Can lithium batteries be shipped prioity mail
Lithium batteries, including lithium-ion (Li-ion) and lithium-metal (Li-metal) batteries, are subject to specific regulations and restrictions when shipping by air or ground. The primary concern is the risk of fire or explosion during transportation.
In the United States, the United States Postal Service (USPS) has specific guidelines for shipping lithium batteries, including:
- Prohibitions: USPS prohibits shipping lithium batteries in Priority Mail Express International, Priority Mail International, and First-Class Package International Service.
- Restrictions: USPS allows shipping lithium batteries in Priority Mail, but with certain restrictions:
- The battery must be properly packaged and protected to prevent damage or short-circuiting.
- The battery must be declared as a hazardous material on the shipping label.
- The shipper must comply with USPS's lithium battery shipping guidelines.
- Special requirements: USPS requires additional documentation and packaging for lithium batteries, including:
- A completed USPS Form 1583, "Lithium Battery Shipping Declaration."
- A package that is specifically designed to prevent damage or short-circuiting.
- A warning label on the outside of the package indicating that it contains a lithium battery.
It's essential to note that even with these restrictions and guidelines, USPS may still refuse to ship lithium batteries if they are not properly packaged or declared.
If you need to ship lithium batteries, it's recommended to use a courier service that specializes in shipping hazardous materials, such as UPS or FedEx. These services have specific procedures and guidelines for shipping lithium batteries and can provide additional support and expertise.
Before shipping lithium batteries, always check with the shipping carrier and ensure you comply with all relevant regulations and guidelines to avoid any issues or delays.