349 Class 9 Hazardous Materials

Class 9 hazardous material is a substance or article that presents transport hazards that do not meet the definition of any other hazard class. Examples (not all of which are mailable) include lithium batteries, dry ice, magnetized materials, life-saving appliances (e.g., automobile air-bags, self-inflating life vests), and asbestos. Hazard Class 9 materials also include:

1. Any material with anesthetic, noxious, or other similar properties capable of causing extreme annoyance or discomfort to Postal Service personnel or flight crew member.
2. Elevated-temperature materials, hazardous substances, hazardous waste (other than Division 6.2 medical waste), and marine pollutants.

Note: Only lithium batteries, dry ice, magnetized materials and items that can qualify as consumer commodity materials when prepared according to the standards within this section are mailable.

349.1 Mailability

The following conditions apply for mailing Hazard Class 9 items:

1. International Mail: All miscellaneous hazardous materials are prohibited, except for certain magnetized materials as permitted in 349.242(a) and IMM 136.1g, and small consumer-type lithium batteries (installed in the equipment they operate) as permitted in 622.5 and IMM 135.6.
2. Domestic Mail: A Class 9 hazardous material that can qualify as a mailable air-eligible consumer commodity material (ID8000) when intended for air transportation, or limited quantity surface material when intended for surface transportation, is permitted in domestic mail, subject to the applicable 49 CFR requirements. Only certain materials within Classes 2, 3, 6.1, and 9 are eligible for air transportation; mailpieces containing permissible quantities of these materials must be marked with the proper shipping name (“Consumer Commodity”). Additionally, lithium batteries, dry ice, and magnetized materials are permitted in air and surface transportation as specified limits provided in Exhibit 349.244, 349.32, and 349.42.

349.2 Lithium Batteries

Lithium batteries fall into the following classifications:

1. Lithium-Ion Cell or Battery: A rechargeable electrochemical cell or battery in which the positive and negative electrodes are both lithium compounds constructed with no metallic lithium in either electrode. These batteries are also referred to as secondary or rechargeable lithium cells or batteries which are typically used in cell phones and laptop computers.
2. Lithium-Ion Polymer Cell or Battery: A rechargeable cell or battery that uses lithium-ion chemistries, regulated as a lithium-ion cell or battery.
3. Lithium Metal Cell or Battery: A non-rechargeable electrochemical cell or battery utilizing lithium metal or lithium alloys as the anode. The lithium content is measured in an undischarged state. The lithium content of a lithium metal or lithium alloy battery is the sum of the grams of lithium content contained in the component cells of the battery. These batteries are also referred to as primary or non-rechargeable lithium cells or batteries, and are often used in consumer products such as cameras and flashlights.
4. Button Cell Battery: A small, single-cell round battery with a diameter greater than its height, typically used in devices such as watches, calculators, and hearing aids, and are often installed in electronic devices as auxiliary power sources. Mailable button cell batteries must contain no more than 0.3 grams of lithium for lithium metal types and must not exceed 2.7 watt-hours for lithium-ion types.
5. Lithium cell: A single encased electrochemical unit with one positive electrode (anode) and one negative electrode (cathode), which exhibits a voltage differential across its terminals. For mailability, marking, and documentation requirements, a single cell lithium battery is classified as a lithium cell.
6. Lithium battery: A unit composed of one or more lithium cells which are electrically connected together by a permanent means, including case, terminals, and markings.

349.21 Definition

The following definitions apply specifically to the handling, classification, and mailing requirements of lithium batteries and related equipment:

1. Equipment: The device or apparatus for which the lithium cells or batteries will provide power for its operation.
2. Lithium Battery Consignment: One or more mailpieces containing lithium batteries, entered into Postal Service networks by one mailer or mail service provider within a single mailing or retail transaction, or included in the same manifest or shipping services file, and intended for delivery to a single consignee at a single destination address.
3. Short Circuit: A direct connection between positive and negative terminals of a cell or battery that provides an abnormally low resistance path for current flow.
4. Watt-Hour (Wh): The energy rating of a lithium-ion cell or battery. Watt-hour (Wh) is a unit of energy equivalent to one watt (1 W) of work acting for one hour (1 h) of time. The watt-hour calculation is determined by multiplying the rated capacity of a cell or battery in the ampere-hours (Ah) by its nominal voltage (V) (i.e., Wh = Ah x V).
5. Used, Damaged, or Defective Electronic Device: An electronic device containing or packaged with one or more lithium cells or batteries that:
1. Is not new in original packaging;
2. Is not manufacturer-certified new or refurbished; and/or
3. Has some form of damage or defect.

