USPS will begin accepting lithium batteries installed into electronics on November 15, 2012

Just in Time for the Holidays, U.S. Postal Service to Begin Global Shipping of Packages with Lithium Batteries. The Postal Service has worked collaboratively with the International Civil Aviation Organization, the Universal Postal Union and the Federal Aviation Authority to secure the changes needed to allow international mail shipments containing lithium batteries to begin.

Effective Nov. 15, 2012, Postal Service policies will be changed to allow specific quantities of lithium batteries — when installed in the equipment they are intended to operate — to be sent to many international destinations, including APO (Army Post Office), FPO (Fleet Post Office) and DPO (Diplomatic Post Office) locations when permitted by the destination or host country.

Items which can be shipped may include: cameras, video cameras, mobile/smart phones, Bluetooth headsets, laptop computers, shavers, portable DVD players, tablets, two-way radios, GPS devices and most other small electronic devices requiring lithium batteries to operate.

Items which cannot be shipped include any lithium batteries not installed in the equipment they are intended to operate. In addition, when installed, they may not exceed the quantity or limits defined in the IMM or DMM.

Domestic shipments of packages containing lithium batteries, and electronic devices containing lithium batteries currently remain unchanged.

The Federal Register final rule, and IMM, DMM and Publication 52 revisions, will be available at pe.usps.com.

Source

Russian Post Standard – a new way of delivering packages with lithium batteries to Russia by Shipito

Russian Post Standard via Berlin is a new service offered by Shipito in cooperation with Russian Post branch in Berlin.

Packages are first shipped by truck to New York, then by air courier to Berlin, and after that put on a train to Moscow from where it is delivered to local branch of Russian post office. Each package has a Russian Post tracking number which will start working after the packages arrives in Berlin and is cleared through EU.

Limitations:

• Weight limit is 20kg (44 lbs)
• No size can be longer than 105 cm (41 inches)
• Sum of all three sizes should not be more than 200 cm (78 inches)
• Dimensional weight applies
• Maximum value and insurance is $2,500
• Insurance rate for losses or damages is 3% of the product value

This shipping methods works the best for heavier and smaller packages (like 26″x13″x13″, 18-20kg).

Delivery time: From our warehouse to New York: 5-6 days. From New York to Berlin 2-3 days. From Berlin to larger western cities like Moscow or St. Petersburg: 2 weeks. For very remote areas, this can take up to 5 weeks. The total time to deliver is then 3 to 7 weeks. Speed of delivery is not guaranteed and depends on Russian Post.

Currently available only in California warehouses. First shipment will be sent once Shipito has at least 1000 lbs. Once Shipito sends the first shipment they might wait for your feedback, before this becomes a permanent option.

I’ve checked the cost of the new shipping method using the Shipito calculator for my last package (37.5 lbs, 36″x17″12″) and found pretty interesting rates:

Please note that the dimensional weight applies and that currently this shipping method is not available in the Oregon warehouse.

How to overcome USPS shipping restrictions for lithium batteries and electronics sent to APO and FPO military addresses

USPS doesn’t allow to ship lithium batteries and electronics with them to international destinations since May 8, 2012. USPS is the only postal service that can be used to send packages to APO/FPO/DPO locations.

But you can overcome shipping restrictions and deliver lithium batteries to APO and FPO addresses using Fedex or DHL. You will need to ship to specific locations like a specific battalion at Bagram Air Base. So you will need to use the name of the base, city, country, additional identifying information such as building number or barracks number, a contact name and phone number, and if possible, an email address.

Do NOT use APO/FPO addresses like

SSGT Kevin Taylor
Unit 2050 Box 4190
APO AP 96278-2050

SGT Robert Smith
PSC 802 Box 74
APO AE 09499-0074
Seaman Joseph Doe

USCGC Hamilton
FPO AP 96667-3931
SGT Jane Doe
CMR 1250
APO AA 09045-1000

when sending through Fedex or DHL. Such addresses can be used when sending through USPS only.

