US · 49 CFR 173.185; UN Manual 38.3
Lithium batteries: transport design testing
Identify the market and product category first. Each dossier separates legal duties, referenced standards, evidence and the comparison needed for an award.
Product Scope
Lithium cells/batteries offered for transport, separately or in/with equipment; transport mode and exceptions determine details.
Requirements
Applicable UN 38.3 design tests, accessible test summaries, short-circuit protection, packaging, marks and transport conditions must be addressed. Damaged, defective, recalled or recycling shipments need separate handling analysis.
Required Evidence
Exact cell and pack identities, full design-test report and summary, chemistry/Wh rating, packaging and mode-specific shipping records.
Comparison for the Awards
UN 38.3 conformity is a transport baseline, not a universal stationary-storage, fire-installation or service-life certification.
Version & Transition
Use current HMR and mode-specific provisions; do not describe a test summary as a government-issued product approval.
Official Sources
Applicability depends on the product classification, intended use, configuration and actual sales territory. Manufacturing, placing-on-the-market and testing dates, together with transition provisions, are checked as required by each applicable rule. The directory identifies sources; it does not replace assessment of the specific model. Standards are identified by reference, and their authoritative texts remain with the issuing bodies. Official source documents retain their original language.