This presentation focuses on the benefits of establishing a minimum performance standard for lithium-ion and lithium-ion polymer cells. Electrical performance aspects such as initial impedance, capacity vs. temperature, cycle life, self discharge and irreversible capacity loss due to storage, could be covered by the standard. An established standard will help to reduce cycle time to develop cells and cost. Such a standard would also help to synchronize the product needs and the cell performance. The standard would accelerate competition among cell suppliers. It is imperative for original equipment manufacturers (OEM) leadership in portable electronics to work together to develop and implement a new set of acceptable performance standard or improve the existing performance requirements listed in the IEC Standard 61960-1 to include all performance areas that are relevant to the OEM application.