Also note that FedEx accepts consumer electronics containing lithium batteries of less than 100 watts for shipment overseas

Update (November 11, 2012)
Effective Nov. 15, 2012, USPS will start accepting specific quantities of lithium batteries – when installed in the equipment they are intended to operate – to be sent to APO (Army Post Office), FPO (Fleet Post Office) and DPO (Diplomatic Post Office) locations when permitted by the destination or host country.

Shipito can ship lithium batteries and electronics with lithium, Li-ion, Li-pol batteries through postal system again

Packages with lithium batteries and electronics with lithium, Li-ion, Li-pol batteries can be delivered through Shipito Airmail Priority shipping method again. Tracking is not available at this moment, but packages are insured. Shipito Airmail Priority packages are handled by postal services around the world.

USPS does not accept lithium batteries and electronics with them because they use passenger planes to transport packages. But some other postal services do NOT have these restrictions, because they use cargo planes. Shipito Airmail Priority packages containing lithium, Li-ion, Li-pol batteries are routed through these postal services, so you may easily overcome the lithium battery restrictions! Moreover Shipito Airmail Priority is cheaper than USPS for light and small packages, so you can even save money by using it.

Update (08/13/2012)
Customers from Russia can also use Shipito Airmail Express. This shipping method comes with both tracking and insurance.

Update (11/07/2012)
Customers from Russia can also use Russian Post Standard. This shipping method comes with both tracking and insurance.

Update (11/11/2012)
Effective Nov. 15, 2012, USPS will start accepting specific quantities of lithium batteries – when installed in the equipment they are intended to operate – to be sent to many international destinations, when permitted by the destination or host country.

Package forwarders allowing to deliver lithium batteries and electronics from USA to the Ukraine

Now that USPS prohibits international delivery of lithium batteries and electronics with lithium, Li-ion, Li-pol batteries, many customers from the Ukraine will face problems delivering electronics from the US. The problem is that when you use courier services like DHL, Fedex, UPS you will need to pay for customs clearance in some cases, even if you don’t exceed the limit of 200 EUR / month. Plus when you use courier services the limit includes the shipping cots. Luckily package forwarders (also known as mail forwarders, freight forwarders, parcel forwarders, shipping forwarders) started shipping packages from the USA to Europe in containers. Many package forwarders shipping to Russia won’t work for the Ukraine when shipping lithium batteries and electronics due to different logistics. But there are package forwarders that will work for the Ukraine. And their prices are often lower compared to USPS Priority Mail or USPS Express Mail International.

• Shipito is one of the largest package forwarders of the USA. Delivers packages with lithium batteries and electronics to the Ukraine by Polonez Parcel, Shipito Airmail Priority and Shipito Airmail Express.
  • Polonez Parcel delivery is cheaper that USPS for large packages is cheaper than by USPS ($0.79/lbs, min 20 lbs, dimensional weight is used if greater than real weight). Packages sent by Polonez Parcel to the Ukraine are not insured.
  • Shipito Airmail delivery is cheaper than USPS for light and small packages (1-6 lbs). Tracking for Shipito Airmail Priority packages is not available, but such packages can be insured.
  • Shipito Airmail Express delivery costs about the same as USPS Express Mail. Shipito Airmail Express packages can be insured and tracked. Max content value is $1,000. Airmail Express packages are delivered to Belgium post and from there to by EMS into the Ukraine.
• Meest America (Most) is a delivery service shipping packages by sea and air. Besides delivering freight from the USA to the Ukraine, Meest provides storage and warehouse services, allows to consolidate and repack packages. Every package is insured with the company for $60.00. Additional insurance is available. Packages with lithium and electronics can be shipped by sea.
• RusBid is a package forwarder pretty well known in the Ukraine. Allows to ship packages to the Ukraine by Meest.
• BosMix is a package forwarder pretty well known in the Ukraine. Allows to ship packages to the Ukraine by Meest.