349.22 Lithium Batteries - Domestic

Small lithium cells and batteries are mailable domestically under the conditions in this subchapter.

349.221 General

The following applies to all mailable lithium batteries:

1. Battery Testing Standards: Each cell or battery must meet UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, 38.3, as referenced in DOT‘s hazardous materials regulation (49 CFR § 171.7).
2. Addressing: All outer packaging must include complete delivery and return addresses.
3. Outer Packaging: Mailpieces containing lithium batteries must be packaged in rigid outer packaging unless excepted under 339.4.
4. Marking Requirements: DOT-approved lithium battery marks, as specified in Exhibit 325.4(a), must be applied flat (i.e., without the mark being folded) on the address side of the mailpiece and in such a manner that parts of the mark do not appear on different sides of the mailpiece.

Note: Mailpieces containing button cell batteries installed in equipment (including circuit boards) or up to four lithium metal cells or two lithium metal batteries installed in the equipment they operate are excepted.

5. Marking for Used Devices: Used, damaged, or defective electronic devices (refer to 349.21(e)), must be marked with "Restricted Electronic Device" and "Surface Transportation Only" on the address side of the mailpiece.
6. Short Circuit Protection: Batteries installed in equipment must be protected from damage and short circuit.
7. Activation Prevention: Equipment containing lithium batteries must have effective means of preventing it from being inadvertently turned on or activated.
8. Cushioning and Separation: Cells, batteries, or equipment containing cells or batteries, must be individually cushioned, creating separation to prevent movement or damage.
9. Consignment: Packages in consignments of more than two items require DOT-approved lithium battery markings as defined in 349.6(b).

349.23 Lithium Metal (Non-rechargeable) Cells and Batteries - Domestic

Small consumer-type lithium metal cells or batteries (also called primary lithium cells or batteries), such as those used to power cameras or flashlights, are mailable domestically under the following conditions. Refer to 622 or IMM 136 when mailing batteries internationally, to APO/FPO/DPO, or U.S. Possessions, Territories, and Freely Associated States (PTFAS) destinations (refer to 612).

349.231 General Requirements

Mailability of lithium metal (or lithium alloy) cells and batteries is based upon the following:

1. Lithium Content per Cell: Each cell must not exceed more than 1.0 gram of lithium.
2. Lithium Content per Battery: Each battery must not exceed more than 2.0 grams of lithium content.
3. UN Numbers: The DOT lithium battery mark (refer to Exhibit 325.4(a)) must indicate UN3090 for standalone cells or batteries and UN3091 when they are contained in or packed with equipment they are intended to operate.

349.232 Installed in Equipment

The following additional restrictions apply to the mailing of lithium metal cells or batteries properly installed in the equipment they operate:

1. Weight Limits (\u2264 0.3 g): For cells and batteries containing up to 0.3 grams of lithium, no mailpiece may exceed 2.5 kilograms (5.5 pounds). There is no maximum number of cells or batteries per mailpiece.
2. Weight Limits (\u2265 0.3 g): For cells containing more than 0.3 grams (but not exceeding 1.0 gram), and batteries containing more than 0.3 grams (but not exceeding 2.0 grams) of lithium, no mailpiece may exceed 5 kilograms (11 pounds). Each mailpiece may contain a maximum of eight cells or two batteries.
3. Marking: When required or optionally applied, mailpieces must display a DOT-approved lithium battery marking (refer to Exhibit 325.4(a)), indicating UN3091, on the address side.

349.233 Mailed With Equipment

The following additional restrictions apply to the mailing of lithium metal cells or batteries shipped with (but not installed in) the device or equipment being mailed:

1. Battery Limit: The package cannot exceed the quantity of batteries required to operate the device.
2. Weight Limits (\u2264 0.3 g): For cells and batteries containing up to 0.3 grams of lithium, no mailpiece may exceed 2.5 kilograms (5.5 pounds). There is no maximum number of cells or batteries per mailpiece.
3. Weight Limits (\u2265 0.3 g): For cells containing more than 0.3 grams (but not exceeding 1.0 gram), and batteries containing more than 0.3 grams (but not exceeding 2.0 grams) of lithium, no mailpiece may exceed 5 kilograms (11 pounds). Each mailpiece may contain a maximum of eight cells or two batteries.
4. Marking: Mailpieces must display a DOT-approved lithium battery mark (refer to Exhibit 325.4(a)), indicating UN3091, on the address side.

