Off topic - Shipping Li batteries via post office

[marinemaster]

I went to the PO this morning to ship some AW batteries. The agent freak out as why am I sending LI batteries. I never sold or ship Li batteries this was the first time. I put them in a padded envelope so I guess it was fairly easy to get an idea what it may be inside. They even went so far as having me write batteries on the envelope. I was not happy about that at all. Is this true as of last month May Li batteries cannot be shipped ? The agent said they will open all packages with Li batteries and send them back...Anyone know about this ?

 

[novice]

There is a small poster on the wall of my post office with a bunch of items that are 'prohibited' to send by US Mail. You kind of have to look for it. It lists 'lithium batteries' at the bottom. I think that this has been in effect for some time. I think a great many people ignore, or are completely unaware of it. Lots of companies will ship you a SF flashlight by US mail with the 2xCR123a cells inside, probably without even being aware that they are in violation (At least, I think that that is in violation). The main hazard, as I am aware, is if the cells are able to roll around loosely, and possibly form a circuit by touching end-to-end-to-end, they can then overheat and go into 'thermal meltdown'. Something like this happened in the cargo hold of a plane within the past couple of years.

 

[AnAppleSnail]

Not quite.

Clicky

USPS Packaging Instruction 9D

Lithium and Lithium-ion Cells and Batteries

• When mailed domestically only: Primary lithium (nonrechargeable) cells and batteries and secondary 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. Individual secondary batteries (without equipment) are mailable in limited quantities domestically via air or surface transportation only, provided the batteries are in the originally sealed packaging. Individual primary batteries (without equipment) are mailable in limited quantities only via surface transportation, provided the batteries are in the originally sealed packaging.
• When mailed internationally or to APO, FPO, or DPO destinations: Primary lithium metal or secondary lithium alloy (nonrechargeable) cells and batteries, or lithium-ion cells or batteries (rechargeable), regardless of quantity, size, watt hours, and regardless of whether the cells or batteries are packed in the equipment they are intended to operate, with the equipment they are intended to operate, or without equipment (individual batteries) are prohibited when mailed internationally or to and from an APO, FPO, or DPO location regardless of mail class.

Full text reproduced here for discussion. Does this mean we need to ship Li-Ion cells in cheapie flashlights to ship them? No. I'd say that AW's "Original Packaging" must be the ziplock inside bubble wrap I get from him.

Further to the effect of "Small consumer-type primary lithium cells or batteries (lith*ium metal or lithium alloy) like those used to power cameras and flashlights are mailable domestically under the follow*ing conditions." [Conditions listed below in link]

 

[novice]

Thanks for the clarification, AnAppleSnail. I once shipped a gift flashlight & spare lithium batteries at more expense, through UPS, because I was mistakenly under the impression that that was the kosher way to do it.

 

[Yamabushi]

Full text reproduced here for discussion. Does this mean we need to ship Li-Ion cells in cheapie flashlights to ship them?[Conditions listed below in link]

The full version is actually USPS DMM (Domestic Mail Manual) section 601.10.20, available online. It provides 4 pages of detail defining "limited quantities", and specifying packaging and labelling requirements, etc. Also, it was just revised yesterday (June 24, 2012).

 

[SaraAB87]

Hi, long time lurker, first time poster. I have a situation where an international friend wants me to ship a li-ion battery for the PSP game system to either South Korea or the UK. The battery is rechargable and would be new in package. What would be the best shipping method for this batter, thanks.

 

[jasonck08]

Hi, long time lurker, first time poster. I have a situation where an international friend wants me to ship a li-ion battery for the PSP game system to either South Korea or the UK. The battery is rechargable and would be new in package. What would be the best shipping method for this batter, thanks.

It's not going to be cost effective. UPS / Fedex rates are about $60-70 or so for just 1 pound!

 

[NCF8710]

I just received four Ultrafire 18350 cells with the charger from Hong Kong by USPS registered mail. These were packed in a padded envelope tied with string. I had to sign for the package. There was no marking on the package indicating that lithium cells were inside. I wonder how they got away with this?

 

[Novan3]

Wow that sucks! I was told this was going to happen by a flashlight store clerk in Toronto but didn't believe it at the time. :mad:

At least it's a somewhat legit safety issue rather than an ITAR thing.