Overview of UN 38.3 Certificate for Lithium Batteries
The UN 38.3 Certificate is the testing standards or requirements for the transportation & handling of lithium batteries and it is basically based on the UN International Framework for the classification of hazardous products and it is managed by the UNECE (WP.15/AC.1). Obtaining UN 38.3 Registration Certificate is compulsory for all the exporters & manufacturers of lithium batteries as per UN 38.3 Standards and the main objective of this certificate is to make sure that the safety & handling of such hazardous products at the time of transportation through Rail, Road, Air, or Ship and also from January 1st, 2020, a UN 38.3 Test Summary is compulsory for all batteries in the supply chain.
There is so much danger that comes with the lithium batteries, so following UN 38.3 testing standards is compulsory to prevent any possible accident. It mandates a strict and deep examination of various factors regarding the lithium batteries to ensure their safe handling & transportation, also decreasing risks and hazards at the time of transit. By following these standards, the United Nation aims to maintain a high level of safety in the transportation & handling of lithium batteries across various transportation modes so it is mandatory to get an UN 38.3 Certificate. With Whizseed, you can easily get a UN 38.3 Registration Certificate without any stress and much paperwork. Our team of professionals will easily guide you at every stage of the Registration Process.
Different Classifications Based on Battery Type and their Shipment
The following are different classifications based on batter type and how they will be shipped (in a device or alone):
- UN 3090 For Lithium Batteries & UN 3480 for Lithium-ion Batteries: This classification applies to batteries shipped along, modules/other incomplete battery sub-assemblies, powerpacks, shipped alone, power banks and batteries shipped in a separate package from the device they power (even if the batteries & devices are on the same shipment or consignment).
- UN 3091 for Lithium and UN 3481 for Lithium-ion Batteries within a device: This applies to devices with batteries installed already in a device, devices packed with a battery in the same package but it is not installed in the product; up to 2 spare batteries shipped in the same package as the device i.e., 1 installed, 2 spares.
Why is it Necessary to Get a UN 38.3 Certificate for Exporters in India?
This certificate for lithium batteries’ exports is a compulsory requirement to export such products globally because lithium batteries are considered to be dangerous materials and they must be transported as per the specific regulations. The UN 38.3 Certificate shows that a lithium battery has been tested thoroughly and meets all the safety requirements made by the UN for transportation to comply with the guidelines of the United Nations for the transportation of such products. This Certificate is only issued to the Packaging Manufacturer of the hazardous products not the exporter of the goods and the packaging manufacturer must make separate applications for Air and Sea Carriers.
Various Testing Conditions as Per UN 38.3
UN 38.3 mentions 8 different tests from T1 to T8 that should be conducted in a proper sequence on batteries, cells, or modules and such tests simulate typical stresses at the time of transport (pressure, mechanical stress, pressure, etc.).
The following are different objects of test:
- Single Cells;
- Modules;
- Batteries;
- Systems greater and less than 6.2 kWh only under specific conditions.
Now let’s discuss different testing criteria:
- Voltage drop ≤10%;
- No leakage, fire, and disassembly;
- Weight difference ≤1%
After discussing different objects and testing criteria, now let’s discuss various tests required for UN 38.3 Certificate:
- T1 (Altitude Simulation): Simulating air transport at 11.6 kPa for 6 hours, simulates pressure conditions at high altitudes for example at the time of air transport. Low pressure for all primary & secondary batteries is subjected to half sine shock at high acceleration of 150g in case of small batteries & 50g for large batteries;
- T2 (Temperature Tests): This test conducted to check when batteries undergo extreme temperature change;
- T3 (Vibration Test): This test is also important to check the condition of the products during transportation as the product may experience vibrations during transportation;
- T4 (Shock Test): 18 shocks with half-sine pulse (3 shocks from each directions in all 3 axes), checks impact on the goods during transport;
- T5 (External Short Circuit Test): Short circuit with definite resistance (<100 mΩ), stress test for external short-circuit and the temperature should not be more than 170 Degree Celsius, no explosions or flames allowed;
- T6 (Crush Test): This test is only for cells, especially prismatic, pouch & small cylindrical cells (<18mm diameter) and cells allowed up to 13 kN of pressure. No explosion, fire, or disassembly allowed;
- T7 (Overcharge Test): Safety testing under accidental overcharging; battery is charged for 24 hours twice the maximum charge current and the goal is to simply prove that no harmful reactions occur in 7 days and this test can be omitted if reliable overcharge safety is explained;
- T8 (Forced Discharge Test): This is for primary & secondary batteries.
Benefits of UN 38.3 Certificate
The following are the benefits of UN 38.3 Certificate in India:
- Compliance with International Transport Regulations: This certificate ensures compliance with the regulations especially for lithium batteries. It is important to follow such regulations to legally transport batteries through any transport medium.
