Search

What's In the New Lithium Battery Test Summary Document?

Posted on 7/22/2019 by Roger Marks

Starting January 1, 2020, manufacturers and distributors of lithium cells and batteries (and equipment powered by lithium cells or batteries) must make available a lithium battery testing summary that provides critical safety information about their batteries to downstream shippers and consumers.

The test summary requirement applies to lithium batteries and cells manufactured after June 30, 2003, and equipment powered by those cells and batteries.

As lithium battery regulations have become more complex, shippers need more information about the batteries they ship in order to maintain compliance. The testing summary requirement will also help lithium battery shippers gain confidence that the batteries they offer for transport have been manufactured and tested properly.

Manufacturers and distributors may make the test summary available by posting it on a company website or by preparing a paper document.

Lion offers convenient, effective training for employees who prepare lithium batteries for transport by ground, air, or vessel. Check out the Shipping Lithium Batteries Online Course now.  

What’s Required in the Lithium Battery Test Summary?

The text of the new requirement can be found in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Amendment 1, Part III, sub-section 38.3, paragraph 38.3.5 and includes a list of specific information that must be included on the test summary document.

The information required in the lithium battery test summary document was included in IATA’s updated 2019 Lithium Battery Guidance Document, Revision 1, and is pictured below.



The UN Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods has provided examples of test summary documents prepared by members of the Rechargeable Battery Association (PRBA).  

Lastly, the new lithium battery test summary requirement is part of the forthcoming 49 CFR harmonization rulemaking HM 215-O.

Training to Ship Lithium Batteries Big or Small 

Need hazmat training to safely ship lithium batteries by ground, air, or vessel? Lion’s popular Shipping Lithium Batteries Online Course is updated regularly to cover the latest regulations you must know under 49 CFR, the IATA DGR, and the IMDG Code. 

New! Ship excepted lithium batteries by ground, air, or vessel? We’ve got a course just for you! The new Shipping Excepted Lithium Batteries Online Course will help you identify the requirements you must know, without getting bogged down or confused by rules for fully regulated lithium batteries.

Tags: hazmat shipping, lithium batteries, lithium battery test summary, new rules, shipping lithium batteries

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

The instructor did an excellent job presenting a very dry subject; keeping everyone interested and making it enjoyable.

Marc Bugg

Hazardous Waste Professional

I was able to present my scenario to the instructor and worked thru the regulations together. In the past, I attended another training firm's classes. Now, I have no intention of leaving Lion!

Diana Joyner

Senior Environmental Engineer

The instructor kept the class engaged and made learning fun. There was a lot of information to cover but time flew by. I will definitely use Lion in the future!

Chelsea Minguela

Hazmat Shipping Professional

I was recently offered an opportunity to take my training through another company, but I politely declined. I only attend Lion Technology workshops.

Stephanie Gilliam

Material Production/Logistics Manager

Lion is easily and consistently the best option for compliance training. I've learned new information from every instructor I've had.

Rachel Mathis

EHS Specialist

The course was very informative and presented in a way that was easily understood and remembered. I would recommend this course.

Jeffrey Tierno

Hazmat Shipping Professional

More thorough than a class I attended last year through another company.

Troy Yonkers

HSES Representative

The course was very well structured and covered the material in a clear, concise manner.

Ian Martinez

Hazmat Shipping Professional

These are the best classes I attend each year. I always take something away and implement improvements at my sites.

Kim Racine

EH&S Manager

If I need thorough training or updating, I always use Lion. Lion is always the best in both instruction and materials.

Bryce Parker

EHS Manager

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Just starting out with shipping lithium batteries? The four fundamental concepts in this guide are the place to start.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.