Abstract: From the end of each year to the beginning of the next, it is a critical period for battery manufacturers to update their air/sea transport identification reports. This article aims to clarify a core concept: what needs to be "updated" is not the UN38.3 test itself, but the derived Transport Identification Report. We will explain the differences between the two, the necessity of annual updates, and the streamlined application process for you.

I. Core Concept Clarification: UN38.3 Test vs. Transport Identification Report

Before proceeding, we must clarify a crucial concept:

UN38.3 Test (No "Update" Requirement)

UN38.3 is a testing standard for the safe transport of lithium batteries, specified in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria for dangerous goods transport. It has no concept of "validity period" or "annual review". Once your battery model successfully passes the test and obtains a qualified UN38.3 test report, the report is theoretically valid indefinitely—provided there are no changes to the battery’s design, specifications, or materials.

Note: The standard itself may have version updates (e.g., from Rev.5 to Rev.6), but this is a revision of the standard, not an "update" to an already issued report.

Transport Identification Report (Requires Annual "Update")

The Cargo Transport Condition Identification Certificate (commonly known as the air/sea transport identification report)—issued by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) and its authorized professional testing institutions, based on a valid UN38.3 test report—is the key document ensuring your battery products can be transported internationally legally and compliantly. This identification report has a clear validity period of one year. Therefore, what most battery manufacturers need to handle at the end of each year is the "update" or "re-application" of this identification report.

II. Why Is Annual Update of Transport Identification Reports Mandatory?

Even if your battery model remains unchanged and the UN38.3 test report is still valid, updating the Transport Identification Report is still mandatory. The main reasons are as follows:

1. Regulatory MandateAccording to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) IMDG Code, identification reports used for transport must ensure timeliness, with a validity period typically not exceeding one year. Expired reports will result in your goods being rejected by airlines or shipping companies.

2. Mitigating Transport RisksA valid identification report is the latest proof of your product’s safety. Using an expired report, if problems occur during transport, liability cannot be clarified, potentially leading to huge claims and legal disputes.

3. Ensuring Supply Chain SmoothnessThe Spring Festival is approaching, and logistics peaks are on the way. Updating the identification report in advance can avoid significant economic losses caused by shipment delays or cargo detention due to document issues, ensuring your trade process runs smoothly.

III. How to Efficiently Handle Annual Updates? (Streamlined Process)

For enterprises with no changes to battery design, the annual update process has been significantly streamlined:

1. Submit Application and DocumentsContact a testing institution (e.g., Guangdong Energy Storage Testing) and provide the expiring old Transport Identification Report and a valid UN38.3 test report.

2. Information Verification and ReviewThe institution’s engineers will verify the consistency of product information and confirm that there are no changes to the battery model, specifications, etc.

3. Issue New ReportAfter successful review, the testing institution will issue a new Cargo Transport Condition Identification Certificate with a one-year validity period.

The entire process does not require re-conducting the UN38.3 test and has a very short processing cycle, usually completed within just a few working days.

IV. When Is Re-Conducting UN38.3 Test Necessary?

Please note that in the following cases, you cannot simply update the report and must re-conduct the complete UN38.3 test for the new model:

• The battery’s cell chemical system changes.
• The battery’s rated capacity or voltage changes significantly.
• Major changes occur to the battery’s structure, design, or raw materials.

If you are unsure whether a change affects certification, it is recommended to consult our professional engineers for evaluation as soon as possible.

Conclusion: Take Action Now to Ensure Your Batteries "Pass Unimpeded"

The year-end is approaching, and time is pressing. Ensuring your Transport Identification Report remains valid is the lifeline for supporting year-end sales pushes and smooth shipments in the coming spring.

As an authoritative battery testing and certification institution, Guangdong Energy Storage Testing Technology Co., Ltd. understands the importance of transport timeliness for enterprises. We have launched a "Quick Annual Identification Report Update Service" specifically for old customers, aiming to complete document updates for you with maximum efficiency, leaving you with no worries.

Please immediately check the expiration date of your report and contact us to handle the update! We will provide you with the most professional and efficient service experience.