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

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

I have attended other training providers, but Lion is best. Lion is king of the hazmat jungle!!!

Henry Watkins

Hazardous Waste Technician

The instructor was very knowledgeable and provided pertinent information above and beyond the questions that were asked.

Johnny Barton

Logistics Coordinator

One of the best trainings I have ever received!

Brandon Morfin

EH&S Manager

I love that the instructor emphasized the thought process behind the regs.

Rebecca Saxena

Corporate Product Stewardship Specialist

Best course instructor I've ever had. Funny, relatable, engaging; made it interesting and challenged us as the professionals we are.

Amanda Schwartz

Environmental Coordinator

The instructor clearly enjoys his job and transmits that enthusiasm. He made a dry subject very interesting and fun.

Teresa Arellanes

EHS Manager

These are the best classes I attend each year. I always take something away and implement improvements at my sites.

Kim Racine

EH&S Manager

The instructor was very patient and engaging - willing to answer and help explain subject matter.

Misty Filipp

Material Control Superintendent

Much better than my previous class with another company. The Lion instructor made sense, kept me awake and made me laugh!

Marti Severs

Enterprise Safety Manager

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Use this guide to spot which tanks and substances are regulated under EPA's Underground Storage Tank program, and which are excluded as of October 2018.

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.