In the article titled “Required Hazardous Materials Separations,” in Postal Bulletin 22600 (6-16-22, pages 9–12), the Postal Service™ published revisions planned for Publication 52, Hazardous, Restricted and Perishable Mail (Pub 52) that were based on the Federal Register notice that the Postal Service published in the Federal Register on June 6, 2022.
The published revisions included new requirements for mailers to separate, into identifiable containers, all hazardous material (HAZMAT) requiring “Hazardous” marks or labels from other mail when tendering to the Postal Service.
Additionally, the revisions reflected the Postal Service requirement that used, damaged, or defective electronic devices (such as cell phones, laptops, tablets, and cameras) packaged with or containing lithium batteries are to be mailed only via surface transportation (USPS Retail Ground®, Parcel Select®, Parcel Return Service or Ground Return Service) and to bear specified markings. This rule prohibits used, damaged, or defective electronic devices containing lithium batteries from being mailed internationally or to, from, or between Army/Air Force Post Office, Fleet Post Office, and Diplomatic Post Office (APO/FPO/DPO) destinations.
Public comments received regarding these new requirements were reviewed, and a final Federal Register notice was published on November 30, 2022. The final notice provides clarification that manufacturer-certified new or refurbished devices are excluded from the definition of “used,” and specific remote ZIP Code™ locations that are serviced by air transportation only are exempt from text-marking and surface-transportation requirements.
This article, which replaces the previously published article, includes these new revisions based on the final Federal Register notice. Although these revisions will not be published in Publication 52 until the next edition, the standards are effective immediately.
Publication 52, Hazardous, Restricted and Perishable Mail
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2 General Guidelines
* * * * *
[Revise the title of subchapter 25 to read as follows:]
25 Basic Guidelines for Postal Service Personnel
251 Guidelines for Acceptance Personnel
[Revise the text of 251 to read as follows:]
Postal Service personnel may not open mail sealed against inspection except under the circumstances described in ASM 274. Accordingly, knowledge of the content of such mail may be obtained directly from the mailer (e.g., a mailer may ask questions about mailing requirements or mark the outside of the mailpiece to indicate the contents) or indirectly through leakage or other escape of the contents. Subject to the applicable restrictions, acceptance personnel must:
a. Determine the mailability of all hazardous materials, perishable matter, or otherwise restricted matter offered for mailing at a retail unit or business mail entry unit (BMEU). This process must include a thorough inspection of all sides of the mailpiece for evidence of hazardous materials (e.g., markings). At retail units, mailers must be asked the question: “Do any of your articles contain anything liquid, fragile, perishable, or potentially hazardous, such as lithium batteries, perfume, mercury, or aerosols?”
b. If the contents are mailable, determine the specific quantity limitations, labeling, and packaging requirements that apply.
c. With the exception of destination-entered mail entered at a destination delivery unit (DDU), destination sectional center facility (DSCF), or destination network distribution center (DNDC), verify that all mailpieces containing mailable hazardous materials are presented separately from mailpieces not containing hazardous materials.
d. Refuse (as permitted in POM 139) to accept material that does not meet applicable requirements for mailing and refer the circumstances to the local postmaster or PCSC for a mailability ruling under 213 or 215, as appropriate.
e. If a mailpiece containing a diagnostic (clinical) specimen is in a sack or tub, PS Tag 44 must be attached to ensure that the sack or tub will be emptied at the processing point.
f. With the exception of destination-entered mail entered at a DDU, DSCF, or DNDC, ensure mailpieces containing hazardous materials remain separated from other mailpieces and are placed into labeled containers further separated by transportation type. See 327.1a and 327.1b.
g. See 253 for guidance regarding hazardous materials found in lobby drops or retail collection boxes.
See Chapter 7 for guidelines Postal Service acceptance personnel must follow when handling hazardous materials, restricted matter, or perishable matter to be transported by air.
252 Guidelines for Dispatch Personnel
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[Add new item b. to read as follows and renumber current item b. as item c.]
b. Ensure that all mailpieces with a hazardous-materials mark or label are separated from all other mail and are placed into labeled containers further separated by transportation type. See 327.1a and 327.1b.
* * * * *
[In renumbered item c., revise bullet (5) to read as follows:]
(5) If the mailpiece contains a material believed to be nonmailable, remove it from the mailstream and treat it in accordance with POM 139.117-118, as appropriate.
