When the first sodium-ion battery sample rolled off the production line, the entire team was filled with visions of the new energy future. However, when we submitted the samples and specifications to several familiar testing institutions to apply for the UN38.3 report—an essential document for air transport—the responses were confusing:“Sodium-ion batteries? We currently do not have the testing qualification for this product.”Or,“We can give it a try, but interpreting and judging the test results may require additional time for internal evaluation.”

For our factory, which has bet on the new track of sodium-ion batteries, this was undoubtedly an unexpected compliance barrier. We knew that the UN38.3 test serves as the birth certificate and air transport passport for products entering the global market. Yet, when there were barely any “officially recognized ports” on this new route, even the first step of exporting became an arduous journey.

01 Key Threshold for a New Product: Finding an “Officially Certified” Partner with Compliant Qualifications

As practitioners in the battery industry, we are well aware of the authority of UN38.3 (Section 38.3 of the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, Manual of Tests and Criteria). It is a globally recognized mandatory testing standard to ensure the safety of rechargeable batteries (including lithium-ion batteries and other metal batteries added later) during transportation.

However, for sodium-ion batteries—a new member formally included in the standard scope only in ST/SG/AC.10/11/Rev.8 (8th Revised Edition)—the situation has become complicated. The release and implementation of this edition have established the testing requirements for sodium-ion batteries at the regulatory level, but they also set clear access thresholds for the qualifications and capabilities of testing institutions.

Our core dilemma became very specific:

Difficulty in Qualification Verification

Several institutions we contacted either had not updated their CNAS (China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment) accreditation scope to include sodium-ion battery testing capabilities based on the 8th Revised Edition, or were ambiguous and unable to provide clear confirmation of qualification documents. Our most basic demand—finding an officially recognized, verifiable authoritative testing provider—turned out to be the first major hurdle.

Need for Process Transparency

As a brand-new certification project, we were deeply concerned about falling into a “black-box” process. After submitting samples, how would the testing be conducted? If abnormal data appeared, would the laboratory interpret it strictly in accordance with the new standard, or make overly cautious or erroneous judgments due to lack of experience? We needed a partner that could provide clear communication and standard interpretation throughout the process.

Efficiency and Certainty

The market window for new products is extremely valuable. We could not afford lengthy delays caused by unclear laboratory qualifications or repeated process adjustments. We needed a reliable service that could start quickly, execute professionally, and deliver clear compliance conclusions.

02 Key to Breaking the Deadlock: Authoritative Qualifications & Definitive Services

A turning point came when we contacted Guangdong Energy Storage Testing Technology Co., Ltd. Instead of overstating their experience, they clearly presented two key facts that directly addressed our core concerns:

Fact 1: Presentation of Clear Qualification Certificates

They proactively provided detailed information on their CNAS accreditation certificate and annex, which explicitly listed their testing capability scope in accordance with standards such as ST/SG/AC.10/11/Rev.8, confirming their official qualification to conduct UN38.3 testing for “sodium-ion batteries”. Additionally, they demonstrated extensive accreditation capabilities in the field of energy storage battery safety, such as qualifications for standards like UL 1973 (covering stationary energy storage battery systems). This indicated their in-depth understanding of the battery safety testing system, rather than being just a test executor. This gave us our first “peace of mind”—we had found a compliant “officially certified port”.

Fact 2: Provision of a Structured Project Service Process

Energy Storage Testing designed a clear, transparent service plan for us:

1. Pre-Testing Technical SeminarBefore sample submission, they organized a special meeting with engineers from both parties. They focused on interpreting the specific requirements and precautions for sodium-ion batteries in the new standard, helped us pre-review technical documents, and ensured that the submitted samples and materials met testing requirements, avoiding process delays caused by document issues.

2. Dedicated Project Manager Responsibility SystemA fixed project manager was assigned as our sole point of contact, responsible for coordinating laboratory resources, tracking testing progress, and providing regular updates. We were informed of any changes in testing status in real time, completely eliminating the anxiety of being “out of touch”.

3. Transparent Process UpdatesThrough their online client system, we could track macro progress milestones of the testing (e.g., “Samples Received”, “Testing in Progress”, “Report Compilation”). While specific technical data was not disclosed, this visual status tracking allowed us to have a clear grasp of the entire project timeline.

