UN 38.3 Testing

Li-ion batteries are classified as Class 9 dangerous goods for transportation due to potential fire hazard. For safe transportation (by air, sea, rail and road), Li-ion batteries must meet UN 38.3 requirements. The regulations apply to batteries transported independently or installed in an electric device. UN 38.3 has been adopted by regulators and competent authorities globally and became a universal requirement for safe Li-ion battery transportation.

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EWVTA is ISO 17025:2018 Accredited to perform In-House UN38.3 Testing:

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• T1 Altitude Simulation <11.6 kPa

• T2 Thermal test -40 C / +72 C

• T3 Vibration 7-200Hz / 1g-8g

• T4 Shock <150g

• T5 External short circuit

• T6 Impact / Crush (Cells only)

• T7 Overcharge

• T8 Forced discharge (Cells only)

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Who needs UN 38.3

​Every manufacturer, importer or distributor shipping lithium cells or batteries needs UN 38.3, whether the batteries ship on their own, packed with equipment or installed in it. That covers cell producers, battery pack assemblers, e-mobility, drone and UAV makers, power tool and medical device manufacturers. Carriers and freight forwarders will ask for the UN 38.3 Test Summary before accepting a shipment.

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What we need from you

• Samples: the quantity depends on cell vs battery and battery size. A typical test sequence for small battery (<12kg) needs 8 or 16 samples, depending on tests required. We confirm the exact number in the quote.

• Documentation: cell and battery datasheets, rated capacity and energy (Wh), charge parameters, and cell UN 38.3 reports if available.

• Size limits: max specimen 1300 × 1100 × 1000 mm, 500 kg on the vibration and shock tables.

 

What you receive

• ISO/IEC 17025 accredited test report covering T1–T5 and T7

• The data needed for your UN 38.3 Test Summary

• Test photos and logged data (temperature, voltage, mass, OCV)

 

Lead time

Testing starts on receipt of samples when booked in advance. Where relevant, 25-cycle pre-conditioning requires additional days based on battery specification.​​

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FAQ

​Do I need to retest after a design change? Usually yes. A change that could affect test results requires retesting. Examples are a new cell type or supplier, a significant change in mass, or a change to protection circuitry. Send us the change and we will tell you which tests apply.

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Do you perform T6 (impact/crush) and T8 (forced discharge)? Yes, in-house. T6 and T8 apply at cell level and are often already covered by your cell supplier's UN 38.3 report.

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Is UN 38.3 the same as IEC 62133? No. UN 38.3 covers transport safety. IEC 62133 is a product safety standard for portable batteries. Many products need both.

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Can you test batteries already installed in a device? UN 38.3 tests are performed on the cell or battery itself. Batteries inside equipment still need a valid UN 38.3 report to ship.

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Send us your datasheet for a quote within 24 hours. Call +37065285659 or email info@ewvta.com