With the acceleration of global energy transition, sodium-ion batteries—representing the next generation of energy storage technology—are rapidly moving from laboratories to large-scale production and the global market, thanks to advantages such as abundant raw materials, low cost, and high safety. Whether used in energy storage systems, low-speed electric vehicles, or as alternatives to lithium batteries in some consumer electronics sectors, the export and transportation of sodium-ion battery products have become industry focal points.

In this process, a question equally critical to lithium batteries has emerged: Do sodium-ion batteries require UN38.3 certification? How to achieve safe and compliant global transportation? The answer is clear and definitive. Despite differing chemical systems, as dangerous goods containing sodium (an alkali metal), sodium-ion batteries must undergo equally rigorous safety assessments to obtain the "passport" for international transportation.

Why Sodium-Ion Batteries Require UN38.3 Certification

Similar to lithium-ion batteries, rechargeable sodium-ion batteries are classified as Class 9 dangerous goods under the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, as well as regulations from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and International Maritime Organization (IMO). The core reason is that sodium-ion batteries still carry the risk of thermal runaway under extreme conditions (e.g., short circuit, crush, overcharge), which may trigger safety incidents such as smoking or fire, endangering transportation safety.

Therefore, the UN38.3 test report is not an option but a mandatory access document in the international supply chain for sodium-ion batteries:

1. Regulatory Mandate: IATA’s Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) and IMO’s International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code explicitly require that all rechargeable secondary batteries (including sodium-ion batteries) must be accompanied by a Test Summary proving compliance with UN38.3 before air or sea shipment.
2. Global Logistics Pass: Major airlines, shipping companies, and courier carriers (e.g., DHL, FedEx) will mandatorily inspect UN38.3 reports when accepting shipments. Without a compliant report, goods cannot be booked, declared, or shipped.
3. Cornerstone of Market Access & Brand Credibility: Whether entering overseas large supermarkets, cooperating with international brand clients, or selling on cross-border e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, the UN38.3 report is a fundamental document to prove product safety and the first step to building market trust.

Sodium-Ion Battery UN38.3 Test Details: Similarities & Differences with Lithium-Ion Batteries

The core of the UN38.3 standard is to evaluate battery safety under simulated transportation conditions. The test framework for sodium-ion batteries aligns with lithium-ion batteries, requiring passing 8 rigorous tests. However, specific test details and failure criteria require professional evaluation based on the chemical and physical characteristics of sodium-ion batteries:

Pass Criteria

During and after all tests, samples must not catch fire, explode, or leak visible electrolyte. Additionally, the open-circuit voltage must not drop below 90% of the initial pre-test voltage.

It is worth noting that due to differences in operating voltage, energy density, and material systems between sodium-ion and lithium-ion batteries, professional testing institutions must scientifically set test parameters (e.g., short-circuit resistance, overcharge multiplier) based on sodium-ion battery characteristics to ensure assessments comply with both standard requirements and actual product performance.

Complete Compliance Path for Sodium-Ion Battery Transportation

Obtaining a UN38.3 test report is the first step. Full international transportation compliance requires integrating the following key steps:

1. UN38.3 Test Report & Summary: Issued by a qualified laboratory; the test summary is a mandatory document for accompanying shipments.
2. Transportation Assessment Report: With the UN38.3 report, conduct 1.2-meter drop tests on designated product packaging and obtain a Transportation Condition Assessment Report to prove packaging compliance.
3. MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet): Compile a GHS-compliant MSDS detailing the chemical composition, hazard characteristics, and emergency response measures of sodium-ion batteries.
4. Compliant Packaging & Labeling: Use UN-standard packaging boxes, and clearly affix Class 9 dangerous goods labels, lithium battery labels (currently adopted due to lack of specific regulatory classifications for sodium-ion batteries), and handling labels.

Why Choose a Professional Institution for Sodium-Ion Battery UN38.3 Certification?

As an emerging technology, sodium-ion battery certification faces unique challenges, placing higher demands on the professionalism of testing institutions:

1. Standard Interpretation & Parameter Setting Capability: Institutions must deeply understand the principles of the UN38.3 standard and scientifically set test conditions based on sodium-ion battery characteristics (e.g., different voltage windows, chemical reactivity) to avoid misjudgment caused by inappropriate parameters.
2. Risk Assessment & Failure Analysis Experience: Professional engineers should be able to predict unique risks during testing (e.g., distinctive gas generation behavior) and provide in-depth failure analysis after testing to support product safety improvements.
3. End-to-End Compliance Services: Excellent partners can not only complete testing but also guide enterprises through the entire compliance process—from product design and packaging selection to document preparation—effectively addressing logistics and customs inspections.
4. Qualification Coverage Capability: Only the latest version of UN38.3 covers sodium-ion battery categories. When selecting testing institutions, their qualification to conduct sodium-ion battery assessments must be carefully verified.

Our Professional Services: Supporting the Safe Takeoff of the Sodium-Ion Battery Industry

As a professional battery testing and certification institution, Guangdong Energy Storage Testing Technology Co., Ltd. keeps pace with technological frontiers and has established a comprehensive sodium-ion battery safety assessment capability:

• Forward-Looking Technical Reserves: Our engineering team has conducted in-depth research on sodium-ion battery technology routes, familiar with their material systems and safety boundaries, and can provide accurate pre-evaluation and compliance solutions for your products.
• Professional Testing & Certification Services: In accordance with the UN38.3 standard and combined with sodium-ion battery characteristics, we offer one-stop services from customized test program design and safety test execution to the issuance of authoritative reports, ensuring a scientific, efficient, and reliable certification process.
• Full-Process Transportation Compliance Support: We provide a complete compliance package covering UN38.3 reports, transportation assessments, MSDS compilation, and packaging guidance, ensuring your sodium-ion battery products smoothly reach global markets.

The global wave of sodium-ion battery industrialization has arrived. Early deployment of authoritative and professional safety certification is not only a regulatory requirement but also a strategic investment to demonstrate enterprise technical strength and win the trust of global customers.

If your sodium-ion battery products require UN38.3 certification or you have any questions about international transportation compliance, please feel free to contact Guangdong Energy Storage Testing Technology Co., Ltd. Let us use our professional capabilities to escort the safe export of your new energy products and jointly usher in a new era of energy storage.