Introduction to UN38.3 Battery Testing

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Update time : 2024-10-30

What is UN38.3 Certification?

UN38.3 refers to section 38.3 of the United Nations "Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods - Test and Criteria Manual," which requires lithium batteries to pass a series of tests before transportation. These tests include altitude simulation, thermal cycling, vibration testing, shock testing, external short circuit at 55°C, impact testing, overcharge testing, and forced discharge testing to ensure safe transport of lithium batteries. If the lithium batteries are not installed with equipment and each package contains more than 24 cells or 12 batteries, a 1.2-meter free fall test is also required.

Introduction to UN38.3 Battery Testing(图1)

The commonly referred UN38.3 certification means that the lithium battery has undergone the UN38.3 testing and has received an aviation safety certificate issued by one of the 13 authorized certification companies of the Civil Aviation Administration of China. Thus, UN38.3 certification typically includes the UN38.3 report and the aviation safety certificate.

Which Products Require UN38.3 Certification?

1. Various lead-acid batteries (e.g., automotive starter batteries, stationary lead-acid batteries, small sealed lead-acid batteries, etc.)

2. Various secondary power batteries (e.g., batteries for electric vehicles, electric road vehicle batteries, batteries for power tools, hybrid vehicle batteries, etc.)

3. Various mobile phone batteries (e.g., lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, etc.)

4. Various small secondary batteries (e.g., laptop batteries, digital camera batteries, camcorder batteries, various cylindrical batteries, wireless communication batteries, portable DVD batteries, CD and MP3 player batteries, etc.)

5. Various primary batteries (e.g., alkaline zinc-manganese batteries, lithium-manganese batteries, etc.)

Steps for UN38.3 Certification

Step 1: Application

1. Confirm customer information:

A. Which city the customer’s product will be exported by air from.

B. Whether the customer’s product is shipped alone or with other products.

2. Fill out the UN38.3 application form.

3. Provide battery specifications.

4. Provide 25-30 samples.

Step 2: Quotation

Determine testing time and corresponding costs based on the provided information.

Step 3: Payment

After the applicant confirms the quotation, sign the application form and service agreement, and pay the full project fee.

Step 4: Testing

The laboratory tests the applied product according to relevant testing standards.

Step 5: Report Completion

Testing is completed, and the report is finished.

Step 6: Issuance of DGM Certificate

Upon project completion, a DGM certificate is issued.

What is the Difference Between UN38.3 Certification and MSDS?

Many people confuse UN38.3 with MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) during battery testing, thinking they are the same certification, which can significantly impact the testing application. MSDS is a document detailing the composition of lithium batteries and handling instructions, while UN38.3 is a safety test for lithium batteries. Since lithium batteries are often air-freighted, UN38.3 and MSDS are typically required together, leading to the misconception that UN38.3 is MSDS.

UN38.3 Certification and Aviation Safety Certificate

The aviation safety certificate is obtained after passing the lithium battery UN38.3 testing report and applying to authorized institutions designated by the Civil Aviation Administration.