UPDATE:USPS has since announced that they are resuming shipping Lithium batteries. Read our update.
The United States Postal Service (USPS) has recently announced that they will stop delivering international shipments containing lithium batteries effective May 16. This will also include shipments going to military post office boxes (APO/FPO).
The news was delivered by many outlets including FastCompany, where it was announced that USPS will no longer be delivering products containing lithium batteries to international locations due to concerns over fire or explosion. Despite the fact that most items are shipped with a minimal electric charge, the risk of a battery-fire emergency is still high when products containing these batteries are improperly packaged. USPS is looking for temporary alternatives to put in place before January 1, 2013, when customers will once again be able to ship specific quantities of lithium batteries to international locations.
Fortunately, the ban only affects USPS. FedEx, UPS and other carriers will continue to deliver products with lithium batteries to international recipients. The truth is that as long as proper safety requirements are met, transport of lithium batteries is safe, and so far only USPS and Australia Post have enacted this ban on international battery transport.
This is one of the numerous situations where having multiple warehouse locations internationally becomes useful. Shipping products to your European or Canadian customers would no longer be possible with USPS, however since Royal Mail and Canada Post have no such ban in effect, you could continue to deliver the products to your customers for the same low price you’re used to seeing.
A short list of products which are affected by this decision was provided. You can click the image below for the full version:
Shipwire’s intelligent platform will pick alternate carriers so that orders continue to be processed, however it is important for merchants to work with us to identify the products which contain lithium batteries.
We are already getting in touch with our merchants about this. If you have not been contacted yet, please reach out to our customer care team here or by calling at (888)SHIPWIRE if you have products you believe will be affected.
Posted by:
Dimitri Onistsuk
Dimitri helps spread the word about Shipwire through his work in marketing and public relations. Previously, Dimitri was in charge of marketing at Shopify and brings his knowledge of the ecommerce space to help give Shipwire merchants the best in fulfillment. During his two and a half years at Shopify, he helped merchants sell stuff online and was in charge of analytics, marketing communications and overall marketing strategy for the ecommerce leader. He also studied marketing and business development at the University of Ottawa and holds a B.Com in Business Management.
Sunday, May 27, 2012 at 6:49 pm
These post are usually inspiring and i would want to browse standard content. Writing is simply great, Say thanks a ton for the article.
Monday, May 28, 2012 at 12:05 pm
Thanks Carlo! Keep reading
Tuesday, September 25, 2012 at 1:32 am
Any word on whether or not this ban will be lifted by Christams 2012? This will affect my childrens Chritsmas presents… way to go to support the US Military and their families while stationed overseas.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012 at 12:06 pm
Please see update.
http://www.shipwire.com/w/blog/usps-to-resume-international-shipping-of-lithium-batteries/