349.234 Mailed Without Equipment

The following additional restrictions apply to the mailing of lithium metal cells or batteries without equipment (i.e., individual batteries):

1. Original Packaging: Lithium metal cells and batteries must be mailed in the sealed packaging.
2. Transportation: Mailpieces must be sent by surface transportation only. Refer to 327.13.
3. Marking: Mailpieces must display:
1. A DOT-approved lithium battery mark (refer to Exhibit 325.4(a)), indicating UN3090, on the address side, and;
2. The text "Surface Mail Only, Primary Lithium Batteries - Forbidden for Transportation Aboard Passenger Aircraft" or "Surface Mail Only, Lithium Metal Batteries - Forbidden for Transportation Aboard Passenger Aircraft."
4. Weight Limit: The mailpiece must not exceed 5 pounds.

349.24 Lithium-ion (Rechargeable) Cells and Batteries - Domestic

Small consumer-type lithium-ion cells and batteries (also called secondary lithium cells or batteries), such as those used to power cell phones and laptop computers, are only mailable domestically under the following conditions. Refer to 622 or IMM 136 when mailing batteries internationally, to APO/FPO/DPO destinations, or U.S. Possessions, Territories, and Freely Associated States (PTFAS) destinations (refer to 612).

349.241 General Requirements

The following additional restrictions apply to the mailability of all secondary lithium-ion or lithium polymer cells and batteries:

1. Watt-Hour Rating per Cell: Cells must not exceed a 20 Wh rating.
2. Watt-Hour Rating per Battery: Batteries must not exceed a 100 Wh rating.
3. Watt-Hour Marking: Each battery must display the "Watt-hour" or "Wh" marking to verify it is within the limits defined in items a and b.
4. UN Numbers: The DOT lithium battery mark (refer to Exhibit 325.4(a)) must indicate UN3480 for standalone cells or batteries and UN3481 when they are contained in or packed with equipment they are intended to operate.

349.242 Installed in Equipment

The following additional restrictions apply to the mailing of lithium-ion cells andor batteries properly installed in equipment they operate:

1. Limits:
1. \u2264 2.7 Wh: For lithium-ion cells and batteries with a watt-hour rating up to 2.7 Wh, no mailpiece may exceed 2.5 kilograms (5.5 pounds). There is no maximum number of cells or batteries per mailpiece.
2. \u2264 20 Wh Cells or 100 Wh Batteries): Each lithium-ion cell must not exceed a watt-hour rating of 20 Wh, and batteries must not exceed a watt-hour rating of 100 Wh. Each mailpiece must contain no more than eight cells or two batteries.
2. Lithium Battery Marking: When required or optionally applied, mailpieces must display a DOT-approved lithium battery mark (refer to Exhibit 325.4(a)), indicating UN3481, on the address side.

349.243 Mailed With Equipment

The following additional restrictions apply to the mailing of lithium-ion cells or batteries shipped with (but not installed in) the device or equipment being mailed:

1. Weight Limits (\u2264 2.7 Wh): For lithium-ion cells and batteries with a watt-hour rating of up to 2.7 Wh, no mailpiece may exceed 2.5 kilograms (5.5 pounds). There is no maximum number of cells or batteries per mailpiece.
2. Weight Limits (\u2264 20 Wh Cells or 100 Wh Batteries): For lithium-ion cells with a watt-hour rating of up to 20 Wh, and batteries with a watt-hour rating of up to 100 Wh, each mailpiece must contain no more than eight cells or two batteries. Each cell must have a watt-hour rating of no more than 20 Wh, and each battery must have a watt-hour of no more than 100 Wh.
3. Marking: Mailpieces must display a DOT-approved lithium battery mark (refer to Exhibit 325.4(a)), indicating UN3481, on the address side.

