--- title: "Understanding UN 38.3 Testing: A Timeline Guide for OEMs" description: Plan for UN 38.3 testing with this OEM guide to the eight required tests, sample needs, certification timelines, retesting, and shipping compliance. image: https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/un-38-3-testing-and-certification.jpg --- [![Epec Engineered Technologies](https://www.epectec.com/images/logo.png "Epec Engineered Technologies")](https://www.epectec.com/) [![Epec Engineered Technologies](https://www.epectec.com/images/logo.png "Epec Engineered Technologies")](https://www.epectec.com/) - [Articles](https://www.epectec.com/articles/) - [Blog](https://blog.epectec.com/) - [Webinars](https://www.epectec.com/webinar/) - [Videos](https://www.epectec.com/videos/) - [Case Studies](https://www.epectec.com/case-studies/) - [News & Events](https://www.epectec.com/news/) - [Customer Portal](https://system.netsuite.com/c.406760/site/NSlogin.html) - [About](https://www.epectec.com/about/overview/) - Back - [Company Overview](https://www.epectec.com/about/overview/) - 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[Register](https://secure.epecpcb.com/epec/index2.jsp) [![](https://www.epectec.com/images/InstantPCBQuote-logo.png)](https://www.epectec.com/instantpcbquote/) [Login](https://secure.epecpcb.com/epec/) [Register](https://secure.epecpcb.com/epec/index2.jsp) Register to Quote and Order Your PCBs Fast, Easy & Online, 24/7 - [Home](https://www.epectec.com/) - [Blog](https://blog.epectec.com/) - Understanding UN 38.3 Testing: A Timeline Guide for OEMs Share This Page: [LinkedIn](https://blog.epectec.com/#linkedin) [X](https://blog.epectec.com/#x) [Facebook](https://blog.epectec.com/#facebook) [Email](https://blog.epectec.com/#email) # Understanding UN 38.3 Testing: A Timeline Guide for OEMs [![Anton Beck](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog-Authors/anton-beck.jpg "Anton Beck")](https://blog.epectec.com/author/anton-beck) Written by [Anton Beck](https://blog.epectec.com/author/anton-beck) Posted on October 14, 2026 at 8:59 AM ![Anton Beck](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog-Authors/anton-beck.jpg "Anton Beck") - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [Lithium-based batteries](https://www.epectec.com/batteries/custom-lithium-battery-packs.html) offer high-energy density for devices. However, the materials within the cell are extremely unstable and reactive. Due to this issue, these batteries are considered dangerous and hazardous goods under United Nations regulations. Lithium batteries [must undergo testing](https://www.epectec.com/batteries/united-nations-testing.html) when handled and shipped from manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers. The UN 38.3 standards outline testing and certification rules for all lithium batteries as this standard is recognized globally by several nations. [![Free Ebook Download: Battery Pack Designs with Lithium-Ion Chemistries](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/707152/436a72fd-2956-49b8-89b8-fe403b5be3f5.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/707152/436a72fd-2956-49b8-89b8-fe403b5be3f5) ## About UN 38.3 Standards UN 38.3 is a mandatory certification regulation for most countries involved in the import and export of [batteries](https://www.epectec.com/batteries/) containing lithium materials. Countries abiding by this standard include the United States, Canada, Argentina, Peru, Spain, Portugal, China, Australia, Thailand, and many others. The standard applies to all modes of transportation: air, sea, and road. While these countries have adopted the UN requirement, the documentation, testing labs, and process of certification may differ between countries. For example, the test standards, packaging testing, and applicability of the battery testing are similar for both China and the United States. However, the lab accreditation, retesting frequency, certification, and documentation do differ between these two countries. There may also be regional requirements, such as China's CCC certification for specific lithium batteries that is separate from the UN 38.3 standard but incorporates many of the UN 38.3 requirements. It's always advisable to learn what the specific requirements are for any region where you may import or export devices using lithium batteries. Understanding these requirements allows you to better judge the time-to-market process for the lithium batteries and applicable devices. It also prevents unnecessary delays and a rise in unforeseen transportation costs. ![UN 38.3 testing and certification](https://blog.epectec.com/hs-fs/hubfs/blog/un-38-3-testing-and-certification.jpg?width=800&height=500&name=un-38-3-testing-and-certification.jpg) *Proper UN 38.3 testing and certification help ensure lithium battery packs meet transportation safety requirements before shipment.* ## Standard UN 38.3 Testing Requirements Lithium batteries must undergo 8 tests to reach [UN38.3 certification](https://blog.epectec.com/what-is-un38-3-testing-and-why-is-it-necessary). These tests will be performed at internationally recognized accredited labs (U.S.) or labs that are recognized by a nation's accreditation organization, such as China's National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment (CNAS). The accredited lab will take the samples and put them through simulations of real-world events, such as shocks, vibrations, thermal temperatures, and external short circuits. The UN 38.3 certification consists of 8 tests. Due to the rigorous testing of the sample batteries, they are usually destroyed or made unusable. - T1 Altitude Simulation - T2 Thermal Test - T3 Vibration Test - T4 Shock Test - T5 External Short Circuit Test - T6 Impact Test - T7 Overcharge Test - T8 Forced Discharge Test The independent laboratory will require 16 samples of rechargeable batteries to undergo testing. If the cells have not received UN38.3 certification, then 25 component cells should be included with the 16 samples when