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 good. I have always appreciated the way Lion Tech develops, presents and provides training and materials.

John Troy

Environmental Specialist

Lion's course was superior to others I have taken in the past. Very clear in the presentation and the examples helped to explain the content presented.

George Bersik

Hazardous Waste Professional

Lion was very extensive. There was a lot of things that were covered that were actually pertaining to what I do and work with. Great Job. I will be coming back in three years!

Tony Petrik

Hazmat Shipping Professional

This was the 1st instructor that has made the topic actually enjoyable and easy to follow and understand. Far better than the "other" training providers our company has attended!

Lori Hardy

Process & Resource Administrator

Lion courses are the standard to which all other workshops should strive for!

Brody Saleen

Registered Environmental Health Specialist

The price was reasonable, the time to complete the course was manageable, and the flexibility the online training allowed made it easy to complete.

Felicia Rutledge

Hazmat Shipping Professional

My experience with Lion classes has always been good. Lion Technology always covers the EPA requirements I must follow.

Steven Erlandson

Environmental Coordinator

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

Genell Drake

Outbound Lead

Best instructor ever! I was going to take my DOT training w/a different provider, but based on this presentation, I will also be doing my DOT training w/Lion!

Donna Moot

Hazardous Waste Professional

The instructor made the class very enjoyable and catered to the needs of our group.

Sarah Baker

Planner

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Decrease spill, release, and injury risk and increase savings with these "source reduction" strategies to prevent unused chemicals from becoming regulated as hazardous waste.

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.