This article includes updates effective March 12, 2021

Shipping Regulations
When shipping lithium batteries, businesses must comply with U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) standards and Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) standards for preparing shipments that contain lithium batteries.  The standards are in place to ensure the safe transportation of shipments that include these batteries and cells.  Shippers are responsible to comply with these regulations or risk fines.

Luckily the USPS shipping regulations align with DOT and PHMSA regulations—so as long as your shipment follows USPS regulations, you are in the clear.

USPS Standards for Domestic Shipments Containing Lithium Batteries

• Each cell cannot contain more than 1 gram of lithium
• Each battery cannot contain more than 2 grams of lithium
• All packages must contain a complete return address
• For non-installed batteries, your package must have a DOT-approved lithium battery mark (UN3090)

Standards for Shipping Installed Batteries

• Installed batteries must be protected from short circuit
• Devices with batteries must have protection to prevent accidentally being powered-on
• Equipment must be cushioned

Shipping Lithium Batteries to International Destinations?

Lithium batteries can only be shipped internationally if they are installed in the equipment they operate.  Shipping carriers are not allowed to ship packages containing only lithium batteries or cells to international locations – they must be included inside a product.  No markings or documentation are allowed on these international mailpieces.  This rule applies to all international as well as APO/FPO/DPO destinations.

More info on the U.S. Postal Service’s Lithium Battery mailing standards is available on the USPS.com site.

As of November 15, 2012, the USPS will resume shipping packages that contain lithium batteries to many international destinations, including APO/FPO locations.

Lithium batteries are included in many popular electronic devices such as iPads, Kindles, smartphones, cameras and other electronic devices.

In March 2012, the USPS banned the shipment of lithium batteries in order to comply with standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Universal Postal Union (UPU). The batteries can explode or catch fire in certain conditions during overseas transport.

The USPS is still prohibiting lithium batteries that are not installed in the equipment they are intended to operate.  Get more info on the International Acceptance of Lithium Batteries from the USPS website.

Battery Image: Courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net