Lion's office will be closed at 3:30 PM ET on Friday, May 23 and all day on Monday, May 26. Online training support is available from 8:30 AM to 5 PM ET. Contact support@lion.com.
Search

USPS Revises Publication 52 Hazmat Postal Regulations

Posted on 6/6/2022 by Roger Marks

The US Postal Service has revised the regulations for mailing hazardous materials, including some electronic devices containing or packed with lithium batteries.

Effective immediately, the USPS Publication 52 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.
The Interim Final Rule appeared in the Federal Register on June 6. USPS will accept public comments until July 6, 2022.

Separation of Hazardous Mail

By requiring hazardous materials to be presented separately from other mail, USPS hopes to improve visibility of hazardous materials in the mail system.

The separation requirement applies to all hazardous materials. 
“A HAZMAT package can easily evade postal HAZMAT processing if it is nestled beneath non-HAZMAT packages in a bulk mail receptacle…

...it is also important that surface-only HAZMAT not be erroneously routed to air transportation due to commingling with non-HAZMAT.”

[USPS, 87 FR 34197]

New Lithium Battery Package Marking

In addition to hazardous materials markings and labels already required for hazardous materials sent by post, USPS now requires shippers to mark packages of pre-owned, damaged, or defective electronic devices containing or packaged with lithium batteries with the following two statements:
  • “Restricted Electronic Device”
  • “Surface Transportation Only”

Why New Rules for Mailing Hazardous Materials?

USPS cites a “consistent and alarming rise in incidents involving mailed packages of lithium batteries and other hazmat, including flammable liquids, aerosols, and strike-anywhere matches” as the reason for the rulemaking. 

USPS also points to incidents of unlabeled, improperly labeled, and air-ineligible hazardous materials being improperly accepted onto aircraft. By adding new requirements for separating all hazmat mail and for marking packages containing electronic devices, USPS hopes to prevent hazardous materials from being mishandled or erroneously loaded onto an aircraft.  

How to Ship Hazmat by USPS

Businesses that ship small quantities of hazardous materials must have the knowledge and procedures in place to ensure safe delivery—both USPS and US DOT have the authority to issue hefty penalties for violations of hazmat regulations.

Improper packaging, markings, labels, or shipping papers can all result in rejection, lost time, missed deadlines, and upset customers.

The Hazmat Postal Shipper Online Course guides shippers through the must-know USPS requirements from Publication 52 for mailing hazardous materials.

Tags: hazardous materials, hazmat by mail, hazmat shipping, lithium batteries, USPS

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

I was recently offered an opportunity to take my training through another company, but I politely declined. I only attend Lion Technology workshops.

Stephanie Gilliam

Material Production/Logistics Manager

The instructor was probably the best I ever had! He made the class enjoyable, was humorous at times, and very knowledgeable.

Mary Sue Michon

Environmental Administrator

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

Morgan Bliss

Principal Industrial Hygienist

I can take what I learned in this workshop and apply it to everyday work and relate it to my activities.

Shane Hersh

Materials Handler

Excellent class, super instructor, very easy to follow. No rushing through material. Would like to take his class again.

Lawrence Patterson

EH&S Facility Maintenance & Security Manager

As always, Lion never disappoints

Paul Resley

Environmental Coordinator

Convenient; I can train when I want, where I want.

Barry Cook

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Our instructor was very dynamic and kept everyone's interest. Hazmat shipping can be a dry, complicated topic but I was engaged the entire time.

Kimberly Arnao

Senior Director of EH&S

Given the choice, I would do all coursework this way. In-person courses go very fast without the opportunity to pause or repeat anything.

Ellen Pelton

Chemical Laboratory Manager

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

Misty Filipp

Material Control Superintendent

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

In most cases, injuries that occur at work are work-related and must be recorded to maintain compliance with OSHA regulations. This report shows you the 9 types of injuries you don’t record.

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.