UN38.3 and Shipping Lithium Batteries by Air

Every heated garment ships with a lithium battery, and lithium batteries are regulated as dangerous goods in transport. Understanding the basics saves you from delayed shipments and rejected bookings.

What UN38.3 Actually Is

UN38.3 is a set of transport tests — altitude simulation, thermal cycling, vibration, shock, short circuit and more — defined in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria. A battery that passes gets a Test Summary document, which airlines and forwarders may demand at booking.

Whose Responsibility?

The battery manufacturer (your factory or its cell supplier) must hold the test summary. As the shipper of record, you must be able to present it. Always request the summary document — with matching model numbers — before your first bulk shipment.

Air vs Sea Freight

• Sea freight: most flexible; large lithium quantities ride under less restrictive rules
• Air freight: watt-hour limits apply per package; batteries usually must be installed in equipment, not loose
• Express (DHL/FedEx): accepts compliant small parcels; expect surcharges and strict labeling

Common Mistakes

• Test summary model number not matching the shipped battery
• No SOC (state of charge) documentation — air shipments require batteries shipped at ~30% charge
• Mixing certified and uncertified battery batches in one carton

Ready to develop your own heated apparel line? Contact our team for MOQ, sampling options and a production plan.