UN Lithium Battery Transportation Testing

Your industry, our focus

Demonstrate compliance to UN/DOT 38.3 and ensure the safety of your lithium batteries during shipping.

End-to-end testing to UN/DOT 38.3 requirements, to help you ensure the safety of your lithium ion or lithium metal batteries during shipping.

The transport of lithium batteries is subject to international regulation which can differ if the batteries are transported by air, sea or road. The UN (United Nations) issues recommendations for the transport of dangerous goods worldwide along with the United States DOT (Department of Transportation) which defines shipping regulations for the U.S. under 49 CFR, Sections 100 – 185. Together, both guidelines define test requirements for the safe packaging and shipment of lithium metal and lithium ion batteries.

Lithium batteries are classified as dangerous goods and can pose a safety risk if not tested and packaged in accordance with the transport regulations. As an internationally-recognized independent test laboratory with 60 years of product safety expertise, we help you ensure your lithium batteries are compliant to transportation regulations to be considered safe for transport.

Why Eurofins E&E North America?

Eurofins E&E can provide all of the required testing on rechargeable, non-rechargeable batteries or battery assemblies – either as standalone units or within equipment – according to the relevant transport of dangerous goods regulations detailed in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria Section 38.3, US DOT Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 C.F.R., Parts 171-180), and IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR).

Eurofins E&E is a global leader in testing and certification services for lithium batteries and your single-source laboratory for UN/DOT 38.3 battery testing and certification. Our ISO 17025 accredited Battery Lab has multiple state-of-the-art Maccor battery analyzers, seasoned battery testing engineers, and long-standing practical experience with lithium ion batteries to provide the highest level of accuracy.

Through our global network of laboratories, Eurofins E&E can help you ensure your lithium cells and batteries meet the electrical, mechanical, performance, reliability and safety compliance requirements to attain the certifications you need for faster market access. We can perform all tests according to UN/DOT 38.3 from a single location thereby saving you time and resources in bringing new products to the global market.

Our UN/DOT 38.3: Lithium Battery Transportation Testing Capabilities

UN/DOT 38.3 details testing requirements that are applicable to all lithium cells and batteries. Manufacturers of lithium batteries and products using lithium batteries must account for these testing requirements in the design, manufacture and distribution of their products.

UN 38.3 presents a combination of significant environmental, mechanical, and electrical stresses designed to assess lithium batteries’ ability to withstand the anticipated rigors incurred during transport. MET can perform all required tests according to UN/DOT 38.3 from a single location.

T1 – Altitude Simulation (Primary and Secondary Cells and Batteries)

This is low pressure testing that simulates unpressurized airplane space (cargo area) at 15,000 meter altitude. After storing batteries at 11.6kPa for >6 hours, these criteria shall be met: no mass loss, leaking, venting, disassembly, rupture or fire, and voltage within 10% of pre-test voltage.

T2 – Thermal Test (Primary and Secondary Cells and Batteries)

This test covers changes in temperature extremes from -40C to +75C. Batteries are stored for 6 hours at -40C (12 hours for large cells/batteries), then 6 hours at +75C (12 hours for large cells/batteries), for a total of 10 cycles. Testing may be performed in a single chamber or thermal shock chamber, but less than 30 minute transitions shall be used.

T3 – Vibration (Primary and Secondary Cells and Batteries)

This test simulates vibration during transportation. Test is a Sine Sweep: 7Hz – 200Hz – 7Hz in 15 Minutes; 12 Sweeps (3 hours); 3 mutually perpendicular axes.

T4 – Shock (Primary and Secondary Cells and Batteries)

This test also simulates vibration during transportation. Test is a Half-Sine pulse: 150G/6ms for small cells/batteries; 50G/11ms for large cells/batteries; 3 pulses per direction; 6 directions (+/-z, +/-x, +/-y).

T5 – External Short Circuit (Primary and Secondary Cells and Batteries)

This test simulates an external short to the terminals of the cell or battery. At temperature of +55C, apply short circuit (<0.1ohm) across terminals. Maintain at least an hour after sample temperature returns to +55 +/-2°C. Pass criteria are: Case temperature does not exceed +170°C and no disassembly, rupture, or fire within 6 hours of test. Fuse, current limiting circuit, and venting mechanism activation are allowable.

T6 – Impact (Primary and Secondary Cells)

This test is only applicable to primary and secondary cells. For cylindrical cells >20mm diameter, it simulates impact to case of cell. For cylindrical cells.

T7 – Overcharge (Secondary Batteries)

This test is for secondary or rechargeable batteries only. It simulates an overcharge condition on a rechargeable battery: 2x the manufacturer’s recommended charge current for 24 hours. Then battery shall be monitored for 7 days for fire or disassembly.