Product Testing
UN 38.3 Lithium Battery Testing
Project-specific testing support for lithium metal and lithium-ion cells and batteries against the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Section 38.3 — speak with Falcon to confirm the test program available for your battery.
NATA-accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 · 38 years of testing expertise · Independent & Australian-owned
What UN 38.3 covers
UN 38.3 sets out the safety tests lithium metal and lithium-ion cells and batteries must pass before they can be transported — covering conditions such as altitude, temperature cycling, vibration, shock, short circuit, crush and overcharge. It applies to cells and batteries destined for classification as UN3480 (shipped standalone) or UN3481 (packed with, or contained in, equipment).
Four related but different things
Battery compliance involves more than one step — it's worth being clear which one you need.
The T.1–T.8 framework
UN 38.3 defines eight test types. This is the framework the regulation sets out — not a list of what's currently available at Falcon (see below).
Available test capabilities
Because battery chemistry, format and required scope vary widely, we assess and confirm the right program for your specific cell or battery on a project-by-project basis, rather than offering a fixed off-the-shelf package. Speak with Falcon to confirm your required program — including which tests are available now, and whether any part of your project needs to be referred elsewhere.
Battery programs are assessed project by project, not off a shelf.
What we'll need from you
- Cell or battery type
- Battery mass and dimensions
- Chemistry
- Configuration
- Transport status (UN3480 or UN3481)
- Existing test history
- Required T-tests
- Relevant technical documentation
Why clients bring battery projects to Falcon
NATA-accredited to ISO/IEC 17025
Our mechanical testing is independently accredited — get in touch to confirm accredited scope for your specific program.
38 years of testing experience
An established Australian testing laboratory since 1988.
Independent & Australian-owned
A specialist testing laboratory, not a division of a battery manufacturer.
Frequently asked questions
Does Falcon perform the complete UN 38.3 test sequence (T.1–T.8)?
Available test capabilities vary by project. Get in touch with your battery's chemistry and required tests, and we'll confirm current capability and scope — including whether any part of your program needs to be referred elsewhere.
What's the difference between UN 38.3 testing and lithium battery packaging testing?
UN 38.3 tests the battery or cell itself. Testing the packaging a battery travels in is a separate service — see our Lithium Battery Packaging Testing page.
Can Falcon prepare a UN 38.3 test summary for my battery?
Get in touch to discuss your battery and its testing history — we can advise what's needed for a compliant test summary on a project-specific basis.
What information should I provide to get started?
Cell or battery type, mass and dimensions, chemistry, configuration, transport status, existing test history, and the specific T-tests you require.
Related services
Confirm your testing requirements
Tell us about your battery and required tests, and we'll confirm current capability and scope for your project.