Regulatory Requirements That Mandate VTM-0 PET Film in Global Applications

As industries adopt stricter safety and environmental standards, the choice of insulation materials has become a compliance issue—not just an engineering one. In particular, VTM-0 PET film applications are increasingly being mandated by international standards, fire codes, and regulatory bodies across sectors.

This article explains where and why VTM-0 flame retardant PET films are required for product approvals, especially in the context of battery protection and electrical insulation. If you're developing export products or targeting high-risk applications, this insight is essential.

Why VTM-0 Is a Compliance Standard, Not a Suggestion

UL94 is a global benchmark for flammability of plastic materials. Within UL94, VTM-0 is the highest rating for thin flexible films, requiring:

• 🔥 No flaming drips
• 🔥 Self-extinguishing in 10 seconds
• 🔥 No reignition

Across multiple certification systems, this level is considered minimum acceptable in specific scenarios. Using PET film for electrical insulation or batteries that doesn’t meet VTM-0 may lead to:

• ❌ Certification failure
• ❌ Import/export delays
• ❌ Product recalls
• ❌ Insurance non-compliance

1. UL and IEC Fire Safety Standards

UL 94 (North America) and IEC 60695 (global) explicitly refer to flammability tests that accept only VTM-0 in these applications:

• High-voltage PCB insulation
• Battery wrap for energy-dense lithium packs
• Power supply converters and inverters

In these environments, flame retardant PET film for battery systems must meet VTM-0 for final certification and labeling.

2. European CE and EN 45545 (Railway)

In the EU, flame resistance is critical for products in public infrastructure. EN 45545 requires flame retardant insulation in:

• Railway electronics
• Passenger equipment panels
• Control box insulation

Materials like VTM-0 PET film are used to meet HL2/HL3 hazard levels in railway and public transport applications.

3. Chinese CCC and Japanese PSE Certification

In China and Japan, consumer electronics and automotive components must pass national certifications:

• China CCC for electronics and automotive subsystems
• Japan PSE for electrical product safety

In both systems, products containing batteries or high-voltage modules often require material declarations referencing UL94 VTM-0.

4. Battery Transport Regulations (UN38.3 / IEC 62133)

Batteries shipped internationally (via air, sea, or road) must pass safety tests under:

• UN38.3 (Lithium battery transport)
• IEC 62133 (Battery system safety)

These standards strongly recommend or require flame-resistant materials with proven VTM-0 performance, especially for:

• Internal battery wrap
• Terminal insulation
• Cell interconnect protection

5. Automotive OEM Standards

Many global auto OEMs (Tesla, BMW, Toyota, etc.) now set internal material specs that include:

• “Flame rating: UL94 VTM-0 or higher”
• “Zero flaming drips under thermal failure”
• “Certification traceability required for all insulation”

If you're a Tier-1 or Tier-2 supplier, ignoring these specs can result in disqualification from RFQs.

Conclusion

As global safety expectations rise, VTM-0 PET film applications are no longer a technical preference—they're a regulatory obligation. Whether you're exporting battery packs, building EV modules, or designing consumer electronics, aligning with VTM-0 ensures smoother compliance, better insurance coverage, and faster certification.

If your product includes flame retardant PET film for battery or PET film for electrical insulation, make VTM-0 your default standard.