells and batteries for stationary applications – Safety requirements and test methods | Mandates mechanical, thermal, and fire Safety Testing |
| IEC 62619:2022 | Safety requirements for secondary lithium cells and batteries for industrial applications | Global baseline for industrial lithium battery safety |
| IEC 62620:2014 | Secondary lithium cells and batteries for industrial applications | Specifies general construction and performance requirements |
| IEC 61000-4-2/4/5 | EMC immunity tests (ESD, fast transients, surge) | Ensures compatibility with telecom networks |
| IEC 61508-1:2010 | Functional safety of electrical/electronic/programmable electronic systems | Applies to battery management systems (BMS) |
| IEC 62133-2:2017 | Safety requirements for portable sealed lithium cells/batteries | Supplementary safety benchmark |
Critical Test Mandates
- Temperature-controlled testing: All charge/discharge cycles must be performed at 25°C ± 3°C.
- Minimum design life: Batteries must demonstrate 10+ years of operational life under rated conditions.
- Sample requirements: One production battery per model series for initial certification and surveillance testing; samples must match production specs (BMS, voltage, chemistry, manufacturing line).
- Third-party certification: All testing must be conducted by ANATEL-accredited laboratories.
Legal Basis & Regulatory Context
Act 5314 is grounded in Brazil’s existing legal and regulatory framework:
- Law No. 12,305 (August 2, 2010): National Solid Waste Policy, mandating end-of-life battery recycling and environmental accountability.
- ANATEL Resolution No. 715 (October 23, 2019): Regulation for Conformity Assessment and Approval of Telecommunications Products.
- ANATEL Act No. 4088 (July 31, 2020): Operational procedures for ANATEL homogeneity marking on telecom products.
By aligning with these rules, Act 5314 ensures safety, interoperability, and environmental compliance across Brazil’s rapidly expanding telecom and energy storage ecosystems.
Timeline & Next Steps for Stakeholders
- April 14, 2026: Act 5314 published in the Official Gazette.
- October 12, 2026: Deadline for full compliance – all stationary lithium batteries for telecom must hold valid ANATEL homologation to be sold or installed in Brazil.
Action Items for Manufacturers & Importers
- Gap Analysis: Review existing test reports against ABNT NBR 16975/16976 and IEC 62619 to identify missing compliance data.
- Accredited Testing: Engage ANATEL-recognized labs for required electrical, safety, and EMC testing.
- Homologation Application: Submit test reports, technical files, and factory quality documentation to ANATEL for Category III certification.
- Labeling & Documentation: Update product labels to include ANATEL homologation number; prepare compliance declarations for customs and end customers.
- Factory Surveillance: Implement ongoing Quality Controls to meet ANATEL’s three-year recertification requirements.
Why This Matters for the Industry
Brazil’s telecom sector is one of the largest in Latin America, with 5G expansion and grid modernization driving strong demand for reliable stationary lithium batteries. Act 5314:
- Raises safety standards: Reduces risks of thermal runaway, fire, and electrical hazards in telecom infrastructure.
- Creates a level playing field: Mandates consistent compliance for all suppliers, eliminating low-cost, non-certified alternatives.
- Supports sustainability: Ties battery safety to Brazil’s national waste policy, promoting responsible recycling and end-of-life management.
- Boosts market confidence: ANATEL certification provides a trusted quality mark for buyers and network operators.
Final Notes
Act 5314 is a landmark regulation for Brazil’s stationary lithium battery market, bringing it in line with global safety and compliance best practices. With the October 2026 enforcement deadline approaching, manufacturers, importers, and telecom operators must act now to avoid market access barriers and ensure uninterrupted operations in Brazil.
For the full official text, visit ANATEL’s website:
https://informacoes.anatel.gov.br/legislacao/atos-de-certificacao-de-produtos/2026/2139-ato-5314