UN 38.3 was officially released as Rev 8 + A1 in September 2025. Below is a summary of the key points and requirements of this update. This change does not affect any testing methods; rather, it focuses on textual descriptions and terminology explanations.

38.3.2.2

In (c), replace “would” by “might”

In the note, at the end of (e), delete “and”, at the end of (f), replace the period by “; and” and add a new g to read as follows:

'(g) Repairing, refurbishing, or remanufacturing including replacement of parts with non-original spares, replacement of parts of a different specification, or in a manner that would result in a deviation from the manufacturer's tested type.

38.3.2.3

Add a new note under the definition of “Rupture" to read as follows.

NOTE:  In the case of a battery that is not fully enclosed by its casing and the cells are exposed by design prior to the tests, "exposure" means an increased visibility of components that are exposed beyond that of the original design of the battery.

38.3.4.5.2

In the first paragraph, first sentence, replace “'on the external case” by “on the external case or on an internal cell”. In the second paragraph, replace “the cell or battery external case temperature by “the measured temperature”

38.3.4.5.3

Replace “'external” by “'measured”

38.3.4.6.3

In the first paragraph under the note, at the end of the first sentence, add “, each having sufficient surface area to ensure the crushing force is applied evenly across the entire surface of the cell”.

BTL is currently a UN 38.3 compliant testing laboratory, providing comprehensive testing services to manufacturers and issuing accredited test reports to facilitate product market entry. Welcome to contact BTL's Safety Division for inquiries.