Requirements of Part III, Sub-section 38.3

Cells and batteries manufactured according to a type meeting the requirements of sub-section 38.3 of the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Revision 3, Amendment 1, or any subsequent revision and amendment applicable at the date of the type testing, may continue to be transported, unless additional regulations or exceptions are provided to the shipper.

Cell and battery types that only meet the requirements of the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Revision 3, can no longer be transported. However, cells and batteries manufactured in conformity with such types before July 2003 may continue to be transported if all other applicable requirements are fulfilled.

Packaging instructions of the IATA regulations state that batteries should be tested regardless of whether the cells have been tested. For changes to previously tested cells or batteries, the UN Manual of Tests states that products must be retested if the following conditions apply:

• There is a change of more than 0.1 gram or 20 percent by mass to the cathode, anode, or electrolyte used (20 percent increase in capacity).
• There are changes to the construction that could materially affect the outcome of the tests.

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