UN38.3 Test Report for Air Pumps

For the export of air pumps with lithium batteries by air or sea, a un38.3 test report is mandatory as a basic requirement.

Together with a Transport Identification Report, msds, and compliant packaging, the full export procedure can be completed.

The process follows the sequence:

un38.3 testing → Air/Sea Transport Identification → Logistics Declaration

1. Applicable un38.3 Rules for Air Pumps

un38.3 testing is mandatory for both air and sea shipment of air pumps with built-in or external lithium batteries.

Classification

• Equipment containing batteries:

UN 3481 (lithium-ion) / UN 3091 (lithium metal)

• Loose or spare batteries:

UN 3480 / UN 3090

Test Standard

UN38.3 Rev.8 (current revision)

2. UN38.3 Report Application Process

1. Documentation Preparation

• Application form and Letter of Authorization

• Product specification (model, voltage, capacity/Wh, battery type, lithium content)

• Cell specification, BOM, battery schematic (if available)

• Samples:

2–3 sets of finished products (for built-in batteries)

or 4–6 battery packs (for standalone batteries)

• Packaging photos (inner/outer packaging, isolation method)

2. Laboratory Selection

• Must be CNAS/CMA accredited and qualified for UN38.3 testing

• Report must include:

8 test items + Summary Sheet

8 UN38.3 Tests

• T1 Altitude simulation (low pressure at 12,000 ft)

• T2 Thermal test (-40°C to 75°C cycling)

• T3 Vibration (10–2000 Hz sweep)

• T4 Shock (150 g / 6 ms)

• T5 External short circuit

• T6 Crush / impact

• T7 Overcharge

• T8 Forced discharge

3. Testing & Certification

• Lead time:

Regular: 7–10 working days

Expedited: 3–5 working days

3. Air Shipment Procedure (IATA DGR)

Mandatory Documents (all required)

• UN38.3 test report + summary (CNAS accredited)

• MSDS (SDS) (16 sections, bilingual Chinese-English)

• Air Transport Condition Identification Report

(issued by CAAC-accredited bodies, e.g. DGM, Shanghai Research Institute of Chemical Industry etc.)

Validity: 1 year

4. Sea Shipment Procedure (IMDG Code)

Mandatory Documents

• UN38.3 test report + summary

• MSDS

• Sea Transport Condition Identification Report

(e.g. China Cargo Transport Condition Identification Report)

Validity: 1 year

Core Sea Transport Requirements

• Class: Class 9 Dangerous Goods, Packaging Group II

• Packaging: Compliant with PI967 (equipment containing batteries)

• Labeling: Class 9 diamond label, UN number, correct shipping name

• Container: Class 9 dangerous goods marks on all sides, plus dangerous goods list

5. Common Mistakes & Avoidance Tips

• UN38.3 alone is insufficient:

Air/sea transport identification is required for carriage.

• Inconsistent model/parameters:

Mismatch between report and shipment → cargo detention or return.

• Exceeding energy limits:

>160 Wh prohibited on passenger aircraft;

SoC >30% rejected for air transport.

• Non-compliant packaging:

Lack of insulation / anti-short-circuit protection → rejection.

• Missing summary page:

Airlines and shipping companies only accept UN38.3 reports with a summary sheet.