USPS Packaging Instruction 9D

Lithium Metal and Lithium-ion Cells and Batteries — Domestic

Except according to 349.21, lithium metal (nonrechargeable) cells and batteries and lithium-ion (rechargeable) cells and batteries are mailable in limited quantities domestically via air or surface transportation when they are installed in or packed with the equipment they are intended to operate. Unless otherwise excepted, lithium metal and lithium-ion batteries (without equipment) are mailable in limited quantities domestically via surface transportation only. Lithium metal and lithium-ion batteries installed in or packed with used, damaged, or defective electronic devices (excluding devices that are new in original packaging, and manufacturer-certified new or refurbished devices) meeting all mailability requirements in 349 are mailable via surface transportation only.

Proper Shipping Name

ID Number

Mailability

Required Packaging

Lithium Metal and Lithium-ion Batteries
Markings

Note: DOT-approved lithium battery markings must be applied to all mailpieces when there are more than two mailpieces in a single consignment as defined in 349.12b.

Note: DOT-approved lithium battery markings must be applied to all mailpieces when there are more than two mailpieces in a single consignment as defined in 349.12b.

Quantities
Domestic — Lithium Metal Cells and Batteries:

Installed in or packed with the equipment they are intended to operate:

Individual batteries mailed without equipment:

Domestic — Lithium-ion Cells and Batteries:

Installed in or packed with the equipment they are intended to operate:

Individual batteries mailed without equipment:

Domestic — Small Lithium Metal or Lithium-ion Batteries

Very small, consumer-type batteries, installed in equipment, or packed with equipment:

Domestic Lithium Battery Mailability Exhibit

 

 

Surface Transportation

Air Transportation1

Mailpiece Limitations2

Lithium Metal or Lithium Alloy Batteries3, 4

Small, non-rechargeable, consumer-type batteries

Contained in (properly installed in equipment)

Mailable

Mailable

8 cells or 2 batteries

11 Ibs.

Packed with equipment, but not installed in the equipment

Mailable

Mailable

8 cells or 2 batteries

11 Ibs

Without the equipment they operate (individual batteries in originally sealed packaging)

Mailable

Prohibited

5 lbs.

Lithium-ion or Lithium Polymer Batteries5, 6

Small, rechargeable, consumer-type batteries

Contained in (properly installed in equipment)

Mailable

Mailable

8 cells or 2 batteries

Packed with equipment, but not installed in the equipment

Mailable

Mailable

8 cells or 2 batteries

Without the equipment they operate (individual batteries in originally sealed packaging)

Mailable

Prohibited7

5 lbs.

Very Small Lithium Metal or Lithium-ion Batteries 8, 9

Exception for very small consumer-type batteries in USPS air transportation

Contained in (properly installed in equipment)

Mailable

Mailable

No limit on cells/batteries 5.5 lbs.

Packed with equipment, but not installed in the equipment

Mailable

Mailable

No limit on cells/batteries 5.5 lbs.

Damaged, Defective, or Recalled Batteries

Prohibited, unless approved by the director,
Product Classification.