Lithium Metal and Lithium Ion Battery Transport Regulations

Suppliers providing batteries to retailers and for e-commerce purchase are required to ensure the batteries have undergone the appropriate required quality checks from a qualified laboratory. Suppliers must maintain that testing information is readily available to their retail and consumer customers and shipping requirements must also be met.

Any violation can stop product shipment or lead to an accident. It is imperative that all stakeholders and property remains safe during operations.

US Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations effective 6 March 2019 pertain to the supplier of batteries and products with batteries. Additional regulations effective 1 January 2020 require the availability of battery testing, UN DOT 38.3 Version 6, commonly known as T tests.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the UN 38.3 tests?

United Nations Manual of Tests and Criteria, Sixth Revised Edition, Sub-section 38.3 are 8 “T” tests including:

T1 – Altitude Stimulation
T2 – Thermal
T3 – Vibration
T4 – Shock
T5 - External Short Circuit
T6 – Impact
T7 – Overcharge
T8 – Forced Discharge

What is needed by 3E on behalf of your customer?
Please create a test certification and ensure the information in the below IATA Examples are contained in your certification.

Download IATA examples templates below.

IATA Example Lithium Ion Battery Test Summary:

I am being asked by my customer through 3E for a Test Summary conformant with UN 38.3. What if my product does not use a battery or uses a battery that is not a Lithium Metal or a Lithium Ion battery?
It is possible that a UN 38.3 test summary is not required if a battery is not used at all or the battery used is not a Lithium Metal or a Lithium Ion battery. However, it is important to complete the customer request in full. 3E will first ask if a battery is used and what type of battery is used. Depending on how the questions are answered, more questions will be required as appropriate. If a UN 38.3 test summary is required, it will be important to upload one to be in full compliance.

Regulation Resources

You can learn more about Lithium Metal and Lithium Ion Battery Regulations with the help of the following resources:

Back to 3E

Lithium Metal and Lithium Ion Battery Transport Regulations

You are here

Lithium Metal and Lithium Ion Battery Transport Regulations

Frequently Asked Questions

IATA Example Lithium Ion Battery Test Summary:

Regulation Resources