- Global Recognition: UN 38.3 Certificate is internationally recognized and provides smooth transportation of lithium batteries across international borders and it also simplifies the shipping process by following the international regulations.
- Build Customer Trusts: This certificate increases customer confidence in the products being transported and it shows a promise for safety and promoting credibility & trust in the market.
- Legal Requirement: Many nations around the globe mandate the UN 38.3 Certificate for the transportation of lithium batteries and this certificate also ensures compliance with international and local laws.
- Safety: UN 38.3 Certificate involves strict testing to assess the safety of the batteries at the time of transportation and this includes various tests as mentioned above and providing assurance of the battery safety in different transport conditions.
Who can apply for the UN 38.3 Certificate?
This Certificate is important for various entities who are involved in testing & handling the lithium-ion batteries & their by-products. This following is the list who can apply for UN 38.3 Certificate:
- Manufacturer of Lithium-ion Battery: All the manufacturers of lithium-ion by-products like batteries, battery packs, cells, and metal batteries must apply for this certificate.
- Importers & Exporters: This certificate is also applicable for importers & exporters of lithium batteries & those involved in overseas trading of electronics.
- Manufacturers of Electronic Products: Manufacturers of electronic products are involved in the making of mobile phones, laptops, smart watches, drones, medical equipment, EV vehicles, etc.
- Logistics & Freight Forwarders: Individuals or businesses involved in cargo & courier shipments need UN 38.3 Certificate before accepting battery consignment.
- E-Commerce and Online Seller: This Certificate is required for sellers on e-commerce platforms like Flipkart, Amazon, and other global marketplaces online and these platforms ship products that integrate lithium-ion batteries.
Safety Practices for UN 38.3 Registration Certificate
The following are some important safety practices for UN 38.3 Certificate:
- Store batteries in a dry and good ventilated area;
- Never charge a primary alkaline or disposable lithium battery;
- Keep batteries away from direct sunlight, high humidity and temperature;
- Avoid any physical damage & short circuiting;
- Never charge a device or battery under your pillow, bed or near a couch;
- Never leave or overcharge the battery overnight;
- Never ever place batteries in trash or recycling bins;
- Never leave e-bikes/e-scooters unattended at the time of charging;
- Store batteries in their original containers/installed in equipment;
- Store non-rechargeable main lithium batteries separately from rechargeable lithium-ion batteries;
- Never charge store batteries in vented, dedicated and fire-rated cabinets.
Documents Required for UN 38.3 Certificate
The following is the list of documents required for UN 38.3 Certificate:
- Sample batteries;
- Details of the Manufacturer;
- Product datasheet;
- MSDS report;
- Product Images;
- Battery Model Information;
- Packaging details;
- Battery technical specifications.
Procedure for Getting UN 38.3 Certificate
The following is the process for obtaining UN 38.3 Certificate:
- Check All the Shipping Requirements: At Whizseed, we will help you in finding your shipping requirements by simply checking the type of the battery your business is involved in and it assists you in handling and maintaining the shipment process of your lithium-ion by-products.
- Tests for Battery Sample: We will also ensure that your battery samples are arranged correctly and sent for testing for compliance and it also helps individuals & businesses to determine the gaps in their handling of manufacturing, exporting, importing and selling of batteries.
- Lab Tests: We make sure that all the tests of batteries for UN 38.3 Certificate are conducted as per the standards for approval in lab testing.
- Lab Test Reports: Our team of experts also ensure that you will get the official test reports sent by the labs and for this we will make sure that your batteries are tested in certified labs which prevent any discrepancy.
- Issuance of Certificate: Once you received the UN 38.3 Registration Certificate then you can manufacture, import, export, or sell the lithium-ion by-products without any tension about handling & testing of the batteries.
What Will be the Consequences of Shipping Without a UN 38.3 Certificate?
The consequences of shipping without UN 38.3 Registration Certificate are:
- Heavy penalties;
- Your products will be seized by the custom department;
- You may also face serious legal complications & delays in approval;
- Your brand value or reputation will be ruined and causing supply chain disruptions;
- Your urgent shipments will be postponed, cancelled or rejected by the carriers.
Validity and Timeline for UN 38.3 Certificate
This Certificate is valid until the material of the battery, capacity or model undergoes any modification and there are 2 conditions for re-testing of lithium batteries, see below:
- Any modification or upgrade in the body design of the batteries;
- New lithium-ion batteries require lab testing.
The timeline for getting the UN 38.3 Certificate for lithium batteries involves documentation, testing & getting authorization. Now let’s have a look at the specific timeline below:
- Standard testing takes around 10-15 days;
- Documentation review & processing takes generally 3-7 days.
An overall expected timeline for getting this certificate is around 2-3 weeks.
Cost Required for UN 38.3 Certificate for Lithium Batteries
The total cost required for this certificate is based on 4 different factors:
- Type of the Battery;
- Model Number;
- Testing Requirements;
- Lab test charges.