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[Add new part 253 to read as follows:]
253 Guidelines for Delivery and Collection Personnel
Delivery and collection personnel must follow these procedures when delivering and collecting mail:
a. Conduct a thorough examination of all sides of the mailpiece for hazardous-material labels and markings or any nonmailable hazardous characteristics (e.g., prohibited marks or labels). If the mailpiece is nonmailable, leaking, or stained, do not collect it; notify the customer if present, and contact the supervisor.
b. Ensure that mailable hazardous materials are separated from all other mail.
3 Hazardous Materials
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32 General
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327 Transportation Requirements
327.1 General
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[Revise the text of items a. and b. to read as follows:]
a. Air Transportation. When eligibility for air transportation is sought, mailable hazardous materials eligible for air transportation per subchapter 34 must be sent as Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, or First-Class Mail. Mailpieces must be prepared to meet all requirements that apply to air transportation. Mailpieces must be properly packaged and labeled within DMM requirements and the operator variations of the air carrier. When required, a shipper’s declaration for dangerous goods must be affixed to the outside of the mailpiece.
Note: Mailable hazardous materials that are prohibited from air transportation may not be sent as Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, or First-Class Mail.
b. Surface Transportation. All mailable hazardous materials eligible to be sent as First-Class Package Service, USPS Marketing Mail, USPS Retail Ground, Parcel Select, or Parcel Return Service must be prepared under the requirements that apply to surface transportation. A mailpiece containing mailable hazardous material with postage paid at First-Class Package Service, USPS Marketing Mail, USPS Retail Ground, Parcel Select, or Parcel Return Service prices must not, under any circumstance, be transported on air transportation, except for 5-digit air-only destinations identified in 327.2g.
327.2 Air Transportation Prohibitions
[Revise the introductory paragraph to read as follows:]
All mailable hazardous materials sent as Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, or First-Class Mail must meet requirements for air transportation. The following types of hazardous materials are always prohibited on air transportation, regardless of class of mail:
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[Add new item g. to read as follows and renumber current item g. as item h.]
g. Used, damaged, or defective electronic devices (excluding devices that are new in original packaging, and manufacturer-certified new or refurbished devices) containing or packaged with lithium batteries (see 349.12e). For those ZIP Codes that are air transportation only due to the absence of ground transportation, a multimodal-transportation solution may be used to transport used, damaged, or defective electronic devices containing or packed with lithium batteries. See Appendix F for a list of 5-digit ZIP Codes where this exception applies.
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[Add new part 329 to read as follows:]
329 Presentation of Hazardous-Materials Mailings
With the exception of destination-entered mail entered at a DDU, DSCF, or DNDC, each mailer of mailable hazardous materials requiring a label or marking must do the following:
a. Present mailpieces containing hazardous materials separately from any mailpieces not containing hazardous materials. Where mailpieces are tendered in containers, pallets, or other mail transport equipment (see Handbook PO-502, Mail Transport Equipment), hazardous-materials mailpieces must be presented in a separate receptacle from non-hazardous-materials mailpieces.
b. Clearly mark an exterior side of all receptacles containing hazardous-materials mailpieces as “HAZMAT.”
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34 Mailability by Hazard Class
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349 Miscellaneous Hazardous Materials (Hazard Class 9)
349.1 Definition
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349.12 Lithium Battery — Definitions
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[Add new item e. to read as follows:]
e. Used, damaged, or defective electronic device means an electronic device containing or packaged with one or more lithium cells or batteries, and the electronic device:
(1) Is not new in original packaging;
(2) Is not manufacturer-certified new or refurbished; and/or
(3) Has some form of damage or defect.
* * * * *
349.2 Mailability
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349.21 Nonmailable Class 9 Materials
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[Add new items g. and h. to read as follows:]
g. Damaged, defective, or recalled batteries unless approved by the director, Product Classification (see 214 for address).
h. All used, damaged, or defective electronic devices in international mail or domestic air transportation. This excludes devices that are new in original packaging, and manufacturer-certified new or refurbished devices.
349.22 Mailable Class 9 Materials
349.221 Lithium Metal (Nonrechargeable) Cells and Batteries — Domestic
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[Under item a., add new bullet (8) to read as follows:]
(8) All used, damaged, or defective lithium metal cells or batteries or electronic devices contained in or packed with lithium metal cells or batteries (excluding electronic devices that are new in original packaging, and manufacturer-certified new or refurbished devices) must be marked with the text “Restricted Electronic Device” and “Surface Transportation Only” on the address side of the mailpiece.
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349.222 Lithium-ion (Rechargeable) Cells and Batteries — Domestic
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[Under item a., add new bullet (8) to read as follows:]
(8) All used, damaged, or defective lithium-ion cells or batteries or electronic devices contained in or packed with lithium-ion cells or batteries (excluding electronic devices that are new in original packaging, and manufacturer-certified new or refurbished devices) must be marked with the text “Restricted Electronic Device” and “Surface Transportation Only” on the address side of the mailpiece.
