The Eleventh Session of the United Nations Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods and on the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (December 9, 2022) adopted a new set of amendments to the seventh revised edition of the Manual of Tests and Criteria (including Amendment 1), and on November 27, 2023, the eighth revised edition of the Manual of Tests and Criteria was released.

What is UN38.3 certification?
UN38.3 refers to Clause 38.3 of Part 3 of the United Nations Manual of Tests and Criteria for the Transport of Dangerous Goods specially formulated for the transport of dangerous goods. That is, before the transportation of lithium batteries, they must pass high-altitude simulation, high-low temperature cycling, vibration test, impact test, external short circuit at 55°C, impact test, overcharge test, and forced discharge test to ensure the safety of lithium battery transportation. If the lithium battery is not installed together with the equipment, it must also pass the 1.2-meter free drop test.
The commonly referred to UN38.3 certification actually refers to the lithium battery passing the UN38.3 clause test report and applying to 13 certification companies authorized by the Civil Aviation Administration to issue air safety certificates. Therefore, UN38.3 certification usually includes: UN38.3 report and air safety certificate.

New version changes:
In Chapter 38.3, the main changes of the new version are as follows:

1. Add test clauses for sodium-ion batteries;

2. Modify the test requirements for integrated battery packs:
   For integrated battery packs not equipped with overcharge protection, if their design is only used as components of other batteries, equipment or vehicles that provide overcharge protection:

• Overcharge protection needs to be verified in other batteries, equipment or vehicles;

• The charging system without overcharge protection needs to be prevented from being used by a physical system or program control.

Test differences:
Comparison of test differences between sodium-ion batteries and lithium-ion batteries:
Sodium-ion batteries do not need to conduct the T.8 forced discharge test;
For sodium-ion battery cells or sodium-ion single-cell batteries, during the T.6 extrusion/impact test, the battery cell is in a fully charged state.

Sample submission requirements:
Sample submission requirements for sodium battery UN38.3 test standard:
· Single cell: 20 pieces
· Single cell battery: 18 batteries, 10 battery cells
· Small battery pack (≤12Kg): 16 batteries, 10 battery cells
· Large battery pack (>12Kg): 8 batteries, 10 battery cells

Revised content

1. Changes in the requirements for the UN38.3 test summary of button battery cells
   According to the newly revised 3.9.2.6.1, the requirement to provide a test summary when shipping button battery cells installed in equipment is cancelled.

2. Add special clause A154 to UN3171
   A154: Prohibit the transportation of lithium-ion battery cells or batteries and lithium metal battery cells or batteries that are determined to have safety defects and may cause dangerous thermal runaway, fire or short circuit (for example, battery cells or batteries recalled by the manufacturer due to safety reasons or cannot be determined to be defective before transportation).

3. New requirements for packaging items PI 965 IB and PI 968 IB
   The packaging instructions PI 965 IB and PI 968 IB have been revised to add a 3m stacking test requirement.

4. New requirements for packaging items PI966 II, PI967 II, PI969 II and PI970 II
   Modify the II clause to stipulate that when the packaging is placed in the Overpack, the packaging must be fixed in the Overpack, and the intended function of each packaging must not be damaged by the Overpack, which is in line with the general requirements of 5.0.1.5.

5. Changes in lithium battery handling labels
   Modify the lithium battery handling label and remove the requirement to display the phone number on the label. There is a transition period before December 31, 2026. Before this, the existing lithium battery handling labels can continue to be used.