What Certifications Are Needed to Ship Lithium Batteries? What Is UN38.3?

Lithium batteries are classified as dangerous goods because of their stored energy, so shipping them — especially by air — requires documented compliance rather than a simple declaration.

UN38.3

UN38.3 is the United Nations manual of tests that lithium cells and packs must pass before transport. It covers a series of tests simulating altitude, temperature cycling, vibration, shock, short circuit, impact, overcharge and forced discharge. A passed UN38.3 test summary is the baseline for most shipments.

Supporting Documents

In practice, shipments are usually accompanied by a test summary, an MSDS/SDS, and a transport identification report. Packing instructions, state-of-charge limits and labeling depend on whether the batteries travel with or without equipment and by sea or air.

Work with the Supplier

Reliable manufacturers prepare these files as part of order fulfillment; if you are designing a custom pack, confirm certification coverage early, as the testing scope is subject to project evaluation.

Without a valid test summary, forwarders and airlines may refuse the goods or hold them at the warehouse, so prepare documentation before production finishes rather than at shipment.