When you need to ship lithium batteries or lithium battery-containing products to global destinations by air—whether for export trade or e-commerce fulfillment—an authoritative Battery Air Transport Appraisal Report is an indispensable "pass". This report is not only a mandatory requirement of international regulations but also a key guarantee for ensuring air transport safety and mitigating risks.

What is a Battery Air Transport Appraisal Report?

A Battery Air Transport Appraisal Report is an official evaluation document issued to confirm whether lithium batteries meet air transport conditions, usually in accordance with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) and the United Nations' Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods. The report mainly consists of two parts: a summary of UN38.3 testing and a 1.2-meter drop test, proving that the batteries have passed safety tests and their packaging can withstand pressures under normal transport conditions.

Simply put, this report answers two core questions that airlines care most about: Is the battery itself safe? Is the battery packaging strong enough? Without this report, any formal air freight company will refuse to carry the lithium batteries.

Why is an Appraisal Report Mandatory for Battery Air Transport?

1. Mandatory Requirement of International Regulations

According to the regulations of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and IATA, all lithium batteries must be accompanied by a compliant appraisal report before air transport. This is a unified standard of the global air safety system, aiming to minimize the risk of fires caused by thermal runaway of lithium batteries in aircraft cargo holds.

2. Access Threshold for Airlines and Freight Forwarders

Both international courier giants such as DHL, FedEx, and UPS, as well as various airlines, will strictly verify the air transport appraisal report when accepting lithium battery shipments. The report is one of the necessary documents for booking space, customs declaration, and loading clearance. Without a valid report, the goods will be intercepted at the place of departure.

3. Lifeline of E-Commerce Logistics

For cross-border e-commerce sellers selling lithium battery products through channels such as Amazon FBA, AliExpress Premium Shipping, and independent station direct shipping, a compliant battery air transport appraisal report is the foundation for maintaining an unbroken international logistics chain. Both logistics service providers and platform warehouses will require sellers to provide this report.

4. Liability Division and Risk Control

The report clarifies the classification, packaging requirements, and restrictions of the batteries. In the event of an accident during transportation, a compliant appraisal report is an important legal basis for dividing liability and proving that the shipper has fulfilled its compliance obligations.

Core Content and Testing Requirements of the Report

A complete battery air transport appraisal report is usually based on the following core tests and evaluations:

Important Note: The report usually has a validity period (e.g., 1 year from the date of issuance) and must be issued for the actual transport packaging. When the battery model, specification, or packaging method changes, a new appraisal application is required.

Application Process for the Appraisal Report

Obtaining a compliant battery air transport appraisal report usually involves the following key steps:

Phase 1: Confirm Requirements and Prepare Samples

• Clarify product information: Provide accurate battery type (lithium-ion/lithium metal), capacity, model, quantity, etc.

• Prepare test samples: Provide sufficient battery samples and complete transport packaging samples (including inner and outer packaging) as required.

Phase 2: Laboratory Testing and Data Generation

• UN38.3 Testing: Conduct full or partial item testing in a qualified laboratory (exempt if a complete UN38.3 report is already available).

• Packaging Drop Test: Perform multi-angle free drop tests of packaged items from a height of 1.2 meters to check for damage to the packaging and batteries.

Phase 3: Document Review and Report Issuance

• Technical Document Review: Review the UN38.3 report, product specifications, packaging drawings, etc.

• Compile and Issue Report: Authorized appraisal personnel issue an official appraisal report based on test data and IATA rules.

The entire cycle usually takes 1-3 weeks, depending on the test items, sample preparation speed, and the efficiency of the institution.

How to Choose a Professional and Reliable Appraisal Institution?

Choosing a compliant and efficient appraisal institution is crucial. You can consider the following key aspects:

1. Core Qualifications and Industry Authorization

• Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) Authorization: Prioritize institutions recognized by CAAC as "Dangerous Goods Air Transport Appraisal Institutions". This is the most authoritative qualification for air transport compliance in China.

• IATA Recognition: Whether the institution is familiar with and strictly follows the latest version of IATA DGR rules, and whether its reports are widely accepted by IATA members.

• CMA/CNAS Recognition: The laboratory has China Metrology Accreditation (CMA) or China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment (CNAS) qualifications to ensure the scientificity and credibility of test data.

2. Professional Experience and Efficiency

• Battery Expertise: Choose institutions with rich cases in lithium battery transport appraisal. They can accurately understand the characteristics and risk points of various lithium battery products.

• One-Stop Service: Excellent institutions can provide end-to-end services from UN38.3 testing, packaging design guidance, drop testing to final report issuance, saving you the trouble of multi-party coordination.

• Response Speed: Provide clear commitments on processing cycles and assign dedicated project contacts to ensure smooth communication and timely response.

Our Service Advantages: Provide You with One-Stop Solutions

As a professional testing and certification institution, Guangdong Energy Storage Testing Technology Co., Ltd. has significant advantages in the field of battery air transport appraisal:

Authoritative Qualification Guarantee

Our cooperative laboratories have complete CMA/CNAS accreditations. The appraisal reports strictly follow the latest version of IATA DGR and Chinese civil aviation regulations, and are widely recognized by major airlines, freight forwarders, and courier companies.

Professional Team Support

We have an engineering team familiar with lithium battery technology and international transport regulations. They can not only efficiently complete testing and appraisal but also provide forward-looking compliance suggestions during the product design or packaging stage, helping you avoid risks from the source.

Efficient Process Management

We have optimized every link from consultation, sampling, testing to report issuance, and commit to delivering high-quality reports within the agreed cycle, fully guaranteeing your shipping plan.

Global Market Extended Services

In addition to air transport appraisal, we can also assist you in handling maritime transport appraisal reports, MSDS, and product safety certifications for major global markets (such as CE, UL, PSE, etc.), helping your products enter the world in full compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the validity period of the report? A: Usually 1 year from the date of issuance. If the validity period expires or the product/packaging changes, a new application is required.

Q: Are the appraisal requirements the same for standalone batteries and battery-containing equipment? A: Not exactly the same. IATA has different packaging and testing requirements for lithium batteries transported separately (PI965/PI968 Section IB/II) and lithium batteries installed in or packaged with equipment (PI966/PI967 Section II), which will be clearly distinguished in the appraisal report.

Q: If my battery has already undergone UN38.3 testing, is a drop test still needed? A: Determined based on actual conditions. UN38.3 testing focuses on the safety of the battery itself, while the 1.2-meter drop test verifies the protective performance of the packaging. The two have different requirements. If you have any questions, you can call us for consultation and judgment.

Conclusion

With the vigorous development of the global supply chain and cross-border e-commerce, the safe, compliant, and efficient transportation of lithium battery products has become one of the core competitiveness of enterprises. An authoritative battery air transport appraisal report is not only a "stepping stone" to meet regulatory requirements but also a reflection of corporate social responsibility and risk management capabilities.

Choosing a professional partner to ensure the transportation link is foolproof allows you to focus more on product development and market expansion.

If you have any questions about the battery air transport appraisal report or need to handle related services, please contact Guangdong Energy Storage Testing Technology Co., Ltd. immediately! Our professional team will provide you with detailed consultation and efficient solutions to ensure your lithium battery products are safely and smoothly shipped to global destinations.