Sellers of products containing lithium batteries
Lithium Battery Compliance for Sellers (2026)
Lithium batteries add a layer of compliance that trips up even experienced sellers. The requirements come from three different places — transportation regulations, product safety standards, and marketplace policies — and they don't always agree. Here's what actually matters.
Quick Answer
Lithium battery products require UN 38.3 test reports (from your battery supplier), proper shipping classification based on watt-hour rating, and marketplace-specific documentation. Amazon requires a battery composition upload and may require MSDS sheets. Standalone battery products also need UL certification marks.
Why You're Probably Here
Amazon flagged your product for missing battery documentation
Amazon requires UN 38.3 test summaries and battery information for all lithium battery products. Missing documentation = listing suppression.
Your freight forwarder is asking for battery documentation before shipping
Lithium batteries are classified as dangerous goods for transport. You need UN 38.3 test reports, proper packaging, and hazmat documentation.
You're not sure if your product's battery is lithium-ion or lithium-polymer (and it matters)
Both are lithium batteries and have the same compliance requirements. The distinction matters for shipping classification, not for testing.
What Matters Most
UN 38.3 is the foundation — everything else builds on it
Without UN 38.3 testing, you can't legally ship the product, list it on Amazon, or get UL certification. This is always step one.
Your battery supplier almost certainly has the UN 38.3 report already
Battery factories test every cell design for UN 38.3 as part of their standard process. Ask before you pay for new testing — it could save you $5,000+.
Requirements
UN 38.3 Transport Testing
RequiredUN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, Section 38.3
All lithium batteries must pass UN 38.3 testing to be transported. Tests include altitude simulation, thermal cycling, vibration, shock, short circuit, impact, overcharge, and forced discharge.
Why it applies: Required for any product containing a lithium-ion or lithium-polymer battery. No test = no shipping.
Testing: 8 safety tests: altitude simulation, thermal cycling, vibration, shock, external short circuit, impact/crush, overcharge, forced discharge.
What this means for you: Your battery factory almost certainly has this test report. Ask for the "UN 38.3 test summary" — they're required to provide it. Don't pay for new testing until you've asked.
UL 2054 / UL 2056 Battery Safety
RequiredUL 2054 (cells), UL 2056 (power banks)
Product safety standards for lithium batteries and power banks. Not federally mandated but required by most U.S. marketplaces.
Why it applies: Amazon and other marketplaces require UL safety marks for standalone battery products (power banks, chargers with integrated batteries).
Testing: Product safety testing including abnormal charging, short circuit, drop, crush, and thermal abuse tests.
What this means for you: This is the UL mark Amazon looks for on power banks and battery products. Without it, expect a compliance takedown within 3-6 months.
Hazardous Materials Shipping
Required49 CFR Parts 171-175 / IATA DGR
Lithium batteries are regulated as dangerous goods for air, ground, and ocean transport. Proper classification, packaging, marking, and documentation required.
Why it applies: All lithium battery shipments must comply with DOT (domestic) and IATA (air) hazmat regulations.
What this means for you: This is why your freight forwarder is asking questions. Get them the UN 38.3 test summary, battery specs (Wh rating), and they'll handle the shipping classification.
Not sure what applies to your specific product?
Upload your product listing and get a full compliance screening in under 60 seconds. The scan identifies every requirement for your exact product — materials, age group, and marketplace.
Scan your product free14-day free trial. No credit card to start.
What Sellers Get Wrong
Paying for UN 38.3 testing when the battery factory already has reports
Why sellers do this: Sellers don't know to ask their battery supplier for existing UN 38.3 test summaries.
The reality: Battery manufacturers are legally required to have UN 38.3 test summaries for every battery model they produce. Ask before you spend $3,000-$8,000 on new testing.
Confusing lithium-ion with lithium metal batteries for shipping purposes
Why sellers do this: Sellers don't understand the distinction and use the wrong shipping classification.
The reality: Lithium-ion (rechargeable) and lithium metal (non-rechargeable) have different shipping regulations and Wh/lithium content thresholds. Misclassification can result in shipping delays or penalties.
What Most Guides Won't Tell You
The Wh rating of your battery determines your shipping restrictions
Batteries under 100Wh (most consumer electronics) can ship with fewer restrictions than those above 100Wh. Check the Wh rating — it's on the battery label or in the spec sheet.
Amazon's battery exemption form is often all you need
For products with small integrated batteries (under 100Wh), Amazon's Dangerous Goods questionnaire and battery exemption form may be sufficient. You don't always need a full hazmat classification.
What To Do Next
Get the UN 38.3 test summary from your battery supplier
Email your supplier: "Please provide the UN 38.3 test summary for the battery model used in our product." They are required to have this.
Determine your battery's Wh rating
Find the Wh (watt-hour) rating on the battery or spec sheet. This determines your shipping classification and restriction level.
Complete Amazon's battery documentation requirements
Upload the UN 38.3 test summary and complete the Dangerous Goods questionnaire in Seller Central.
Verify UL marks if selling standalone battery products
Power banks, portable chargers, and standalone battery products need UL/ETL marks for Amazon.
Scan your full product for all requirements
Batteries are only one part of the compliance picture. Run a Prodovo Labs scan to identify every requirement — including FCC, children's product rules, and state-level regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all lithium battery products need UN 38.3 testing?
Do I need UL certification for a product with a built-in lithium battery?
What is a MSDS/SDS and do I need one for batteries?
Ready to check your product?
Run a free compliance scan and get your full regulatory report in under a minute.
Start your free trial