Effective Jan 1, 2020 – The Department of Transportation (DOT) published a proposed rule, 83 Fed. Reg. 60970 (November 27, 2018) which amends the current lithium battery regulation. The amendment now requires Test Summary Documentation (TSD) to be provided under the guidelines of Lithium Battery UN38.3.
What this means to you as a battery manufacturer in the WERCSmart program
Battery manufacturers are required to provide a Test Summary Documentation (TSD) as part of your WERCSmart product registration. Failure to do so will result in product suspension until a TSD is provided and approved.
Effective Jan 2, 2020 – Battery manufacturers that have not completed uploading the UN 38.3 TSD as part of your WERCSmart registration by January 2, your product will be your product will be non-selectable in the battery reference (BATREF) table that is accessed by your downstream partners.
Impact to your downstream partners
If your battery is still being sold in the marketplace, your downstream partners are affected. Downstream partners that you sell products to as part of their Battery-Containing Products (BCP), will also undergo product suspension until your TSD is provided and approved.
Once your TSD is approved, WERCSmart will automatically assign it to your downstream partner’s product registration. No further action will be required for BCP suppliers to comply with UN38.3, however BCP’s are encouraged to continue working with you in order to meet product registration requirements.
Learn more
Helpful information regarding the UN38.3 Test Summary document are available from these resources
- International Air Transport Association (IATA)
- United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)
- The Rechargeable Battery Association (PRBA)
- U.S. Department of Transportation Test Summary Brochure
Additional questions
WERCSmart is fully committed to helping and may be reaching out to you with assistance that will enable UN38.3 compliance in the most efficient way possible.
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Archived WERCSmart UN38.3 can be viewed at: