Supplier’s Test Summary for Lithium Cells in accordance with UN 38.3

Manufacturers must subject lithium batteries and lithium cells to various safety tests before they can be placed on the market. This includes the so-called UN 38.3 test. This test simulates transport conditions such as pressure, temperature, crushing, impact, etc. In the "Manual of Tests and Criteria" of the United Nations in Part III, Section 38.3, this is described with 8 test modules, which in some documents and data sheets are also referred to as T.1 to T.8 test.

From 01 January 2020, manufacturers and distributors along the entire transport chain are obliged to provide a test summary of this "38.3 test" to every natural and legal person in the supply chain. The test report must have been available since 2000, but this was never part of the logistics operation. Since January 1, 2020, this has been part of the dangerous goods regulations and part of the supply chain. The basis for this is the revision of ADR/RID/ADN 2019, sub-chapter 2.2.9.1.7 “g”, which states that "Manufacturers and distributors of cells or batteries manufactured after 30 June 2003 must provide the test summary specified in the Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, sub-section 38.3, paragraph 38.3.5".

The same requirement applies to maritime and air transport. Here too, the IMDG Code or IATA DGR stipulates that the 38.3 test must be provided by the confirmed test summary. Each client for a transport is obliged to check whether a test summary is available, this is required by law. When placing an order, each consignor must ensure that the conditions for transport are met.

In the product list available on the right as a download, we fulfil our obligation and link for you all test summaries of the battery manufacturers we use for the product. If you have any further questions, our technical advisors are at your disposal.