In addition to UN38.3, what documents do you need to provide for air transportation or sea transportation of lithium battery products?
Other documents include MSDS, 1.2m drop test report (required when lithium batteries are transported separately) and the Cargo Air Transport Qualification Classification Report
Please note that having UN38.3 test reports and MSDS reports is a requirement before applying for identification and classification reports for air/sea transport of cargo.

What is the difference between UN38.3 and MSDS?

UN38.3 is a safety test standard involving lithium batteries or cells. UN38.3 is Part 38.3 of the United Nations Manual of Dangerous Goods Transport Tests and Criteria, which requires lithium batteries/cells to undergo high-altitude simulation tests, high-low temperature cycle tests, vibration tests, impact tests, external short circuit tests, collision tests, overcharge tests and forced discharge tests before transportation to ensure the safety of lithium batteries/cells in air/land/sea transportation.

MSDS(Material Safety Data Sheet) is a technical specification for chemical safety. It is a document used by chemical manufacturers and importers to clarify the physical and chemical properties of a certain chemical, including factors such as pH value, flash point, flammability, and reactivity., As well as potential harm to the user’s health (causing cancer or physical deformity).

Because different product models have different substance contents, different harmful elements, and cause different damage, each product model requires a separate MSDS. Chemical products companies have the responsibility to provide users with safety manuals such as MSDS to let users understand the hazards related to chemicals and actively protect them during use to achieve the effect of reducing occupational hazards and preventing chemical accidents.

At present, developed countries such as the United States, Japan, and the European Union have generally established and implemented MSDS systems, requiring manufacturers of hazardous chemicals to provide product safety manuals when selling, transporting or exporting.

Whether lithium batteries are shipped or shipped by air, UN38.3 reports and MSDS must be submitted. Usually, when doing battery testing, many people often confuse UN38.3 and MSDS or think that they are the same certification. This is wrong and should be corrected.