* * * * *
Exhibit 349.222
Domestic Lithium Battery Mailability
[Revise the text of Exhibit 349.222 to read as follows:]
|
Surface Transportation
|
Air Transportation1
|
Mailpiece Limitations2
|
Lithium Metal or Lithium Alloy Batteries3, 4
Small, non-rechargeable, consumer-type batteries
|
Contained in (properly installed in equipment)
|
Mailable
|
Mailable
|
8 cells or 2 batteries
11 lbs.
|
Packed with equipment, but not installed in the equipment
|
Mailable
|
Mailable
|
8 cells or 2 batteries
11 lbs.
|
Without the equipment they operate (individual batteries in originally sealed packaging)
|
Mailable
|
Prohibited
|
5 lbs.
|
Lithium-ion or Lithium Polymer Batteries5, 6
Small, rechargeable, consumer-type batteries
|
Contained in (properly installed in equipment)
|
Mailable
|
Mailable
|
8 cells or 2 batteries
|
Packed with equipment, but not installed in the equipment
|
Mailable
|
Mailable
|
8 cells or 2 batteries
|
Without the equipment they operate (individual batteries in originally sealed packaging)
|
Mailable
|
Prohibited7
|
5 lbs.
|
Very Small Lithium Metal or Lithium-ion Batteries8, 9
Exception for very small consumer-type batteries in USPS air transportation
|
Contained in (properly installed in equipment)
|
Mailable
|
Mailable
|
No limit on cells/batteries 5.5 pounds
|
Packed with equipment, but not installed in the equipment
|
Mailable
|
Mailable
|
No limit on cells/batteries 5.5 pounds
|
Damaged, Defective, or Recalled Batteries
|
Prohibited, unless approved by the director, Product Classification.
|
* * * * *
6 International Mail
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62 Hazardous Materials: International Mail
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622 Mailable Hazardous Materials
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622.5 Lithium and Lithium-ion Cells and Batteries — General
[Revise the first paragraph to read as follows:]
Only lithium batteries under 622.51 and 622.52 that are properly installed in the equipment they operate may be sent internationally or to, from, or between APO, FPO, or DPO locations (subject to the conditions prescribed by the U.S. Department of Defense listed in Overseas Military/Diplomatic Mail in the Postal Bulletin). Used, damaged, defective, or recalled lithium batteries and used, damaged, or defective electronic devices (excluding devices that are new in original packaging, and manufacturer-certified new or refurbished devices) containing or packaged with lithium batteries are prohibited and may not be mailed internationally or to, from, or between APO, FPO, or DPO locations under any circumstances. See 349.21.
* * * * *
Exhibit 622.5
International Lithium Battery Mailability
[Revise the text of Exhibit 622.5 to read as follows:]
|
International APO/FPO/DPO1,2
|
Mailpiece Battery Limit3
|
Lithium Metal or Lithium Alloy Batteries4, 5
Small, non-rechargeable, consumer-type batteries
|
Contained in (properly installed in equipment)
|
Mailable
|
Maximum of 4 cells or 2 batteries
|
Packed with equipment, but not installed in the equipment
|
Prohibited
|
|
Without the equipment they operate (individual batteries in originally sealed packaging)
|
Prohibited
|
|
Lithium-ion or Lithium Polymer Batteries6, 7
Small, rechargeable, consumer-type batteries
|
Contained in (properly installed in equipment)
|
Mailable
|
Maximum of 4 cells or 2 batteries
|
Packed with equipment, but not installed in the equipment
|
Prohibited
|
|
Without the equipment they operate (individual batteries in originally sealed packaging),
|
Prohibited
|
|
Very Small Lithium Metal or Lithium-ion Batteries8, 9
Exception for very small consumer-type batteries in international transportation
|
Contained in (properly installed in equipment)
|
Mailable
|
Maximum of 4 cells or 2 batteries
|
Packed with equipment, but not installed in the equipment
|
Prohibited
|
|
Without the equipment they operate (individual batteries in originally sealed packaging)
|
Prohibited
|
|
623 Nonmailable Hazardous Materials
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[Revise the text of item j. to read as follows:]
j. Class 9, miscellaneous hazardous materials (349), except as permitted in 622.4 and 622.5.
* * * * *
[Revise the text of item l. to read as follows:]
l. Magnetized materials capable of causing a compass deviation at a distance of 7 feet or more (see 349.24).