349.244 Mailed Without Equipment

The following additional restrictions apply to the mailing of lithium-ion cells or batteries without equipment (i.e., individual batteries):

1. Original Packaging: Lithium-ion cells and batteries must be in their sealed packaging.
2. Weight Limit: The mailpiece must not exceed 5 pounds.
3. Marking: Mailpieces must display:
1. A DOT-approved lithium battery mark (refer to Exhibit 325.4(a)), indicating UN3480, on the address side.
2. The text "Surface Mail Only, Primary Lithium Batteries - Forbidden for Transportation Aboard Passenger Aircraft" or "Surface Mail Only, Lithium Metal Batteries - Forbidden for Transportation Aboard Passenger Aircraft".
4. Transportation: Mailpieces must be sent by surface transportation only, unless both mailed from, and intended for delivery to, the state of Alaska under 349.244(e).
5. Intra-Alaska: Lithium-ion or Lithium Polymer batteries may be mailed via air transportation only when both mailed from, and intended for delivery within, the state of Alaska. Each mailpiece must not contain more than eight cells or two batteries

Exhibit 349.244 

Domestic Lithium Battery Mailability

 

	Surface Transportation	Air Transportation1	Mailpiece Limitations2
Lithium Metal or Lithium Alloy Batteries 3, 4 Small, non-rechargeable, consumer-type batteries
Contained in (properly installed in equipment)	Mailable	Mailable	8 cells or 2 batteries 11 lbs.
Packed with equipment, but not installed in the equipment	Mailable	Mailable	8 cells or 2 batteries 11 lbs.
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 Batteries8, 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 pounds
Packed with equipment, but not installed in the equipment	Mailable	Mailable	No limit on cells/batteries 5.5 pounds
Damaged, Defective, or Recalled Batteries	Prohibited, unless approved by the director, Product Classification.

1. Used, damaged, or defective electronic devices are prohibited from air transportation. This excludes devices that are new in original packaging, and manufacturer-certified new or refurbished devices.

2. When a mailpiece limitation of 8 cells or 2 batteries is applicable, a mailpiece may contain either 8 cells or 2 batteries, not both.

3. Each cell must not contain more than 1 g (gram) of lithium content.

4. Each battery must not contain more than 2 g aggregate lithium content.

5. Each cell must not exceed more than 20 Wh (watt-hour rating).

6. Each battery must not exceed 100 Wh.

7. Mailable intra-Alaska via air transportation is limited to 8 cells or 2 batteries.

8. Each lithium metal or lithium alloy cell or battery must not exceed 0.3 g of lithium content.

9. Each lithium-ion or lithium polymer cell or battery must not exceed 2.7 Wh.

349.3 Dry Ice

Dry ice is primarily used to keep other items cool, including both mailable hazardous materials or nonhazardous items, such as medical specimens or foods.

349.31 Definition

Dry ice (carbon dioxide solid) is produced by expanding liquid carbon dioxide to vapor and compacting the material into blocks. As dry ice converts to gas, it absorbs heat from its surroundings. This resulting gas is denser than air and may displace oxygen in confined spaces, creating a risk of suffocation. When dry ice is enclosed in a thick metal or other restrictive type of container, internal pressure builds up and could cause the container to rupture or explode. Mailpieces containing dry ice must be handled with care because of its extremely low temperature (about -110° or -79° C) may cause severe burns to skin upon direct contact.

349.32 Mailability

Packages containing dry ice must be vented to allow the release of carbon dioxide gas and to comply with 49 CFR § 173.217 and 175.10(a)(10).

Mailpieces containing dry ice are subject to the following conditions, as applicable:

1. International Mail: Dry ice is prohibited.
2. Domestic Mail via Air Transportation: Dry ice is permitted in quantities of up to 5 pounds per mailpiece. Mailpieces must comply with Packaging Instruction 9A in Appendix C, as applicable.
3. Domestic Mail via Surface Transportation: Dry ice is permitted and must comply with Packaging Instruction 9A in Appendix C.

Note: Mailpieces prepared for surface transportation must not, under any circumstances, be routed via air transportation.

349.4 Magnetized Materials

A magnetized material is not regulated as hazardous material unless transported by air, and when it has a magnetic field strength capable of causing the deviation of aircraft instruments. Examples include magnets and magnetized devices such as magnetrons and light meters of sufficient strength to possibly cause erroneous aircraft compass readings.

349.41 Definition

A magnetized material is regulated as a hazardous material when it is presented for air transportation and exhibits a measurable magnetic field strength exceeding 0.00525 gauss at a distance of 15 feet from any point on the surface of the outer packaging of the magnetized material. If the maximum magnetic field strength at a distance of 7 feet is under 0.002 gauss or the compass deviation is less than 0.5 degrees, the material is not classified as a magnetized material.

