USPS to Update Lithium Battery Mail Rules in Publication 52

Posted on 8/1/2017 by Roger Marks

To align its requirements with recent updates to domestic and international hazmat shipping standards for lithium batteries, the US Postal Service will update its hazmat shipping manual, Publication 52. USPS announced its intent to update its lithium battery mailing rules in February, reviewed comments from lithium battery shippers and other stakeholders, and will now set about revising the rules.

The updates will be published in the Postal Bulletin on August 17, 2017 and reflect recent changes to the ICAO Technical Instructions (TI), IATA DGR, and the US DOT's 49 CFR hazmat shipping regulations.

Major changes to the USPS lithium battery mail rules in this Publication 52 update include:

Generally prohibiting UN 3480 lithium ion or lithium polymer batteries in USPS air-eligible products (with certain exceptions)
Adding the new DOT Class 9 hazard label for lithium batteries to to the section of DOT labels prohibited in the mail (Publication 52, Exhibit 325.1)
Revising the quantity limitations for lithium ion batteries from 8 cells or 2 batteries to an aggregate limit of 5 pounds
Eliminating the text marking option for mailpieces that require or are permitted to display lithium battery markings
Limiting markings to DOT-approved lithium battery handling marks only
Requiring outer packaging of mailpieces that contain lithium batteries to be rigid and big enough to fit the handling marking on the address side without folding the marking.

See the full announcement in the Federal Register here.

USPS proposed these lithium battery mailing updates in February.

Other New Lithium Battery Rules for 2017

The change made by US DOT in this Final Rule reflect updated international standards like those found in the 2017 IATA DGR. To read more about updated lithium battery rules for 2017, check out these recent Lion News features:

New IATA Lithium Battery Guidance for 2017
Live Training to Ship Lithium Batteries in 2017
IATA Clarifies DGR Training Rules for Lithium Battery Air Shippers

Lithium Battery Shipper Training

The live, expert-led Shipping Lithium Batteries Webinar also covers the latest rules for 2017—including new restrictions from FedEx and UPS for small lithium batteries shipped by air.

Complete lithium battery shipper training is also available in a self-paced online course, available 24/7.

Tags: batteries, lithium, new rules, USPS

Find a Post

Search for:

Compliance Topics

Compliance Archives

These are the best commercial course references I have seen (10+ years). Great job!

Ed Grzybowski

EHS & Facility Engineer

I can't say enough how pleased I was with this course! Everything finally makes sense.

Kim Graham

Lab Manager

The exercises in the DOT hazardous materials management course are especially helpful in evaluating your understanding of course information.

Morgan Bliss

Principal Industrial Hygienist

The instructor made the class enjoyable. He presented in a very knowledgeable, personable manner. Best class I've ever attended. Will take one again.

John Nekoloff

Environmental Compliance Manager

Course instructor was better prepared and presented better than other trainers. Course manual and references were easier to use as well.

Marty Brownfield

Hazardous Waste Professional

Attending Lion Technology classes should be mandatory for every facility that ships or stores hazmat.

Genell Drake

Outbound Lead

Very well structured, comprehensive, and comparable to live training seminars I've participated in previously. I will recommend the online course to other colleagues with training requirement needs.

Neil Luciano

EHS Manager

This training broke down the regulations in an easy-to-understand manner and made them less overwhelming. I now feel I have the knowledge to make more informed decisions.

Amanda Oswald

Shipping Professional

Lion was very responsive to my initial questions and the website was user friendly.

Michael Britt

Supply Chain Director

Lion does a great job summarizing and communicating complicated EH&S-related regulations.

Michele Irmen

Sr. Environmental Engineer

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Look beyond the annual "Top 10 List" to see specifics about the most cited OSHA health & safety Standards and the individual regulations that tripped up employers the most last year.

Download

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.