USPS to Ban International Shipments Containing Lithium Batteries

Effective May 16, the U.S. Postal Service will revise its "Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service," Domestic Mail Manual section 601.10.20 to codify that primary lithium metal or lithium alloy (nonrechargeable) cells and batteries or secondary lithium-ion cells and batteries (rechargeable) are prohibited when mailed internationally or to and from an APO, FPO, or DPO location.

However this prohibition does not apply to lithium batteries authorized under DMM 601.10.20 when mailed within the United States or its territories. International standards have recently been the subject of discussion by the International Civil Aviation Organization and the Universal Postal Union, and the U.S. Postal Service anticipates that on Jan. 1, 2013, customers will be able to mail specific quantities of lithium batteries internationally — including to and from an APO, FPO, or DPO location — when the batteries are properly installed in the personal electronic devices they are intended to operate.

Until such time that a less restrictive policy can be implemented consistent with international standards, and in accordance with UPU Convention, lithium batteries are not permitted in international mail.