Battery Shipping Compliance: UN38.3 & MSDS Required

Notice Regarding Battery-Containing Goods

The notice states that if the goods contain batteries, it is necessary to provide a complete *Transport Identification Certificate* for the entire product, along with the *MSDS* and *un38.3 test report*.

For example, products like power banks must be accompanied by test reports for the entire power bank, specifying the correct product name and model. The product name and model in the reports must match exactly with the customs declaration and the actual goods. Providing test reports only for the internal battery cells is not acceptable by the maritime authorities. In case of inspection, failure to provide the complete product identification report will result in a mandatory return of the shipment.

What are MSDS and UN38.3 Reports?

Many cross-border sellers may be unfamiliar with the MSDS and UN38.3 reports. In fact, these are among the essential testing documents required for exporting battery-containing goods.

What is a un38.3 test Report?

UN38.3 is a safety standard developed by the United Nations for the transportation of dangerous goods. It mandates that batteries must undergo a series of tests to ensure their safety during transportation.

The **UN38.3 test report for lithium batteries** is one of the mandatory safety documents required during battery transportation, used to verify that the battery is safe to ship.

What is an MSDS (Battery Material Safety Data Sheet)?

The **MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet)** is a document providing safety information about a specific material.

For battery products, the MSDS includes detailed descriptions of the battery’s chemical composition, hazards, first aid measures, firefighting measures, leak handling, handling and storage guidelines, exposure control and personal protection, physical and chemical properties, stability and reactivity, toxicological and ecological data, disposal methods, and transport information.

Important Notes:

- All labels and textual information in the reports must be consistent with the qualification documents, including details such as battery voltage and capacity.

- Each document must also carry the official stamp of the testing laboratory.

It is worth emphasizing that **goods containing batteries are classified as "high-risk items"**, which, if mishandled, can easily cause fires or explosions. Therefore, not only do maritime authorities impose strict regulations, but cross-border e-commerce platforms also have their own compliance standards. Failure to meet these standards will result in listing bans.

Recent Developments:

Battery-containing exports to the US and EU have recently come under heightened scrutiny.

For instance, on Amazon's US marketplace, a large number of battery-powered products were recently delisted. The appeal channels for such products were temporarily shut down, and submissions of certification materials like UL and UN38.3 were often automatically rejected.