Lithium Batteries Banned from International Mail

On May 15, 2012, the United States Postal Service (USPS) published a final rule in the Federal Register (77 FR 28488) which prohibits the outbound international mailing of lithium batteries and devices containing lithium batteries. The final rule is effective as of May 16, 2012. USPS states this action is necessary to bring its international mailing standards, contained in the International Mail Manual (IMM), into compliance with international standards for the acceptance of dangerous goods in international mail. According to USPS, the Universal Postal Union (UPU) Convention and regulations do not permit batteries in international mail and are consistent with the ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air (ICAO Technical Instructions) that, with limited exceptions, do not permit dangerous goods in international mail. The USPS indicates it anticipates exceptions being provided on January 1, 2013, for batteries installed in personal electronic devices.