A small white device with one screw beside a wooden screwdriver on a pale oak shelf

Button batteries and Reese's Law, explained

What the law covers, and why a swallowed battery needs help right away.

Scroll

Disclosure: We may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page. It does not change our guidance. Affiliate Disclosure

What Reese's Law is

CPSC says Reese's Law, Public Law 117-171, is carried out through 16 CFR part 1263, which sets performance and labeling requirements for consumer products containing button cell or coin batteries. Part 1263 says it is "intended to eliminate or adequately reduce the risk of injury and death to children 6 years old and younger from ingesting these batteries."

What it calls for

CPSC says battery compartments containing replaceable button cell or coin batteries must require a tool or at least two independent and simultaneous hand movements to open. CPSC describes warnings on the packaging, on the product, and in the instructions.

How toys fit in

CPSC says toys that comply with the battery requirements of 16 CFR part 1250 are exempt from part 1263, and that ASTM F963 section 4.25 covers battery-operated toys.

Keep batteries away

CPSC says to keep button or coin batteries away from young children. That includes spare and used batteries.

If a battery may have been swallowed

The National Capital Poison Center says: "Don't delay. Immediate treatment decreases severity." Call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222. In an emergency, call 911.

Button batteries and Reese's Law. Per CPSC.

This is general information, not legal advice.

Sources: CPSC, Button Cell and Coin Battery Business Guidance; eCFR, 16 CFR Part 1263, Safety Standard for Button Cell or Coin Batteries; CPSC, Toy Safety Business Guidance; CPSC news release, CPSC Reminds Early Holiday Shoppers to Follow These Top Safety Tips (October 18, 2022); National Capital Poison Center, Swallowed a button battery?; HRSA, Poison Help.

FAQ

Does Reese's Law cover every product with a button battery?

CPSC describes exemptions, including toys that comply with the battery requirements of part 1250. We do not say which rule any product meets.

Are coin batteries and button batteries the same?

CPSC's guidance covers both button cell and coin batteries.

General information only, for adults choosing toys for children. We do not test, certify, or rate any product, and we do not say any toy or kit is safe or right for a particular child or age. Before you buy or use one, read the maker's age grade, warnings, and instructions, follow any adult supervision directions, and check for recalls at cpsc.gov/Recalls. Keep small parts, magnets, button and coin batteries, and kit chemicals away from young children. A swallowed magnet, button battery, or coin battery needs medical help right away; do not delay. If you think a child swallowed or touched something harmful, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222. In an emergency, call 911.

Sage and birch wooden blocks stacked into a simple arch on a dark stone ledge

Magnets in toys and kits: what CPSC says

Swallowed magnets: get help.

A bulb and a white box on a birch board, two clip wires on dark stone

Circuit and electronics kits, explained

Batteries, plugs, and rules.

A dark wood two door cabinet with a brass latch and two white boxes on it

Storing science kits at home and in class

Parts and chemicals, put away.

Next: magnets