What does UN38.3 mean and why does the CL5 need it?

UN38.3 is the internationally recognised test series for lithium batteries used in transport. The CL5 contains rechargeable lithium ion cells (INR21700-50ME), so carriers and customs authorities require proof of UN38.3 compliance before the product can be shipped by air, sea, or road.

Is the CL5 classified as a dangerous good for shipping?

No. Per IMDG CODE Special Provision 188, the CL5 is classified as Not Restricted. Each lithium ion cell is rated at 17.64 Wh, which is below the 20 Wh threshold, allowing the product to be shipped without a dangerous goods declaration.

How long is Report No. SEKSZ202602086178ZP040001 valid?

The report is valid for one year from its issued date of 2026-02-09, remaining effective until 2027-02-09. After this period, a new classification report must be obtained to continue shipping the CL5.

Which cell is inside the CL5 and who makes it?

The CL5 contains the INR21700-50ME lithium ion cell manufactured by Huaian Tenpower Lithium Co., Ltd. Each cell measures Ø21.1 × 70.7 mm, operates at 3.6 V, and has a capacity of 4900 mAh (17.64 Wh). The product configuration uses 56 cells contained within the equipment.

UN38.3 Identification & Classification Report — Camping Lantern CL5 Lithium Ion Cell INR21700-50ME

Document Overview

Document Overview This article presents the Identification and Classification Report for Transport of Goods issued under the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, Sub-section 38.3 (UN38.3) framework. The document determines whether lithium battery–containing products are subject to dangerous goods regulations for shipping purposes.…

Document type: Certification Report
Prepared by: Michelle Torres
Published: July 22, 2026
Last reviewed: July 22, 2026
Topics: Lighting Gear

Document Overview

This article presents the Identification and Classification Report for Transport of Goods issued under the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, Sub-section 38.3 (UN38.3) framework. The document determines whether lithium battery–containing products are subject to dangerous goods regulations for shipping purposes.

Field	Detail
Document Type	Identification and Classification Report for Transport of Goods
Report Number (Issued No.)	SEKSZ202602086178ZP040001
Effective / Issued Date	2026-02-09
Issuing Body	Beijing DGM Air Transport Technology Development Co., Ltd. (DGM China)
Identification Criteria	IMDG CODE (Amendment 42-24)
Identification Purpose	Dangerous Goods or Not-Restricted Identification
Scope	Lithium ion cells contained in the Camping Flashlight CL5, evaluated for maritime and air transport classification

Product Information

The product covered by this report is the Camping Flashlight CL5, a rechargeable camping lantern manufactured and distributed by ETENWOLF. The unit contains lithium ion cells supplied by Huaian Tenpower Lithium Co., Ltd.

Attribute	Specification
Product Name (Chinese)	营地手电筒 CL5（含可充电锂离子电芯 INR21700-50ME 3.6V 4900mAh 17.64Wh）
Product Name (English)	Camping Flashlight CL5 (Containing Rechargeable Lithium Ion Cell INR21700-50ME 3.6V 4900mAh 17.64Wh)
Applicant	Guangdong Bestek Technology Co., LTD
Cell Manufacturer	Huaian Tenpower Lithium Co., Ltd
Cell Model / Group	INR21700-50ME
Cell Chemistry	Lithium Ion (Li-Ion)
Cell Appearance	Brown, cylindrical
Cell Dimensions	Ø21.1 × 70.7 mm
Nominal Voltage	3.6 V
Capacity	4900 mAh
Watt-Hour Rating	17.64 Wh
Cells per Package	56 pieces
Configuration	Contained in equipment

Key Details

The following table summarises each inspection item evaluated during the identification process, together with the outcome recorded by DGM China for the CL5.

Inspection Item	Result
Watt-hour rating of the battery	17.64 Wh — Conform
Each battery proved to meet UN38.3 requirements (UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, Sub-section 38.3)	Conform
Batteries manufactured under a quality management programme	Conform
Batteries not returned to manufacturer for safety reasons; not waste lithium batteries; not batteries being shipped for recycling or disposal	Conform
Each package capable of withstanding a 1.2 m drop test in any orientation	Not Applicable
Package appropriately marked according to IMDG Special Provision 188	Conform
Each consignment accompanied by a document indicating: lithium ion cells/batteries present; handle with care (flammability hazard); special procedures in event of damage	Not Applicable

Conclusion: The goods are classified as Not Restricted as per IMDG CODE Special Provision 188 and can be shipped without dangerous goods declaration. No UN Number is assigned. Packing Group (PG): Not applicable.

Standards & Compliance

The classification of the lithium ion cells within the CL5 is based on the following regulatory frameworks and test standards:

Standard / Regulation	Description
UN38.3	UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, Sub-section 38.3 — mandatory test series for lithium batteries intended for transport, covering altitude simulation, thermal test, vibration, shock, external short circuit, impact/crush, overcharge, and forced discharge
IMDG CODE (Amendment 42-24)	International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code — the identification criteria used to determine whether the product requires dangerous goods classification for sea transport
IMDG Special Provision 188	Exemption provision permitting lithium cells/batteries contained in equipment to be transported as non-restricted goods when certain watt-hour and capacity thresholds are not exceeded and packaging/marking requirements are met

The INR21700-50ME cell at 17.64 Wh falls well below the Special Provision 188 threshold of 20 Wh per cell for lithium ion, enabling the not-restricted classification.

Validity & Certification Body

This report is valid for one year from the issued date of 2026-02-09, meaning it remains effective through 2027-02-09, subject to no change in goods composition, cell model, or applicable regulation.

Issuing Authority: Beijing DGM Air Transport Technology Development Co., Ltd. (DGM China)
Address: 北京市 101300 (Beijing, China — full address on record with DGM China)
Tel: 010-69479673 | Fax: 010-69479621
Website: www.dgmchina.com.cn
Email: [email protected]

The report is valid only when signed by the inspector, checker, and approver, and stamped with DGM China’s official seal. Reproduction, transfer, or modification in any form without DGM China’s written approval renders the report invalid.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does UN38.3 mean and why does the CL5 need it?: UN38.3 is the internationally recognised test series for lithium batteries used in transport. The CL5 contains rechargeable lithium ion cells (INR21700-50ME), so carriers and customs authorities require proof of UN38.3 compliance before the product can be shipped by air, sea, or road.
Is the CL5 classified as a dangerous good for shipping?: No. Per IMDG CODE Special Provision 188, the CL5 is classified as Not Restricted. Each lithium ion cell is rated at 17.64 Wh, which is below the 20 Wh threshold, allowing the product to be shipped without a dangerous goods declaration.
How long is Report No. SEKSZ202602086178ZP040001 valid?: The report is valid for one year from its issued date of 2026-02-09, remaining effective until 2027-02-09. After this period, a new classification report must be obtained to continue shipping the CL5.
Which cell is inside the CL5 and who makes it?: The CL5 contains the INR21700-50ME lithium ion cell manufactured by Huaian Tenpower Lithium Co., Ltd. Each cell measures Ø21.1 × 70.7 mm, operates at 3.6 V, and has a capacity of 4900 mAh (17.64 Wh). The product configuration uses 56 cells contained within the equipment.