Can you mail 18650 batteries

The shipping of 18650 batteries is a bit of a gray area, and it's important to follow the guidelines and regulations set by the shipping carriers and relevant authorities. Here's a breakdown of what you need to know:

USPS (United States Postal Service)

• USPS does not have a specific policy against shipping 18650 batteries, but they do have guidelines for shipping lithium-ion batteries, which include 18650 batteries.
• According to USPS, lithium-ion batteries can be shipped via Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, and First-Class Package Service, but they must be properly packaged and meet certain requirements.
• To ship 18650 batteries via USPS, you'll need to:
  • Package them securely to prevent damage and short circuits.
  • Use a protective outer packaging, such as a bubble mailer or a box, to prevent punctures.
  • Declare the contents as "Lithium-Ion Batteries" on the shipping label.
  • Comply with USPS's lithium-ion battery shipping regulations, which include a maximum of 8 cells per package and a maximum total capacity of 20 watt-hours (Wh) per package.

UPS and FedEx

• UPS and FedEx have similar guidelines for shipping lithium-ion batteries, including 18650 batteries.
• Both carriers require that batteries be properly packaged and meet certain requirements, such as:
  • Packaging them securely to prevent damage and short circuits.
  • Using a protective outer packaging, such as a box or a padded envelope, to prevent punctures.
  • Declaring the contents as "Lithium-Ion Batteries" on the shipping label.
  • Complying with the carrier's lithium-ion battery shipping regulations, which may include limits on the number of cells or total capacity per package.

International Shipping

• When shipping 18650 batteries internationally, you'll need to comply with the regulations of both the country of origin and the destination country.
• The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has specific guidelines for shipping lithium-ion batteries, which include requirements for packaging, labeling, and documentation.
• You may need to obtain special permits or approvals from the relevant authorities before shipping 18650 batteries internationally.

Additional Tips

• Always check with the shipping carrier for their specific guidelines and regulations on shipping 18650 batteries.
• Make sure to properly package and label the batteries to prevent damage and ensure safe transportation.
• Consider using a shipping carrier that specializes in shipping hazardous materials, such as UPS or FedEx, which have more experience handling lithium-ion batteries.

In summary, while it is possible to mail 18650 batteries, it's important to follow the guidelines and regulations set by the shipping carriers and relevant authorities to ensure safe and compliant shipping.