[Add new items m. and n. to read as follows:]
m. All damaged, defective, or recalled lithium batteries (see 349.21).
n. All used, damaged, or defective electronic devices containing or packaged with lithium batteries (see 349.21). This excludes devices that are new in original packaging, and manufacturer-certified new or refurbished devices.
* * * * *
Appendix C
USPS Packaging Instructions for Mailable Hazardous Materials
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USPS Packaging Instruction 9D
Lithium Metal and Lithium-Ion Cells and Batteries — Domestic
[Revise the first paragraph to read as follows:]
Except according to 349.21, lithium metal (non-rechargeable) cells and batteries and 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. Unless otherwise excepted, lithium metal and lithium-ion batteries (without equipment) are mailable in limited quantities domestically via surface transportation only. Lithium metal and lithium-ion batteries installed in or packed with used, damaged, or defective electronic devices (excluding devices that are new in original packaging, and manufacturer-certified new or refurbished devices) meeting all mailability requirements in 349, are mailable via surface transportation only.
* * * * *
Mailability
[Revise the text of the first bullet to read as follows:]
n Lithium metal and lithium-ion cells and batteries installed in or packed with equipment may be mailable via air or surface transportation.
* * * * *
[Add a new fourth bullet to read as follows:]
n Used, damaged, or defective electronic devices (excluding devices that are new in original packaging, and manufacturer-certified new or refurbished devices) containing or packaged with lithium batteries (see 349.12e) must be mailed via domestic surface transportation only, provided they meet eligibility requirements in accordance with 349.
* * * * *
Markings
* * * * *
[Under the first main bullet, which begins “Lithium metal batteries properly installed,” add a new fifth bullet to read as follows:]
– Used, damaged, or defective electronic devices (excluding devices that are new in original packaging, and manufacturer-certified new or refurbished devices) must include the text “Restricted Electronic Device” and “Surface Transportation Only” on the address side of the mailpiece.
* * * * *
[Under the second main bullet, which begins “Lithium metal batteries packed with,” add a new fourth bullet to read as follows:]
– Used, damaged, or defective electronic devices (excluding devices that are new in original packaging, and manufacturer-certified new or refurbished devices) must include the text “Restricted Electronic Device” and “Surface Mail Only” on the address side on the mailpiece.
* * * * *
[Under the fourth main bullet, which begins “Lithium-ion batteries properly installed,” add a new fourth bullet to read as follows:]
– Used, damaged, or defective electronic devices (excluding devices that are new in original packaging, and manufacturer-certified new or refurbished devices) must include the text “Restricted Electronic Device” and “Surface Mail Only” on the address side on the mailpiece.
* * * * *
[Under the fifth main bullet, which begins “Lithium-ion batteries packed with,” add a new fifth bullet to read as follows:]
– Used, damaged, or defective electronic devices (excluding devices that are new in original packaging, and manufacturer-certified new or refurbished devices) must include the text “Restricted Electronic Device” and “Surface Mail Only” on the address side on the mailpiece.
* * * * *
[Add a new main bullet (seventh) at the end of the section “Markings” to read as follows:]
n Used, damaged, or defective electronic devices: In addition to applicable marking requirements listed above, packages containing used, damaged, or defective electronic devices (excluding devices that are new in original packaging, and manufacturer-certified new or refurbished devices) containing or packaged with lithium batteries must be marked with the text “Restricted Electronic Device” and “Surface Transportation Only” on the address side of the package. (See 221.1 and 325.1.) Products being returned via Parcel Return Service (PRS), Return Delivery Unit (RDU), or Return Sectional Center Facility (RSCF) are exempt from this marking requirement.
Quantities
Domestic — Small Lithium Metal or Lithium-ion Batteries
* * * * *
Domestic Lithium Battery Mailability Exhibit
[Revise the text of the Exhibit to read as follows:]
|
Surface Transportation
|
Air
Transportation1
|
Mailpiece Limitations2
|
Lithium Metal or Lithium Alloy Batteries3, 4
Small, non-rechargeable, consumer-type batteries
|
Contained in (properly installed in equipment)
|
Mailable
|
Mailable
|
8 cells or 2 batteries 11 lbs.
|
Packed with equipment, but not installed in the equipment
|
Mailable
|
Mailable
|
8 cells or 2 batteries 11 lbs.
|
Without the equipment they operate (individual batteries in originally sealed packaging)
|
Mailable
|
Prohibited
|
5 lbs.
|
Lithium-ion or Lithium Polymer Batteries5, 6
Small, rechargeable, consumer-type batteries
|
Contained in (properly installed in equipment)
|
Mailable
|
Mailable
|
8 cells or 2 batteries
|
Packed with equipment, but not installed in the equipment
|
Mailable
|
Mailable
|
8 cells or 2 batteries
|
Without the equipment they operate (individual batteries in originally sealed packaging)
|
Mailable
|
Prohibited7
|
5 lbs.
