UN38.3 Certification in Practice: 7 Essential Checks for Lithium Battery Air Transport Packaging
UN38.3 certification is mandatory for shipping lithium batteries by air, ensuring safety during transport. Non-compliant packaging risks fines, delays, or even cargo seizures. This guide details the seven critical checks to meet UN38.3 standards, helping you avoid costly mistakes and ensure smooth logistics.
main content
1. Vibration Resistance Testing
Battery packs must withstand vibrations simulating air turbulence. Secure batteries in rigid inner packaging and test for 3 hours on a vibration table. Failure criteria: leaks, ruptures, or voltage drops >10%.
2. Temperature Cycling Evaluation
Expose batteries to extreme temperatures (-40°C to +75°C) for 48 hours. Post-test, ensure no deformation, electrolyte leakage, or weight loss exceeding 0.1%.
3. Altitude Simulation
Replicate low-pressure conditions at 15,000 meters altitude for 6 hours. Packaging must prevent cell rupture or venting under pressure differentials.
4. Impact and Crush Tests
Impact: Drop a 9.1kg weight from 1 meter onto the battery.
Crush: Apply 13kN force to the cell. Pass if no fire or explosion occurs within 1 hour.
5. External Short Circuit Protection
Ensure terminals are insulated or separated by non-conductive material. Test by intentionally shorting terminals—packaging must contain sparks or heat.
6. Electrical Performance Stability
Fully charge batteries before testing. Post-transport simulations (e.g., vibration, temperature), capacity loss must be ≤20%, and voltage stability within ±5%.
7. Documentation and Labeling
Markings: Include UN number (e.g., UN3480), “Lithium Battery” warnings, and handling symbols.
Certificates: Attach UN38.3 test summary and manufacturer’s declaration.
Why Compliance Matters
Airlines reject non-UN38.3-certified batteries due to fire risks. For example, a 20000mAh power bank without proper labeling was confiscated at Dubai Airport, costing the shipper $5,000 in penalties.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Reusing Damaged Packaging: Even minor dents invalidate certification.
Mixing Battery Types: Combine only identical cells in one package.
Ignoring State of Charge (SOC): Batteries must be ≤30% SOC for transport.
Conclusion
UN38.3 certification is non-negotiable for lithium battery air transport. By rigorously testing packaging against these seven criteria, you ensure regulatory compliance and operational safety. Partner with certified labs for pre-shipment evaluations, and always double-label hazardous cargo. Stay compliant—your reputation and revenue depend on it.
UAV DRONE battery
Enov UAV battery has the most advanced UAV battery new technology, it has a lightweight structural design, ultra-high energy density, stable continuous discharge, customized ultra-high instantaneous discharge, wide temperature working range, stable charge and discharge, battery materials can choose high nickel terpolymer positive/silicon carbon negative material system combined with semi-solid battery technology. Or choose a more mature application of more UAV lithium battery technology, available UAV battery nominal voltage 3.7V, capacity 18.0Ah ~ 30.0Ah, support 10C continuous discharge and 120C pulse discharge (3 seconds). With ultra-high energy density (220-300Wh/kg) as its core advantage, Enov UAV batteries can meet the needs of long-term endurance scenarios such as plant protection drones and transport drones, while maintaining stable emission performance in extremely low temperature environments (-40℃).
Other products
START-STOP LITHIUM BATTERY
LITHIUM ENERGY STORAGE BATTERY
QUICK INQUIRY
FAQ
Access to high frequency technical questions with one click, get accurate answers on product application, after-sales policy and customization process.
Service and Support
Get the latest product specifications, explore professional OEM/ODM customization services, click to open exclusive technical support and production solutions.
Become a Partner
We sincerely invite resources to interconnect, work together for win-win development, and immediately open a new chapter of strategic cooperation!