Short Answer: USPS lithium battery labels must comply with both domestic (DOT) and international (UPU/IATA) regulations. Proper labeling includes specific markings like UN numbers, Class 9 labels, and handling instructions. Non-compliance risks fines, shipment delays, or seizure. Always verify destination country rules to ensure alignment with Universal Postal Union (UPU) standards.
Southwest Airlines Lithium Policy
What Are the USPS Requirements for Lithium Battery Labels?
USPS mandates that lithium batteries shipped domestically or internationally display:
1. UN-certified packaging with UN3480 (lithium-ion) or UN3090 (lithium-metal) markings
2. Class 9 hazardous material diamond labels
3. “Surface Mail Only” warnings for air transport-restricted items
4. Battery type/quantity declarations
5. Tamper-proof seals for cells not installed in equipment
Non-compliant labels result in rejected shipments per Postal Service Manual §52.3.
How Do International Postal Union Rules Differ from USPS Standards?
The Universal Postal Union (UPU) enforces stricter rules than USPS for lithium batteries:
– All international mail requires IATA Special Provision A188 compliance
– Prohibits loose batteries in letter/postcard mail
– Limits lithium-ion batteries to 2.7Wh per cell (USPS: 20Wh)
– Requires bilingual (English + destination language) hazard warnings
UPU member countries like Germany and Japan impose additional testing documentation requirements absent in USPS domestic rules.
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| Regulation | USPS | UPU |
|---|---|---|
| Max Cell Capacity | 20Wh | 2.7Wh |
| Language Requirements | English Only | Bilingual |
| Testing Docs | Optional | Mandatory |
Why Do Some Countries Reject USPS-Compliant Lithium Labels?
Common rejection reasons include:
– Missing CEFIC/Eurobat codes for EU destinations
– Inadequate thermal stability testing documentation
– Use of non-ISO 3864-2 compliant pictograms
– Absence of importer’s EORI number on labels
China Post and Australia Post automatically return shipments without GB 21966-2008 or AS/NZS 62368.1 certifications.
Recent enforcement patterns show 43% of rejected USPS-labeled shipments failed due to incompatible voltage disclosure formats. European Union customs now require separate declarations for battery anode composition when shipping to UPU member states. South Korea’s revised 2024 Postal Act mandates QR codes linking to safety data sheets on all lithium battery labels – a requirement not found in USPS domestic regulations.
“The 2024 UPU revisions created a 72% spike in lithium battery rejections. Many shippers don’t realize their USPS-approved labels lack required IEC 62133 test reports for UPU compliance. Always cross-reference IATA DGR 65th Edition and UPU Article LC-19 before international mailing.”
— Logistics Compliance Specialist, ICC Dangerous Goods Board
FAQ
- Can I reuse USPS labels for international shipments?
- No – UPU requires unique labels with multilingual warnings and country-specific codes.
- Does USPS provide international lithium shipping guides?
- Only through their Dangerous Goods Hotline (1-800-375-8725).
- Are button cell batteries subject to UPU rules?
- Yes, if containing >0.3g lithium metal (UN3090).