Ace Ultra Safety & Compliance — COA, Heavy Metals, Battery Shipping Checklist
Key corrections: (1) UN 38.3 consists of eight tests (T1–T8); cells vs. batteries have different applicability. (2) ICAO/IATA rules are for air only; sea = IMDG, road = ADR, rail = RID, inland waterways = ADN. (3) For air, SoC ≤30% applies to UN3480 (cells/batteries shipped alone), not to UN3481. (4) A batch COA is not DG approval; use ISO/IEC 17025 + ILAC-MRA labs for testing, and keep the UN 38.3 Test Summary available.
COA & Heavy Metals vs. DG Compliance — Do Not Conflate
What a COA is for
- Batch-specific composition and contaminant panels for a product or material (e.g., metals by ICP-OES/ICP-MS), hosted by a competent lab.
- Prefer labs accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 by accreditation bodies under the ILAC MRA (confirm in the signatory directory).
What a COA cannot replace
- UN 38.3 compliance for lithium cells/batteries.
- IATA/IMDG/ADR/RID/ADN packaging, marking, and documentation rules for transport.
UN 38.3 — What’s Actually Required
Eight tests (T1–T8) are defined in the UN “Manual of Tests and Criteria,” Sub-section 38.3. For lithium-ion cells, T1–T8 apply; for lithium-ion batteries/packs, T1–T5 and T7 typically apply, while T6 (impact/crush) and T8 (forced discharge) are generally cell-only. Keep a Test Summary (TS) per UN 38.3 available to downstream users and shippers.
Which Rulebook Applies? (By Transport Mode)
| Mode | Primary Code | Typical Identifiers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air | ICAO Technical Instructions → IATA DGR (industry implementation) | UN3480 / UN3481 · Packing Instructions (e.g., PI 965–970) | SoC ≤30% for UN3480; marking/labeling per the relevant PI; Cargo Aircraft Only (CAO) label only when required by the PI. |
| Sea | IMDG Code (IMO) | Same UN numbers; different packing/segregation & documentation | Do not apply ICAO/IATA text to sea transport. |
| Road (EU/international) | ADR | UN3480/81 · SPs and packing instructions per ADR | National adoption/derogations may apply. |
| Rail | RID | UN3480/81 | Broadly aligned with ADR for rail. |
| Inland waterways | ADN | UN3480/81 | Applies to inland vessel transport. |
Battery Shipping Checklist (Information-Only)
- Identify the UN number & configuration: UN3480 (ion, alone) / UN3481 (ion, with or contained in equipment) / UN3090 / UN3091.
- Confirm UN 38.3 coverage: Obtain the UN 38.3 Test Summary for the cell and, where applicable, the battery/pack.
- Apply the correct Packing Instruction (air): e.g., PI 965–970; check limits, marks, labels, documentation, and SoC ≤30% for UN3480.
- Packaging & short-circuit protection: individual terminal protection; robust outer packaging; no damaged/defective batteries in normal cargo.
- Marks & labels: Lithium Battery Mark, Class 9 label when required, and CAO label only if specified by the PI.
- Documentation: Shipper’s Declaration (if required), TS availability, plus carrier/state variations; keep records per mode.
Heavy Metals & Quality Docs (Context)
Heavy-metal analytics (e.g., Co, Ni, Pb, Cr) in a COA reflect quality/contaminant control for materials and are not a substitute for DG compliance. If you present metals data, ensure:
- Methods (e.g., ICP-OES/ICP-MS), units, LOQ/LOD, and uncertainty are clearly stated;
- The lab holds valid ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation under an ILAC-MRA signatory (verify in the directory);
- You do not conflate intrinsic material composition with “regulatory transport limits.” DG compliance is not determined by heavy-metal thresholds.
FAQ (≤90 words each)
How many UN 38.3 tests are there?
Eight (T1–T8). For lithium-ion cells, T1–T8 apply; for batteries/packs, T1–T5 and T7 typically apply while T6/T8 are generally cell-only. Always verify the applicable test report.
Do ICAO/IATA rules apply to sea, road, or rail?
No. ICAO/IATA govern air transport. Use IMDG for sea, ADR for road, RID for rail, and ADN for inland waterways.
When is SoC ≤30% mandatory?
For air transport of UN3480 (lithium-ion cells/batteries shipped alone). Different limits and conditions apply to UN3481 (with/contained in equipment).
References (Authoritative)
- IATA — Lithium Battery Guidance Document (2025): PDF
- IATA DGR 66th (Addendum) — updates including SoC and UN3480/3481 notes: PDF
- UN Manual of Tests and Criteria — Sub-section 38.3 (T1–T8 and Test Summary): PDF
- PHMSA — Lithium Battery Test Summary (TS) requirement and training: Portal
- ISO — ISO/IEC 17025 overview: Overview
- ILAC — MRA & Signatory search: Directory
- IEC — IEC 62133-2 (portable secondary Li batteries – safety): Standard
IMDG / ADR / RID / ADN — mode-specific rulebooks available from IMO, UNECE, and national authorities.
0 Comments