Lead-acid car starter batteries differ from traction and backup-power batteries. SNI 38:2025 is the relevant technical standard to review for products within motor-vehicle categories M, N and O when evaluating entry into the Indonesian market.
Vehicle categories and nominal voltage
Category M generally concerns passenger transport vehicles, category N goods vehicles, and category O trailers or related vehicles as defined by regulation. The draft addresses lead-acid batteries for starting, lighting and ignition with a nominal terminal voltage of 12 V.
The electrical-system voltage of a vehicle should not be confused with the nominal voltage of each battery unit. Two 12 V batteries in a 24 V system are still two individual 12 V units.
Battery capacity and performance parameters
A capacity rating such as 45 Ah or 100 Ah is not a wattage value. The 20-hour rated capacity (C20), cold-cranking performance, reserve capacity and endurance may be relevant depending on battery type.
Manufacturers should submit official datasheets and identify measurement conditions rather than relying on marketing catalogues alone.
Battery types and testing groups
The proposed framework refers to Type 1, Type 2 and Type 3 classifications under SNI 38:2025. Their capacity bands are not identical, so a list of ten models does not necessarily require ten representative test groups.
Capacity is only one factor: brand, design, technology and scheme-specific rules must also be reviewed.
Manufacturer and audit readiness
Review the factory's legal documents, ISO 9001 or IATF 16949, ISO 14001, class 9 trademark evidence, production location, process flow and testing facilities. An overseas factory should clarify its Indonesian AR arrangement.
The proposed Type 5 framework includes manufacturing audits and product conformity testing, subject to the final legal requirements and appointed bodies.
Practical car-battery screening example
A factory may offer 12 V 45 Ah and 12 V 55 Ah starter batteries. Under the draft Type 1 capacity grouping, these ratings fall into different bands, even though both are car batteries. Additional 70 Ah and 100 Ah models still require a review of brand, construction and the applicable representative sampling rules.
Request formal type designations, terminal drawings, technology declarations, manufacturing country and information on start-stop suitability. Each reported performance value should identify the relevant measurement method to support consistent assessment by the testing laboratory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every 12 V 45 Ah battery fall under SNI 38:2025?
No. Verify lead-acid chemistry, starter function, vehicle classification and standard scope.
Will a 100 Ah model be grouped with a 45 Ah model?
Not necessarily. Capacity bands and type classifications must be assessed first.
Related Reading
Automotive Battery SNI Consultation
For an initial assessment, prepare a model list and specifications, manufacturer identity, management-system certificates, trademark documents and your proposed Authorized Representative/importer arrangement. Biruni Consulting can review the documentation and identify the next regulatory steps.
Regulatory status: SNI 38:2025 and SNI 4326:2025 are BSN technical standards. Draft mandatory-SNI provisions must be verified against the enacted regulation, if any. Certification outcomes and timelines are not guaranteed.