USPS battery mailing

[ksbman]

I've had a coupe people ask me about mailing them some SF123's.

I checked the USPS web site and it states that dry cell batteries are permitted in Domestic mail but not in International mail.

From USPS Publication 52 July 1999, Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail-
348 Corrosives (Hazard Class 8)
348.1 Definition
A corrosive is any liquid or solid that causes visible destruction or irreversible alteration in human skin tissue at the site of contact, or a liquid that has a severe corrosion rate on steel. The term "corrosive" includes all items commonly referred to as acids, as well as most batteries.
348.2 Mailability
a. International Mail. All corrosives are prohibited.
348.22 Mailable Corrosives
b. Batteries. Mailable batteries include:
(2) Dry-cell batteries and batteries containing no more than 0.5g of lithium or lithium alloys generally are not regulated as hazardous materials and are permitted in the domestic mail. See 49 CFR 173.185 for specific conditions concerning lithium and lithium alloy batteries. Mailable batteries must be securely packaged to preclude a direct short. In addition, the general packaging requirements in DMM C010 apply.

I've asked a couple PO clerks about this and they said it's not allowed. There is one PO guy, when he sees that I'm mailing flashlights, who always asks if there are any batteries in the flashlight.

I have included small quantities of batteries in past mailings but have never declared them as such. I've recently had three people asking if I can mail them hundreds of 123's.

There was a good thread about this a while ago, but I can't find it.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[LitFuse]

I'm no authority on the subject, but I think that shipping 123s internationally is a no-no. I've done it too when shipping Arcs overseas, but I've never shipped just batteries. It's one of those things that you can "get away with" but I'm not sure that it's a wise decision.

I don't think I'd want to ship them in "bulk" at any rate. If the clerk asks you if there are any batteries in your shipment, and you lie about it, I think you could be exposing yourself to some liability and/or other unpleasantness. Since you are providing this service out of your good nature, and not for personal gain, I don't think it's worth the risks involved.

Just my .02 of course.


Peter

 

[gwbaltzell]

I think the thread you're looking for is: Mailing batteries to Canada.

I found the ban and the reason is sodium which also rules out alkalines (and salt). Use UPS (ground) for the U.S. and Purolator for Canada.

edit: You'll also see my opinion (like that's worth anything) that its due to misunderstanding of the UN mailing recommendations.

 

[ksbman]

I just edited my 'International Forwarding' post to address this issue and another about tape on Global Priority envelopes.