IATA 2026 Update: New Packaging Requirements for Lithium Batteries
May 24, 2026The latest IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations introduce stricter overpack requirements. Ensure your battery shipments meet the updated rules before sending to China.
UN38.3 & MSDS for Batteries China – Lithium Battery Safety Testing & Transport Compliance
Ensure your lithium ion and lithium metal batteries pass UN38.3 safety testing and are accompanied by compliant Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for air, sea, and road transport in China. Our remote team manages the entire battery transport compliance process, from lab testing to full documentation.
📋 Request Free UN38.3 & MSDS ConsultationWhat Is UN38.3 & MSDS for Batteries?
UN38.3 refers to Section 38.3 of the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, the mandatory safety standard that all lithium batteries must meet before they can be transported by air, sea, or land. The testing covers altitude simulation, thermal cycling, vibration, shock, external short circuit, impact, overcharge, and forced discharge. A UN38.3 test report is a prerequisite for any lithium battery shipment, and in China, both the report and a compliant MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) are required by airlines, shipping lines, and customs authorities.
Our UN38.3 & MSDS service guides foreign battery manufacturers and equipment makers through the entire China battery transport compliance journey. We coordinate testing at CNAS-accredited labs, author professional MSDS documents according to GB/T 16483 standards, and ensure your shipments meet both IATA/IMDG and Chinese domestic regulations — all without requiring a local office.
Our UN38.3 & MSDS Process
1. Battery Classification & Test Scope
We identify your battery type (lithium ion or lithium metal), cell/ pack configuration, and watt-hour rating to define the exact UN38.3 test items required and any additional Chinese standard overlaps like GB 31241.
2. Laboratory Testing
Samples undergo the eight UN38.3 tests at a CNAS-accredited lab. We track testing progress, handle any deviations, and deliver the UN38.3 test report promptly.
3. MSDS Authoring & Transport Documents
Our chemical safety experts prepare a fully compliant MSDS for lithium batteries in Chinese, along with transport condition identification reports and packaging instructions required for air/sea freight.
4. Report Delivery & Renewal Support
Once completed, you receive the full documentation package. UN38.3 reports generally need updating when battery design changes; we also support periodic MSDS revisions to match the latest regulatory updates.
Products That Require UN38.3 & MSDS
Any lithium battery or equipment containing lithium batteries that is shipped into or out of China must comply with UN38.3 transport testing and provide a valid MSDS. Common examples include:
- Lithium Ion Batteries: rechargeable packs for power tools, e-bikes, laptops, medical devices, and energy storage systems
- Lithium Metal Batteries: primary coin cells, button cells, and non-rechargeable industrial batteries
- Battery-Powered Devices: phones, tablets, Bluetooth earphones, drones, robots, and IoT sensors
- Electric Vehicle Batteries: EV traction batteries (may also require GB 38031 additional testing)
- Portable Power Banks: USB power banks and portable charging stations — strictly regulated by Chinese authorities
If your product uses a pre-certified battery module, the UN38.3 report for that module can often be reused, but a new MSDS may still be required for the end product. Contact us with your battery specifications for a free compliance assessment.
Documents Required for UN38.3 & MSDS
To initiate UN38.3 testing and MSDS authoring, foreign manufacturers need to provide the following (we assist with translation and document preparation):
- Battery or cell specification sheet (chemistry, capacity, watt-hour rating)
- Manufacturer business license and quality management system certificate (ISO 9001)
- Existing UN38.3 test data if available (for extension or family testing)
- Product photos showing battery markings and safety labels
- Application form completed by our team
- Letter of authorization for TEK China to act as testing agent
UN38.3 & MSDS Timeline & Cost
The typical UN38.3 testing process takes 3 to 6 weeks from sample submission to report issuance, depending on the number of battery samples and lab scheduling. MSDS authoring can be completed in about 1 week once battery specifications are finalized.
Cost factors include the number of battery models, whether cells or full packs are tested, and the complexity of the MSDS. We provide a fixed-price proposal after evaluating your battery — no surprises.
📋 Get your personalized UN38.3 & MSDS quote: Contact us with your battery details and receive a detailed fee breakdown within 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions About UN38.3 & MSDS
What is UN38.3 and is it mandatory for all lithium batteries?
UN38.3 is a mandatory safety testing standard for all lithium batteries transported internationally. Any lithium cell or battery shipped by air, sea, or land must have a valid UN38.3 test report. Without it, carriers will refuse to accept the shipment.
How long does UN38.3 testing take and what is the validity?
Testing usually takes 3 to 6 weeks. A UN38.3 report itself does not have a fixed expiry date, but major airlines and shipping lines typically require that the report be issued within the last 12 months, or that the battery design remain unchanged. A new report is needed if the battery design is modified.
Do I need an MSDS for lithium batteries in China?
Yes, a Chinese-language MSDS prepared according to GB/T 16483 is required by Chinese customs and carriers. Even if you have an international MSDS, it must be adapted to Chinese regulations. TEK China can author the MSDS directly.
Can I use an existing UN38.3 report from an overseas lab?
Chinese customs may accept a UN38.3 report from an overseas lab if it is issued by an ILAC-accredited laboratory. However, many Chinese airlines and freight forwarders prefer a report from a domestic CNAS-accredited lab. We can review your existing report and advise on acceptance.
Does a product containing a battery need separate UN38.3 testing?
If the battery itself already has a valid UN38.3 report, the product may not need separate testing, but the end device may require a transport condition identification report. We can determine the exact documentation your product needs.
Latest Battery Transport Compliance Updates
China's Updated MSDS Standard GB/T 16483-2026 Now in Effect
April 20, 2026A revised national standard for Safety Data Sheets has been published. Foreign manufacturers shipping batteries to China must update their MSDS to the new 16-section format.
Top Reasons UN38.3 Tests Fail and How to Avoid Them
March 12, 2026Overcharge and forced discharge test failures are common when battery protection circuits are not properly designed. Follow our pre-testing checklist to pass first time.
Contact Us
Get in touch with our team for inquiries, quotes, or more information about UN38.3 and MSDS for batteries
Get In Touch
Have questions about UN38.3 testing, MSDS authoring, or lithium battery transport regulations in China? Our experts are here to help with any inquiries about battery safety compliance, shipping documentation, or custom solutions for your battery products.
- +86 130 5270 9126
- info@tekzenvo.com
- 5-Fa Zhan Building,No.9 Office Area,Kai Fa Qu,Dalian ,Liaoning, China
- Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (GMT+8)