As demand for outdoor activities and emergency backup power surges, portable energy storage power supplies—reliable independent energy solutions—have demonstrated tremendous potential in global markets. However, lithium batteries, their core component, pose certain safety risks during transportation. UN38.3 certification, an internationally mandatory requirement for ensuring the safe transport of portable energy storage power supplies, serves as the primary pass for products to enter global markets.

What Is UN38.3 Certification? Why Is It Critical?

UN38.3 certification is a mandatory safety standard for lithium battery transportation specified in the United Nations’ Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods – Manual of Tests and Criteria. It aims to ensure lithium batteries can withstand various harsh conditions during transportation without causing safety accidents.

For portable energy storage power supplies, the importance of UN38.3 certification is reflected in three key aspects:

1. Mandatory Requirement for Air Transport

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations, all products containing lithium batteries must obtain UN38.3 certification before air transport. Without this certification, portable energy storage power supplies cannot be exported by air, severely impacting product launch speed and market reach.

2. Basic Threshold for Market Access

Whether entering North American, European, or Asian markets, UN38.3 certification is a fundamental compliance requirement for portable energy storage power supplies. An increasing number of e-commerce platforms, distributors, and retailers also regard UN38.3 certification as a prerequisite for cooperation.

3. Key Guarantee for Product Safety

Through a series of rigorous tests simulating extreme conditions during transportation, UN38.3 certification verifies battery safety and reliability. This not only meets regulatory requirements but also demonstrates responsibility for product quality and brand reputation.

Detailed UN38.3 Certification Test Items

UN38.3 certification includes 8 stringent tests to comprehensively evaluate lithium battery safety under various extreme conditions:

T.1 Altitude Simulation Test

Store the battery at a pressure ≤11.6kPa and temperature 20±5℃ for over 6 hours to assess stability in low-pressure environments.

T.2 Thermal Test

Conduct high-low temperature shock tests at 72±2℃ and -40±2℃ to verify the battery’s tolerance to drastic temperature changes.

T.3 Vibration Test

Simulate transportation vibration: complete a reciprocating logarithmic sweep sine vibration from 7Hz to 200Hz within 15 minutes, and perform 12 vibrations in three dimensions within 3 hours.

T.4 Shock Test

Evaluate impact resistance using a 150g/6ms or 50g/11ms half-sine shock; conduct 3 tests per installation direction, totaling 18 tests.

T.5 External Short Circuit Test

Short-circuit the battery at 55±2℃ with an external resistance <0.1Ω to verify safety protection capabilities under short-circuit conditions.

T.6 Impact/Crush Test

Drop a 9.1kg weight from 61±2.5cm onto the battery placed on a 15.8mm round bar; measure the battery surface temperature to assess safety under mechanical impact.

T.7 Overcharge Test

Overcharge the battery for 24 hours at 2 times the maximum continuous charging current and 2 times the maximum charging voltage to test overcharge tolerance.

T.8 Forced Discharge Test

Connect the battery in series with a 12V DC power supply and perform forced discharge at the maximum discharge current to evaluate safety under forced discharge conditions.

Qualification Criteria:

• No disintegration or fire during tests T.1 to T.6.
• No toxic, flammable, or corrosive substances leakage during tests T.1, T.2, and T.5.

UN38.3 Certification Application Process

The application process for UN38.3 certification of portable energy storage power supplies typically includes the following steps:

1. Pre-Consultation & Requirement Confirmation: Communicate with the certification body to clarify test needs and standards, and prepare relevant technical documents.
2. Sample Submission: Provide portable energy storage power supply samples that are consistent with the products to be sold.
3. Document Preparation:
   • Product specifications (including key parameters such as capacity, charging voltage, and cell type).
   • Internal and external packaging photos.
   • UN38.3 certification application form.
4. Laboratory Testing: The certification body conducts a full set of UN38.3 standard tests, with a typical cycle of approximately 15 working days.
5. Report Issuance: Upon passing the tests, the certification body issues the UN38.3 test report and summary for transport verification and market access.

Packaging Requirements for Portable Energy Storage Power Supplies

After obtaining UN38.3 certification, portable energy storage power supplies must meet specific packaging requirements during transportation:

• Unless installed in equipment, batteries must be individually packaged to prevent short circuits and placed in sturdy outer packaging.
• Each package must be labeled to indicate the presence of lithium batteries and special measures to take if the package is damaged.
• Each package must withstand a 1.2m drop test in any orientation without damage.
• The gross weight of each package generally shall not exceed 30kg.

Our Service Advantages

With multiple authoritative qualifications (CNAS, CMA, CBTL, UL), Guangdong Energy Storage Testing Technology Co., Ltd. provides professional and efficient UN38.3 certification solutions for portable energy storage power supply enterprises:

1. One-Stop Certification Service

We offer end-to-end services from testing to certification, covering UN38.3 certification needs for both the whole portable energy storage power supply and battery packs—helping enterprises efficiently obtain transport permits.

2. Professional Technical Team

Our engineers are well-versed in the technical characteristics of portable energy storage power supplies and UN38.3 certification requirements. They provide accurate pre-test evaluations and problem-solving solutions to ensure a smooth and efficient certification process.

3. Globally Recognized Qualifications

We hold the CB Testing Laboratory (CBTL) qualification. The test reports and certificates we issue are recognized in more than 50 countries and regions worldwide, helping your products successfully enter global markets.

4. Rapid Response Mechanism

We commit to responding to customer inquiries promptly, providing targeted solutions and recommendations to significantly shorten the certification cycle.

UN38.3 certification is the cornerstone of safe transportation for portable energy storage power supplies and the first step for enterprises to explore global markets. Faced with increasingly strict international transport requirements, choosing an experienced certification partner not only ensures compliant product transportation but also reflects the enterprise’s social responsibility and brand commitment.

If you have any questions about UN38.3 certification for portable energy storage power supplies or need related services, please feel free to contact Guangdong Energy Storage Testing Technology Co., Ltd.! Our professional team will provide you with detailed technical consulting and personalized certification solutions to safeguard your products’ smooth entry into the global market.