If you’re in the hazmat business, you’re no stranger to Publication 52 from the United States Postal Service. Affectionately referred to as “Pub 52,” this public document (a.k.a. “Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail“) outlines the do’s and don’ts for the safe transport of Dangerous Goods via the U.S. mail.
One of the thorniest topics in Pub 52 is lithium batteries. As more new e-commerce companies depend on cheap, efficient, rechargeable battery power, transport of lithium batteries by mail will only grow.
Not surprisingly, shipping lithium batteries by mail is even more complicated than shipping them by other means. We recently posted a complete guide to shipping lithium batteries via the USPS based on the most recent update of Pub 52 from June 2018.
However—you knew that was coming, right?—you cannot ship fully regulated or the damaged or recalled versions of these batteries via U.S. mail. Here''s another way to think of it: If the batteries you want to mail require a Class 9 hazard label, per 49 CFR 173.185(c) requirements, they''re a no-go with USPS.
As every hazmat pro knows, eligible and compliant are two entirely separate things. Your batteries might be eligible for shipping via U.S. mail, but you need the right battery packaging to make those shipments compliant.
You must follow USPS Packaging Instructions 9D strictly to prevent batteries from short-circuiting, overheating or catching fire. Your outer packaging doesn''t have to be UN Specification, but it does need to be a strong, sealed and cushioned package to prevent movement.
International packaging requirements require solid, rigid packaging (to prevent crushing or exposure) that''s adequately sized to see the lithium battery mark (plus applicable telephone number) without folding. International shipments in padded and poly bags are only allowed with button cell batteries under a very specific set of circumstances.
Getting USPS lithium battery shipping requirements to live in complete harmony with all other intermodal carriers and jurisdictions is umm, well as easy as trying to sing all the parts of a Jonas Brothers song at the same time. (Ask your kids.)
When it comes to harmonization, PHMSA and international organizations such as ICAO and IMO have made great strides to synchronize their regulations, but the U.S. Postal Service isn’t quite there yet. Ensuring you''ve met all the end-to-end mail and shipping restrictions requires extra diligence.
Here''s the bottom line: Even with the current, complex restrictions, the reduced shipping costs and recordkeeping provisions of mailing lithium batteries can make the USPS a smart and viable option. Now quit humming "A Little Bit Longer" and get back to work!
For more details about shipping lithium batteries by mail, visit our page on USPS Publication 52: What You Need to Know Before Mailing Lithium Batteries, or call us at 800.621.5808.
are there added charges when shipping lithium batteries? I ship through Ebay so when things require extra fees USPS charges my customer so I’d like to know in advance please?
Labelmaster does no ship batteries, we help customers ship them compliantly. If you have a specific question on how to ship them, please give our regs team a call 800.621.5808.
Hi Shawna, thanks for your question! Shipping lithium batteries is governed by US 49 CFR 173.185. See paragraph (c) for shipping excepted batteries. Depending on the specific circumstances, the hoops could range from "almost nothing" to "relatively significant."
How about lithium button batteries, 3 volt? Can they go by air (Priority Mail) if two are in the manufacturer packing and two are in a light string? That’s a total of 4 lithium button 3 volt batteries. It seems harmless enough, but I don’t want to wind up with a fine or being responsible for some terrible calamity.
It really seems like it would probably be fine. After all, people (1) do not read, so a lot of people would not even realize they’re shipping lithium batteries; (2) human beings are notorious for lying (eg, dogs don’t lie, but people do!). I’m guessing plenty of these batteries do get mailed.
Lithium metal button cells cannot be shipped by air via the USPS; they must be shipped surface transportation only. Of course, shipping the item without batteries is another safe option!
Hi, Power banks are considered stand alone batteries and will be either fully regulated or regulated under the excepted status. Either way, some sort of marking and labeling will be need in most circumstances. See 49 CFR 173.185 for guidance.
Hello, I’m shipping LED light up coasters with 2 CR1220 button batteries inside. Non-Rechargeable Button Cell batteries, I think. Do I need to have any markings or labels on the box? Do i need to check yes for hazardous material at post office? Thanks!
About Shipping lithium batteries by mail
As the photovoltaic (PV) industry continues to evolve, advancements in Shipping lithium batteries by mail have become critical to optimizing the utilization of renewable energy sources. From innovative battery technologies to intelligent energy management systems, these solutions are transforming the way we store and distribute solar-generated electricity.
When you're looking for the latest and most efficient Shipping lithium batteries by mail for your PV project, our website offers a comprehensive selection of cutting-edge products designed to meet your specific requirements. Whether you're a renewable energy developer, utility company, or commercial enterprise looking to reduce your carbon footprint, we have the solutions to help you harness the full potential of solar energy.
By interacting with our online customer service, you'll gain a deep understanding of the various Shipping lithium batteries by mail featured in our extensive catalog, such as high-efficiency storage batteries and intelligent energy management systems, and how they work together to provide a stable and reliable power supply for your PV projects.
Related Contents
