June 3, 2022

New Mailing Standards for the Separation of Hazardous Materials

The Postal Service has issued an interim final rule that will become effective upon publication in the Federal Register on June 6, 2022, with new requirements for the separation of hazardous materials (HAZMAT). In addition, the interim final rule restricts the mail class that may be utilized when shipping pre-owned, damaged or defective electronic devices containing or packaged with lithium batteries (such as cell phones, tablets, laptops, cameras, power tools, etc.) to USPS Retail Ground, Parcel Select, Parcel Return Service or Ground Return Service, and requires new marking requirements for these mailings. These immediate changes are necessary to address a rise in incidents involving lithium batteries and other HAZMAT.

Although these requirements are effective June 6, 2022, the interim final rule provides a 30-day period for public comment, and a further final rule will be published that considers any comments. This interim final rule can be reviewed here.