sent out for testing. Larger batteries over 12kg can have their sample numbers reduced to 8 packs depending on the laboratory's requirements. Primary non-rechargeable batteries also need to undergo testing as 8 packs and 20 uncertified component cells are required. ## UN 38.3 Certification and Renewal It usually takes 4 weeks up to 6 weeks for testing to be completed. If the samples fail testing, the manufacturer will need to redesign the batteries and resubmit. If the batteries pass certification, the certification will last for the life of the battery so long as there are no design modifications. You will receive a 10-page test report and a test summary. The report will include the applicant's name/address, the battery manufacturer's name/address, the number of samples received and the date, and the testing completion date. There will also be detailed technical information regarding the battery specifications such as voltage and rated capacity. The report will outline the testing parameters, equipment used, methods, and results. The certification and testing report only applies to the current battery design and manufacturer. If you decide to update or upgrade anything for the battery or components, then it will need to undergo certification. The certification does not pass between battery designs. In addition, if you decide to change to a different manufacturer while still keeping the same battery design, that battery needs new UN 38.3 testing for certification. You will receive a new report with the updated manufacturer information. While the process may seem redundant, it ensures that every battery pack meets safety standards so they can be safely transported by air, train, or road vehicle. ## UN 38.3 Certification Updates Several updates to the UN38.3 certification process have been rolled out. In 2025, new testing requirements were created for sodium-ion cells and batteries. There is also now reduced testing cycling, from 50% down to 25% charge-discharge cycles. For batteries inside devices, new testing rules have been implemented for battery management systems. In 2026, it has become mandatory for batteries packed with devices that will be shipped by air to have a maximum state of charge limit of 30%. Previously, this rule only applied to lithium batteries that are shipped alone. Batteries that are inside devices can still have a higher level of charge. While not yet implemented, future battery standard proposals have been introduced for gas emission testing and cell propagation testing. ## Summary UN38.3 testing applies to all primary and secondary lithium batteries. While many countries adopt this standard, each has specific requirements regarding testing and documentation. Working with a manufacturer that understands UN38.3 certification allows you to better adhere to the testing requirements for a smooth certification process. --- ## Key Takeaways - **UN 38.3 certification is mandatory for shipping lithium batteries worldwide.** Understanding the certification requirements early helps prevent shipping delays, compliance issues, and unexpected costs when bringing products to market. - **Every battery design must successfully complete eight transportation safety tests.** These tests simulate real-world conditions such as vibration, shock, thermal exposure, short circuits, overcharging, and forced discharge to verify safe transportation. - **Any design or manufacturing change requires new certification.** Modifying the battery design, components, or even changing manufacturers invalidates the previous certification and requires the battery to be retested. - **Certification should be built into your development timeline.** Testing typically takes 4 to 6 weeks, and failed tests can require redesigns and resubmission, making early planning essential to staying on schedule. - **UN 38.3 requirements continue to evolve.** Recent updates include new requirements for sodium-ion batteries, revised testing procedures, and stricter air shipment state-of-charge limits, making it important to stay current with changing regulations. - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Topics: [Battery Packs](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/battery-packs) --- Next | [All posts](https://blog.epectec.com/all) | [Previous](https://blog.epectec.com/why-130c-and-150c-tg-fr4-laminates-are-becoming-harder-to-find) [![New Call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/707152/c0752b9b-6c31-42d7-8b25-4b0ca6cc72c5.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/707152/c0752b9b-6c31-42d7-8b25-4b0ca6cc72c5) ## Leave a Comment --- ## Related Posts --- ### Recent Posts --- ### Posts by Topic - [Printed Circuit Boards (162)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/printed-circuit-boards) - [Product Design (138)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/product-design) - [Battery Packs (121)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/battery-packs) - [Cable Assemblies (102)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/cable-assemblies) - [Flex & Rigid-Flex PCB's (95)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/flex-rigid-flex-pcbs) - [Electronics Industry (61)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/electronics-industry) - [User Interfaces (55)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/user-interfaces) - [Quality Solutions (33)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/quality-solutions) - [Flexible Heaters (30)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/flexible-heaters) - [Events, Training, and Support (9)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/events-training-and-support) - [RF Products (7)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/rf-products) - [CNC Machining (3)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/cnc-machining) - [Fans & Motors (1)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/fans-motors) See All --- --- ### Need Help with A Project? 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