Mailing lithium battery

Mailing lithium batteries requires special care and attention to ensure safe transportation and compliance with regulations. Here are some guidelines to follow:

Regulations:

• The United States Postal Service (USPS) prohibits shipping lithium batteries in the mail, except for certain types of batteries that are specifically authorized by the USPS.
• The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) have regulations for shipping lithium batteries by air.
• The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) have regulations for shipping lithium batteries by ground.

Precautions:

• Before mailing lithium batteries, make sure they are properly packaged and protected to prevent damage during transit.
• Use a sturdy outer packaging that can withstand normal handling and transportation.
• Wrap each battery individually in bubble wrap or foam to prevent them from coming into contact with each other.
• Place the wrapped batteries in a protective inner packaging, such as a plastic bag or a hard-shell case.
• Seal the outer packaging securely to prevent the batteries from shifting during transit.
• Clearly mark the package as "Fragile" and "Contains Lithium Batteries" to alert handlers.

Shipping Options:

• USPS: The USPS does not allow shipping lithium batteries in the mail, except for certain types of batteries that are specifically authorized by the USPS. These batteries must be shipped via USPS Priority Mail Express and must be properly packaged and labeled.
• UPS and FedEx: These carriers allow shipping lithium batteries, but only if they are properly packaged and labeled. They have specific requirements for packaging and labeling lithium batteries.
• Ground Shipping: Lithium batteries can be shipped by ground, but only if they are properly packaged and labeled. The carrier must be notified in advance and the package must be marked as "Contains Lithium Batteries".

Labeling and Documentation:

• Use the correct shipping label and documentation to ensure compliance with regulations.
• Use a lithium battery shipping label that includes the following information:
  • "Fragile"
  • "Contains Lithium Batteries"
  • "Handle with Care"
  • "Do Not Crush"
• Include a packing slip or invoice that lists the contents of the package, including the type and quantity of lithium batteries.
• Keep a copy of the shipping documentation for your records.

Additional Tips:

• Check with the carrier and the recipient to ensure they are aware of the lithium batteries being shipped and can accept them.
• Consider using a specialized shipping service that handles lithium batteries, such as a courier service that specializes in shipping hazardous materials.
• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for shipping and handling lithium batteries.

Remember to always prioritize safety when shipping lithium batteries, and follow the regulations and guidelines set by the USPS, IATA, ICAO, FAA, and PHMSA.