|
Very Small Lithium Metal or Lithium-ion Batteries8, 9
Exception for very small consumer-type batteries in USPS air transportation
|
Contained in (properly installed in equipment)
|
Mailable
|
Mailable
|
No limit on cells/batteries 5.5 pounds
|
Packed with equipment, but not installed in the equipment
|
Mailable
|
Mailable
|
No limit on cells/batteries 5.5 pounds
|
Damaged, Defective, or Recalled Batteries
|
Prohibited, unless approved by the director, Product Classification.
|
USPS Packaging Instruction 9E
Lithium Metal and Lithium-ion Cells and Batteries — International and APO/FPO/DPO
* * * * *
Mailability
[Revise the second bullet to read as follows:]
n Lithium metal and lithium-ion cells and batteries not packed in equipment (i.e., batteries packed with equipment or batteries sent separately from equipment) are prohibited.
[Add a new third bullet to read as follows:]
n Used, damaged, and defective electronic devices (excluding devices that are new in original packaging, and manufacturer-certified new or refurbished devices) containing lithium batteries are prohibited (see 623).
* * * * *
Quantities
International — Very Small Lithium Metal and Lithium-ion Cells and Batteries:
* * * * *
International Lithium Battery Mailability Exhibit
[Revise the text of the Exhibit to read as follows:]
|
International APO/FPO/DPO1, 2
|
Mailpiece Battery Limit3
|
Lithium Metal or Lithium Alloy Batteries4, 5
Small, non-rechargeable, consumer-type batteries
|
Contained in (properly installed in equipment)
|
Mailable
|
Maximum of 4 cells or 2 batteries
|
Packed with equipment, but not installed in the equipment
|
Prohibited
|
|
Without the equipment they operate (individual batteries in originally sealed packaging)
|
Prohibited
|
|
Lithium-ion or Lithium Polymer Batteries6, 7
Small, rechargeable, consumer-type batteries
|
Contained in (properly installed in equipment)
|
Mailable
|
Maximum of 4 cells or 2 batteries
|
Packed with equipment, but not installed in the equipment
|
Prohibited
|
|
Without the equipment they operate (individual batteries in originally sealed packaging)
|
Prohibited
|
|
Very Small Lithium Metal or Lithium-ion Batteries8, 9
Exception for very small consumer-type batteries in international transportation
|
Contained in (properly installed in equipment)
|
Mailable
|
Maximum of 4 cells or 2 batteries
|
Packed with equipment, but not installed in the equipment
|
Prohibited
|
|
Without the equipment they operate (individual batteries in originally sealed packaging)
|
Prohibited
|
|
* * * * *
[Add new Appendix F to read as follows:]
Appendix F
Alaska Routes Serviced by Air Transportation Only
The following ZIP Codes in Alaska are only serviced by air transportation:
99545
99546
99547
99548
99549
99550
99551
99552
99553
99554
99555
99557
99558
99559
99561
99563
99564
99565
99569
99571
99574
99575
99576
99578
99579
99580
99581
99583
99585
99589
99590
99591
99602
99604
99606
99607
99608
99609
99612
99613
99614
99615
99619
99620
99621
99622
99624
99625
99626
99627
99628
99630
99632
99633
99634
99636
99637
99638
99640
99641
99643
99644
99647
99648
99649
99650
99651
99653
99655
99656
99657
99658
99659
99660
99661
99662
99663
99665
99666
99667
99668
99670
99671
99675
99677
99678
99679
99680
99681
99682
99684
99685
99689
99690
99691
99692
99695
99697
99720
99721
99722
99723
99724
99726
99727
99730
99732
99733
99734
99736
99738
99739
99740
99741
99742
99745
99746
99747
99748
99749
99750
99751
99752
99753
99754
99756
99757
99758
99759
99761
99762
99763
99765
99766
99767
99768
99769
99770
99771
99772
99773
99774
99777
99778
99781
99782
99783
99784
99785
99786
99788
99789
99790
99791
99801
99802
99803
99811
99812
99820
99821
99824
99825
99826
99827
99829
99830
99832
99833
99835
99836
99840
99841
99850
99901
99903
99918
99919
99921
99922
99923
99925
99926
99927
99928
99929
99950
* * * * *
The Postal Service will incorporate these revisions into the next edition of Publication 52, which is available via Postal Explorer® at pe.usps.com.
— Product Classification,
Product Solutions, 2-9-23
