USPS Mailing Standards For Lithium Batteries
This article includes updates effective March 12, 2021
Shipping Regulations
When shipping lithium batteries, businesses must comply with U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) standards and Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) standards for preparing shipments that contain lithium batteries. The standards are in place to ensure the safe transportation of shipments that include these batteries and cells. Shippers are responsible to comply with these regulations or risk fines.
Luckily the USPS shipping regulations align with DOT and PHMSA regulations—so as long as your shipment follows USPS regulations, you are in the clear.
USPS Standards for Domestic Shipments Containing Lithium Batteries
- Each cell cannot contain more than 1 gram of lithium
- Each battery cannot contain more than 2 grams of lithium
- All packages must contain a complete return address
- For non-installed batteries, your package must have a DOT-approved lithium battery mark (UN3090)
Standards for Shipping Installed Batteries
- Installed batteries must be protected from short circuit
- Devices with batteries must have protection to prevent accidentally being powered-on
- Equipment must be cushioned
Shipping Lithium Batteries to International Destinations?
Lithium batteries can only be shipped internationally if they are installed in the equipment they operate. Shipping carriers are not allowed to ship packages containing only lithium batteries or cells to international locations – they must be included inside a product. No markings or documentation are allowed on these international mailpieces. This rule applies to all international as well as APO/FPO/DPO destinations.
More info on the U.S. Postal Service’s Lithium Battery mailing standards is available on the USPS.com site.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do NetStamps work?
You can print NetStamps if you have a Stamps.com account with sufficient postage balance. After logging in to your account, simply select print on “NetStamps,” choose how many to print, select to print on a NetStamps sheet or roll, and click print!
How fast is Priority Mail Express International?
Delivery is made by the country's postal service in 3 - 5 business days, depending on the destination.
How do I calculate domestic postage costs?
Our rate advisor feature helps you calculate exact postage or shipping rate for anything you send. All you need is your item's weight and dimensions -- we do all the math for you and recommend cheapest, fastest, and best rates across all carriers.
How long does USPS Ground Advantage take to deliver?
USPS Ground Advantage delivery time is typically the slowest for domestic shipping services, taking two to five business days depending on the destination.
What are the delivery times for UPS Next Day Air?
UPS Next Day Air offers guaranteed delivery by 10:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m., or end of day on the next business day, depending on the destination and specific service selected. Deliveries are made Monday through Friday, with Saturday delivery available in select areas for an additional fee.
What are nonmachinable envelopes?
Nonmachinable envelopes might be non-rectangular, rigid, unevenly thick, or have non-paper closures, meaning they cannot be processed efficiently by USPS's automated sorting equipment, and require special handling, resulting in a surcharge in addition to the standard postage.
USPS Priority Mail vs. First-Class Mail: What is the speed comparison?
USPS Priority Mail generally delivers in 2-3 business days. First-Class Mail, while more economical, typically takes 1-5 business days for delivery.
UPS Worldwide Saver vs. UPS Worldwide Expedited: What is the speed comparison?
UPS Worldwide Saver is faster than UPS Worldwide Expedited, offering delivery by the end of the next business day to major business centers, compared to 2-5 business days for Worldwide Expedited. Worldwide Saver provides a more economical alternative to premium express services while maintaining quick delivery.
How long does UPS Ground take?
UPS Ground typically takes 1 to 5 business days for delivery with 90% of UPS® Ground packages being delivered in 3 days or less.
How fast is UPS Standard compared to UPS Ground Saver?
UPS Standard is generally faster than UPS Ground Saver, as it has a typical delivery window of 1-5 business days compared to Ground Saver's 2-7 business days.
