Standard UN 38.3: Transportation Testing for Lithium Batteries and Cells

It is important to note that lithium batteries have been identified as a Class 9 dangerous good during transport, as a result of a potential fire hazard. To be safely transported (by air, sea, rail or roadways), they must meet the requirements laid out by Standard UN 38.3. This standard applies to batteries transported either on their own or installed in a device.. It applies to all points in the battery’s transportation process: from sub-suppliers to end-product manufacturer; manufacturer to distributor; in or out of the product; in the field; during product returns or with non-original packaging. It is important for manufacturers to be familiar with these requirements as the use of lithium and lithium-ion batteries become more prevalent.

UN 38.3 has been adopted by regulators and competent authorities around the world, making it a requirement for global market access. The protocol includes identifying/classifying lithium batteries; testing/qualification requirements; design guidance/conditions and packaging/shipping obligations.