August 25, 2016

Reminder on Shipping Hoverboards

A majority of motorized balance boards (hoverboards) which contain lithium batteries are considered hazardous materials, classified as UN3171 Battery-powered vehicle (or Battery-powered equipment) and are nonmailable – they are prohibited in domestic and international mail. Prior to mailing any device containing lithium batteries, mailers must review all documentation provided by the product manufacturer, such as user guides, specification sheets, and safety data sheets, and Publication 52, Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail to determine mailability.

When determining if a hoverboard is mailable, the mailer must first determine the type, quantity and capacity (Watt-hour (Wh) rating) of the battery used. The mailer should then compare this information to the quantity and capacity limitations stated in Publication 52, Packing Instruction 9D. Hoverboards containing Lithium-ion batteries are therefore limited to no more than two Lithium-ion batteries and each battery cannot exceed 100 Wh. After reviewing documentation for a large variety of hoverboards the Postal Service has been unable to identify any hoverboards that are mailable. We recognize that new products come onto the market regularly and we will continue to review these items as they are brought to our attention.

As a reminder, in a December 18, 2015, Industry Alert, the Postal Service^® announced limitations on the shipping of mailable hoverboards containing lithium batteries. Mailable hoverboards are permitted only when using Standard Post™/Parcel Select^®, which travels on ground transportation, due to potential safety hazards pertaining to lithium batteries. Mailable hoverboards are never permitted in international mail shipments or shipments to or from APO, FPO and DPO locations.