4. Standardized Reports & Official DocumentsAfter testing completion, we not only received a detailed bilingual (Chinese-English) UN38.3 test report issued in strict accordance with the 8th Revised Edition requirements, but also an official conformity statement issued by the laboratory—with standardized formatting and complete signatures/seals, fully meeting the review requirements of carriers and regulatory authorities.

03 Gaining More Than a Certificate: An Efficient Compliance Experience

The value of this cooperation extended far beyond a test report:

• Zero-Risk Project Initiation: Eliminated the significant risk of invalid reports or non-recognition by carriers due to the testing institution’s lack of proper qualifications from the very beginning.
• Efficient Process Experience: The structured service made internal coordination and management highly efficient. Clear processes and regular communication allowed us to focus more on the product itself and market promotion, rather than spending time tracking and following up.
• Building Trust for Long-Term Cooperation: The professionalism, standardization, and customer-centric service attitude demonstrated by Energy Storage Testing convinced us that they are a partner we can entrust for the long term. For an emerging industry, finding a compliant partner with reliable processes and responsive service is in itself a strategic resource.
• Enhanced Market Confidence: When we presented the UN38.3 report issued by an authoritative, duly qualified laboratory to potential customers and logistics partners, it greatly boosted their confidence in our product quality and management standardization, providing solid endorsement for commercial negotiations.

04 Why Energy Storage Testing? Definitive Services Create Core Value

In the emerging field of sodium-ion batteries, where all players are essentially on the same starting line in terms of technical experience, Energy Storage Testing stands out with the following advantages:

1. Qualification First, Compliance Guaranteed: They sensitively tracked standard and regulatory updates, and took the lead in upgrading their laboratory qualifications, providing customers with the most critical “certainty” and “compliance assurance”.
2. Process-Driven, Excellent Experience: They transformed the complex testing and certification process into a clear, controllable project management workflow. Through professional services and transparent communication, they significantly reduced customers’ uncertainty and time costs.
3. Systematic Knowledge, Holistic Perspective: They understand products from a more systematic safety engineering perspective and provide more forward-looking services, rather than just performing isolated individual tests.

05 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What specific qualifications does a testing institution need to conduct UN38.3 testing for sodium-ion batteries?

A: If you have professional concerns about UN38.3 reports for sodium-ion batteries, it is recommended to choose an institution accredited by CNAS or other accreditation bodies for sodium-ion battery testing in accordance with the 8th Revised Edition of the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, Manual of Tests and Criteria (ST/SG/AC.10/11/Rev.8). When selecting an institution, be sure to check the detailed scope of its CNAS accreditation certificate and annex to confirm that “sodium-ion batteries” and the corresponding standard version are explicitly listed. This is the foundation for the report to have international credibility.

Q: As a sodium-ion battery factory, what should we prioritize when choosing a UN38.3 testing institution?

A: First and foremost, confirm its official accreditation qualifications. Second, check if its service process is clear and transparent, and whether it can provide clear timelines and proactive progress updates. Finally, you can learn about its overall capabilities in energy storage or power battery testing—this often indicates that its team has a more systematic understanding of battery safety, leading to smoother communication.

Q: Is the UN38.3 report applicable to all modes of transportation?

A: Yes. The UN38.3 test report is a universal safety compliance document for the international transportation of batteries by air, sea, railway, and road. It is a fundamental mandatory document required by various transportation organizations (e.g., IATA - International Air Transport Association, IMO - International Maritime Organization). Obtaining this report is a prerequisite for any form of commercial transportation.

Q: If the battery design is improved in the future, is re-testing required?

A: It depends on the nature of the changes. If design, material, or process changes may affect battery safety performance (e.g., changing key material suppliers, adjusting core designs, modifying BMS protection parameters), full or partial UN38.3 re-testing is usually required to prove that the modified product remains safe. It is recommended to consult the testing institution for an assessment before implementing any major changes.

For us navigating the new blue ocean of sodium-ion batteries, the success of this first compliance journey lies not only in obtaining a passport to the global market, but also in finding a clear, reliable, and efficient route. Our cooperation with Guangdong Energy Storage Testing Technology Co., Ltd. has convinced us that when facing compliance challenges in emerging industries, a partner with authoritative qualifications, rigorous processes, and a customer-centric perspective is the most trustworthy helmsman to ensure products smoothly sail to the global market.