349.42 Mailability

Magnetized materials with a magnetic field strength of 0.002 gauss or more at a distance of 7 feet from any point on the surface of the outer packaging are mailable via air transportation if properly packaged.

Materials with a field strength over 0.00525 gauss at 15 feet are nonmailable in domestic and international air transportation under any circumstances. The following conditions apply for mailing magnetized materials:

1. International Mail: Only non-regulated magnetized materials with a magnetic field strength below 0.002 gauss at a distance of 7 feet may be mailed internationally. Regulated magnetized materials are prohibited (refer to 621.1, 622.4, or IMM 136.1).
2. Domestic Mail via Air Transportation: Magnetized materials with a magnetic field strength over 0.00525 gauss at 15 feet are prohibited. Those below 0.002 gauss at a distance of 7 feet are not regulated. Packaging Instruction 9B in Appendix C must be followed. The address side of the outer packaging must display the magnetized material warning label shown in Exhibit 349.420 and a shipping paper is required.
3. Domestic Mail via Surface Transportation: Magnetized materials are not regulated as hazardous when transported via surface transportation.

Exhibit 349.42 

Warning Label for Magnetized Materials

349.5 Marking, Packaging, and Documentation

The following Class 9 materials are mailable subject to the corresponding packaging:

1. Dry Ice: Packaging Instruction 9A.
2. Magnetized Materials: Packaging Instruction 9B.
3. Air-Eligible Consumer Commodity Material (ID8000) (Air Transportation): Packaging Instruction 9C. Packages containing Miscellaneous Class 9 materials must display the DOT diamond-shaped Limited Quantity Mark with the symbol "Y" in the center. Refer to Exhibit 325.5. Each mailpiece intended for transport by air and containing eligible limited quantity material of DOT Classes 2, 3, and 6.1, or eligible hazard Class 9 Limited Quantity material categorized in UN3077, UN3082, UN3175, UN3334, or UN3335, must be marked with:
1. Proper Shipping Name: "Consumer Commodity".
2. Identification Number: "ID8000."
3. DOT Label: Class 9 Hazardous Material Warning Label (refer to Exhibit 325.4(b)).
4. Shipper‘s Declaration for Dangerous Goods: Completed, prepared in triplicate, and affixed to the outside of the mailpiece.
4. Limited Quantity Surface Material (Surface Transportation): Packaging Instruction 9C. Each mailpiece must be marked according to the surface requirements within the applicable Packaging Instructions in Appendix C. The Limited Quantity ground marking is sufficient for surface shipments; neither the proper shipping name nor the identification number is required.
5. Lithium and Lithium-Ion Cells and Batteries (Domestic): Packaging Instruction 9D.
6. Lithium and Lithium-Ion Cells and Batteries (International): Packaging Instruction 9E.

Packages containing mailable Class 9 material markings must be durable, legible, and readily visible and applied the address of the packaging. Refer to 325.

349.6 Nonmailable Class 9 Materials

The following Class 9 materials are prohibited:

1. Non-Qualifying Class 9 Materials: Class 9 materials that do not qualify as Limited Quantity air or Limited Quantity surface material, except for lithium batteries, dry ice, and magnetized materials.
2. High-Strength Magnetized Materials: Magnetized materials with a magnetic field strength exceeding 0.00525 gauss at a distance of 15 feet.
3. Compass-Deviating Magnetized Materials: Magnetized materials causing a compass deviation at a distance of 7 feet or more are prohibited from air transport.
4. Excessive Dry Ice: Dry ice exceeding 5 pounds per mailpiece is prohibited from air transport in domestic mail.
5. Unqualified Lithium Batteries (International Mail): Lithium batteries in international mail, unless they are within the specified limits and installed in the equipment they operate.
6. Unqualified Lithium Batteries (Domestic Air Transport): Lithium batteries in domestic air transportation, unless they are within the specified limits and are installed in, or packed with, the equipment they are intended to operate.
7. Damaged, Defective, or Recalled Batteries: Damaged, defective, or recalled batteries unless approved by the director, Product Classification (Refer to 214 for contact information).
8. Used, Damaged, or Defective Electronic Devices: Used, damaged, or defective electronic devices in international mail or domestic air transportation, except for new devices in original packaging or manufacturer-certified new or refurbished devices.