Our pcs, cameras, mobile phones, and other devices are all powered by lithium-ion batteries. In fact, lithium-ion batteries are probably what’s powering the gadget on which you’re seeing this article. Despite their widespread use, consumers frequently inquire about ship the lithium -ion batteries USPS. In reality, there are certain limitations because lithium-ion batteries are classified as Class 9 Hazardous Products.
Lithium batteries ship via USPS.
USPS allows the shipping of lithium batteries to both domestic and foreign destinations. Mobile phones, Bluetooth Earpieces, tablet devices, and laptops—as well as other digital equipment with lithium batteries—can all be shipped in a durable package with enough foam. USPS demands a DOT-approved lithium battery label be placed on the package when mailing batteries alone.
The reason behind so many limitations on lithium battery shipping.
There are several shipping limitations because lithium-ion batteries may catch fire if they are destroyed while en route.
Lithium Metal and Lithium Ion
It’s crucial to first understand what sort of lithium battery you are working with. Lithium-ion and lithium metal cells are the two primary varieties of lithium batteries. They both have a lot of vitality in them. Lithium-ion batteries are reusable, but lithium metal batteries are not, which is the primary distinction between the two. Our mobile phones and personal computers include lithium-ion batteries, which are the most typical kind.
Types of lithium batteries eligible for shipment.
Today, six different kinds of lithium batteries can be shipped through USPS in varied local or foreign volumes:
- UN3480 lithium-ion (refillable) battery
- UN3090 lithium metal battery.
- Lithium-ion (refillable) battery packed with device, UN3481; lithium-ion (rechargeable) battery inside of equipment.
- Equipment with a lithium metal (or lithium alloy) battery, UN3091.
- Equipment-packaged lithium metal (or lithium alloy) battery, UN3091.
Remember to look for the updated lithium battery markings, which are now required.
You cannot transport fully controlled or defective or banned variants of these batteries over U.S. mail. Another way to consider it is as follows: The USPS won’t accept batteries that need a Class 9 danger label in accordance with 49 CFR 173.185(c) standards.
Shipping Lithium Batteries to Foreign Countries
Only when lithium batteries are already mounted in the machinery they power can they be sent overseas. Lithium batteries or units cannot be shipped alone to foreign destinations by shipping companies; they must be a part of an item. These foreign mailpieces are not allowed to have any marks or verification. All international locations, including APO/FPO/DPO addresses, are subject to this rule.
To guard against breakage or damage, robust, stiff wrapping is required by global packaging regulations.
But only under a certain set of conditions are shipping in cushioned or poly envelopes containing button cell batteries permitted.
Furthermore, no labels or paperwork are permitted on packages going abroad that have items with lithium batteries within.
Here are some cases of products that already have lithium-ion batteries within them:
- gaming sticks
- certain gaming devices.
- Laptops
- Wireless loudspeakers
- Rechargeable razors for grooming
Paperwork required in order to ship lithium-ion batteries.
Numerous transportation methods may call for paperwork, but dangerous products and commodities, in particular, may do so.
These papers provide crucial details that carriers and shippers need in order to evaluate the nature of the goods they are carrying and adhere to the correct safety procedures.
Neglect to include these papers or correctly complete them may result in late deliveries of goods or significant penalties.
Hauling lithium batteries requires a number of different documentation. Depending on your operator and form of shipment, you will need to provide certain ones with your package.
Packaging for shipping lithium-ion batteries.
Transporting lithium batteries requires special packaging.
These batteries have a voltage that, if misused, might result in a fault current, an overheating situation, or a catastrophe. These batteries can’t be accidentally activated without the right package. This guarantees safety throughout the processing and transportation procedures as a whole.
Lithium batteries require the appropriate form of packing in order to be accepted by the majority of transporters. This indicates that they are packaged for transportation in a sturdy, airtight, padded box in a way that avoids motions or jarring.
When transporting lithium batteries, interior packing and exterior packing are the 2 types of packing that must be taken into account.
Conclusion
The USPS can be a wise and practical choice, even with the existing, complicated regulations, because of the decreased shipment prices and documentation requirements for delivering lithium batteries.
With USPS, lithium battery shipping is feasible. For both national and foreign locations, sending lithium-battery-powered items like laptop systems, cellphones, and Bluetooth devices is a very simple operation.
Despite this, it’s always advisable to confirm that the kind of battery you’re delivering is acceptable and that the number you’re sending does not exceed what USPS permits.
Lastly, to ensure safe delivery, package your electronics or batteries properly using hard exterior packaging and inside cushioning.
