How to get a UL 1642 Test Report?

ul 1642 is the fundamental benchmark standard for safety assessment of lithium cells in North America, covering lithium-ion, lithium-metal, and lithium-polymer cells. Whether you intend to sell cells in North America, list them on Amazon, or support a battery pack for ul 2054 certification, geting a UL 1642 test report is the essential first step.

Is a UL 1642 Test Report Not the Same as Certification?

This is the most critical conceptual calibration you need to make before securing a report. While both the UL 1642 test report and ul 1642 certification share the same standard, they differ significantly in nature, cost, and purpose.

A ul test report is issued by an accredited third-party laboratory. The laboratory tests cell samples in accordance with UL 1642 and issues data and conclusion documents proving that the samples passed safety testing. UL certification, on the other hand, is a complete certification framework. Beyond product testing, it encompasses factory audits and ongoing follow-up inspections, typically conducted multiple times a year. It involves longer cycles and higher costs, and once authorized, permits the use of the UL mark.

The vast majority of companies seeking Amazon listing, customs clearance, or customer factory audits need a test report, not UL certification. Amazon US accepts UL 1642 test reports issued by ISO 17025/CNAS accredited laboratories and does not require a formal UL certification certificate. Clarifying this in advance can prevent wasting months of time and several times the budget.

Six Steps to get a UL 1642 Test Report

Step 1: Confirm Standards and Test Scope

UL 1642 has been updated to its sixth edition (UL 1642 Ed. 6-2020), which includes adjustments to testing requirements. The new edition adds a pre-conditioning charge cycling requirement for thermal shock testing. Most cells must now complete charge cycles in an environment of 10°C or 45°C prior to thermal testing. Before contacting a laboratory, verify that they are using the currently active version. Concurrently, ensure that your specific cell type (cylindrical, pouch, or prismatic) falls within their UL 1642 testing scope.

Step 2: Select an Accredited Testing Laboratory

This step dictates whether your report will be accepted by Amazon, customers, or customs authorities. Prioritize laboratories holding both ISO 17025 and CNAS accreditations. Verify that their UL 1642 reports have a track record of acceptance on platforms like Amazon. Reports issued by institutions with an NRTL authorization background (such as JJR and similar entities) carry higher acceptance in North America.

Step 3: Submit Application and Documentation

Basic documentation typically includes: application form, cell specification datasheet, circuit diagrams or structural schematics, Bill of Materials (BOM), electrolyte formulation sheet, cell dimension drawings, and product photographs. The electrolyte formulation sheet must be submitted during initial applications or whenever a formulation change occurs.

Step 4: Submit Samples

Sample quantities vary based on cell types and laboratory requirements. For conventional cylindrical or pouch cells, some laboratories require 40–50 pcs per model of brand-new mass-production finished units. Other institutions may accept as few as 20 cells.

Step 5: Laboratory Testing

The laboratory conducts item-by-item testing strictly according to the ul 1642 standard. Core items span three major categories: electrical abuse, mechanical abuse, and environmental reliability. These include short-circuit testing (room temperature and 55°C high temperature), overcharge testing, forced discharge testing, crush testing, impact/heavy impact testing, vibration testing, temperature cycling testing, thermal abuse testing, low pressure (altitude) testing, and more.

Step 6: Report Issuance and Delivery

Upon successful completion of all tests, the laboratory issues the UL 1642 test report. The report should contain sample descriptions, test items, test methods, raw data, result determinations, and conclusions. Once received, enterprises can utilize the report for Amazon listings, customs clearance, customer audits, and related scenarios.

Cost Reference Ranges

Laboratory Selection Strategy

If the test report is solely intended for internal evaluations or supplier communications, a standard CNAS laboratory is sufficient. For Amazon listings, you must confirm that the laboratory's ISO 17025/CNAS accreditation is recognized by the platform. For North American customer factory audits or tender bidding, reports from laboratories with an NRTL authorization background carry greater universal acceptance. Confirming accreditation requirements with the party requesting the report before commissioning the test is far more cost-effective than attempting remedial action afterward.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does a UL 1642 test report have an expiration date?

As long as the cell's structure, chemical formulation, and manufacturing processes remain unchanged, the report remains valid indefinitely for that corresponding model. It does not require annual factory audits like UL certification. However, if any of these core elements change, the original report becomes invalid and retesting is required.

Should cells and battery packs undergo UL 1642 or UL 2054?

UL 1642 targets individual bare cells. UL 2054 targets battery packs or finished battery assemblies. Bare cells exported or submitted for testing should undergo UL 1642. Power banks and finished battery packs should undergo UL 2054. When downstream battery packs undergo UL 2054, the internal cells are typically required to meet UL 1642 first.

Amazon backend requests a UL 1642 report, but I only have un38.3. Can I use that instead?

No. UN38.3 is a transportation safety standard. Amazon US specifically requires a UL 1642 test report for lithium battery cells, which must be issued by a laboratory accredited with ISO 17025/CNAS. The two standards cannot be substituted for one another.