UN38.3 8th edition significant changes
The 11th 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 7th revised edition of the Manual of Tests and Criteria (including Amendment 1), and released the 8th revised edition of the Manual of Tests and Criteria on November 27, 2023.
What is UN38.3 certification?
UN38.3 refers to Part 3, Section 38 of the United Nations Manual of Tests and Standards for the Transport of Dangerous Goods, specifically designed for the transportation of dangerous goods Before transporting lithium batteries, it is required to undergo high simulation, high and low temperature cycling, vibration test, impact test, 55 ℃ external short circuit, 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 device, it must also pass a 1.2-meter free fall test.
The commonly referred to UN38.3 certification actually refers to the issuance of aviation safety appraisal certificates by 13 certification companies authorized by the Civil Aviation Administration of China for lithium batteries that have undergone UN38.3 clause testing reports. Therefore, UN38.3 certification usually includes: UN38.3 report and aviation safety appraisal certificate.
New version changes:
In Chapter 38.3, the main changes in the new version are as follows:
1. Add testing clauses for sodium ion batteries;
2. Modified the testing requirements for integrated battery packs:
For integrated battery packs without overcharge protection, if their design is only intended for use as components of other batteries, devices, or vehicles that provide overcharge protection:
-Need to verify overcharge protection in other batteries, devices, or vehicles;
-A charging system without overcharge protection needs to be controlled by a physical system or program to prevent its use.
Test differences:
Comparison of testing differences between sodium ion batteries and lithium-ion batteries:
Sodium ion batteries do not require T.8 forced discharge test;
For sodium ion cells or sodium ion single cell batteries, during the T.6 compression/impact test, the cells are in a fully charged state.
Sample submission requirements:
Sample requirements for sodium battery UN38.3 testing standard:
· Single cell: 20 pieces
· Single cell battery: 18 batteries, 10 cells
· Small battery pack (≤ 12Kg): 16 batteries, 10 cells
· Large battery pack (>12Kg): 8 batteries, 10 cells
Revised content
1. Requirements changes for UN38.3 test summary of button battery cells
According to the newly revised 3.9.2.6.1, the requirement to provide a testing summary when installing button type battery cells in equipment for shipment has been cancelled.
2. UN3171 adds special clause A154
A154: It is prohibited to transport lithium-ion cells or batteries and lithium metal cells or batteries that have been determined to have safety defects and may cause dangerous thermal runaway, fire, or short circuits (such as battery cells or batteries recalled by the manufacturer due to safety reasons or cannot be determined to be defective before transportation)
New requirements for packaging of PI 965 IB and PI 968 IB
The packaging instructions PI 965 IB and PI 968 IB have been revised to include a 3m stacking test requirement.
4. New requirements for packaging of PI966 II, PI967 II, PI969 II, and PI970 II
Amend clause II to stipulate that when packaging is placed in Overpack, the packaging must be secured in Overpack and the expected functionality of each packaging must not be compromised by Overpack, consistent with the general requirements of 5.0.1.5.
5. Changes in lithium battery operation labels
Modify the lithium battery operation label and remove the requirement to display the phone number on the label. The transition period is until December 31, 2026, during which the existing lithium battery operation labels can continue to be used.
