Search
Search

Revised USPS Hazmat Rules Published in Postal Bulletin

Posted on 2/16/2023 by Roger Marks

Revised requirements for mailing hazardous materials with the US Postal Service (USPS) appeared in the latest Postal Bulletin on February 9, 2023 (pp. 8—16). 

The updates to the rules for hazmat-by-mail have been in effect for mailers since June of 2022, when USPS published an Interim Final Rule to the Federal Register. The Interim rule was replaced by a Final Rule on November 30 that year. The "final" version added a couple of clarifying points, but was otherwise identical to the Interim Rule.  

The USPS standards for Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail are revised as follows:

  • Shippers/mailers must separate hazardous materials requiring marks or labels from other mail.

  • The mailing of pre-owned, damaged, or defective electronic devices containing (or packed with) lithium batteries is restricted to surface transportation only.

  • Specific markings are required on mail containing lithium batteries in or with pre-owned, damaged, or defective electronic devices.

We explored the new USPS requirements in more detail last year. 

The substantial revisions to the hazmat mail standards are already in effect and will be incorporated in the next edition Publication 52—Restricted, Hazardous, and Perishable Mail. 

Among other things, Publication 52 guides shippers/mailers on the USPS requirements and restrictions for packaging, marking and labeling, and mailing hazardous materials for transportation "by post," i.e., through the mail. 

USPS allows persons, including businesses or e-commerce shippers, to mail small quantities of certain hazardous materials. 

Find a Post

Recent Posts

Compliance Topics

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

As always, Lion never disappoints

Paul Resley

Environmental Coordinator

The course was very informative and presented in a way that was easily understood and remembered. I would recommend this course.

Jeffrey Tierno

Hazmat Shipping Professional

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

Michael Britt

Supply Chain Director

The workshop covered a lot of information without being too overwhelming. Lion is much better, more comprehensive than other training providers.

George Alva

Manufacturing Manager

Excellent job. Made what is very dry material interesting. Thoroughly explained all topics in easy-to-understand terms.

David Hertvik

Vice President

The instructor had knowledge of regulations and understanding of real-world situations. The presentation style was engaging and fostered a positive atmosphere for information sharing.

Linda Arlen

Safety & Environmental Compliance Officer

Lion provided an excellent introduction to environmental regulations, making the transition to a new career as an EHS specialist less daunting of a task. Drinking from a fire hose when the flow of water is lessened, is much more enjoyable!

Stephanie Weathers

SHE 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

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

Lion is at the top of the industry in compliance training. Course content and structure are updated frequently to make annual re-training enjoyable. I like that Lion has experts that I can contact for 1 year after the training.

Caroline Froning

Plant Chemist

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Find out what makes DOT hazmat training mandatory for employees who sign the hazardous waste manifest, a “dually regulated” document for tracking shipments.

Download
Latest Whitepaper

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.