Do you know any other package forwarders that allows to deliver lithium batteries and electronics with lithium, Li-ion, Li-pol batteries to the Ukraine? If you don’t live in the Ukraine, do you experience similar problems with your package forwarder?

Update (November 11, 2012)
Effective Nov. 15, 2012, USPS will start accepting specific quantities of lithium batteries – when installed in the equipment they are intended to operate – to be sent to many international destinations, when permitted by the destination or host country.

Package forwarders allowing to deliver lithium batteries and electronics from USA to Russia

Now that USPS prohibits international delivery of lithium batteries and electronics with lithium, Li-ion, Li-pol batteries, many customers from Russia will face problems delivering electronics. The problem is that courier services like DHL, Fedex, UPS are still facing problems with Russia customs, so they are hardly used by Russians for shipping from the USA to Russia. But luckily package forwarders (also known as mail forwarders, freight forwarders, parcel forwarders, shipping forwarders) started shipping packages from the USA to Europe in containers. And even when major American package forwarders fail to offer any decent shipping alternative for customers from Russia, other major package forwarders do ship electronics. And it is even cheaper than using USPS Priority Mail or USPS Express Mail International.

• Shipito is one of the largest package forwarders in the USA. Delivers packages with lithium batteries and electronics to Russia by Russian Post Standard, Shipito Airmail Priority and Airmail Express:
  • Russian Post Standard is recommended for heavy and small packages (like 26″x13″x13″, 18-20 kg). Such packages are delivered by truck to New York and then are sent to Berlin by air. In Berlin they receive tracking numbers and are delivered by the Russian Post to Moscow by train. Then they are delivered to local post offices. Packages can be insured from loss and damages (3% from product value). Weight limit is 20kg. No size can be longer than 105cm and sum of all three sizes should not be more than 200cm. Max content value is $2,500.
  • Shipito Airmail Priority delivery is cheaper than USPS for light and small packages (1-6 lbs). Shipito Airmail Priority packages can be insured, but can not be tracked. Max content value is $1,000. In Russia packages are delivered by EMS Russian Post.
  • Shipito Airmail Express delivery costs about the same as USPS Express Mail. Shipito Airmail Express packages can be insured and tracked. Max content value is $1,000. In Russia packages are delivered by EMS Russian Post.
• Shopotam (ex. EbayToday) is one of the largest package forwarders with Russian roots. Delivers packages in containers from USA to Europe, then ships packages to Moscow. Then your package can be delivered either via EMS or via BoxBerry courier service. Boxberry is cheaper than EMS, but it accepts packages up to 15 kg only. All packages are insured. Standard insurance of 1% doesn’t cover cell phones. Cell phone insurance – 5%.
  Coupon code for getting $5 onto your account (for new users only): 3fd2d2236ef081c56d1ff16f1588fa0f
• Shopfans is one of the largest shipping forwarders with Russian roots. Sends packages with lithium batteries in containers using Brokers Worldwide (BWW). You can’t send more than 2 lithium batteries in one package. Cost of goods in one package can’t exceed $1’000. BWW containers are delivered from the USA to Berlin. Packages are sent by Russian Post from Berlin (Russian Post has an office in Berlin). Packages can be insured ($3 for every $100). Packages are insured from non-delivery. Insurance doesn’t cover lost, stolen or damaged items in the package.
• Polar Express is a shipping forwarder with Russian roots. Delivers packages from the USA to Russia in containers by air and by sea. Customs clearance is done in Kaliningrad, Russia. Customers can pick up their packages (in some cities) or get them by post or a supported Russian courier service. Packages are insured. And you can insure electronics like iPhone, iPad, Macbook Air. Fee for packages with lithium batteries is only $3. Very good packing of parcels. Shipping rates are very competitive. Cost of goods in a package is limited to $1000. The company has been growing very fast, so they experience problems replying to customers fast as well as some other problems.
• SPSR Express (SPSR USA) offers express delivery to Russian and xUSSR countries. In Russia packages are delivered by Russian courier service SPSR Express. The company offers the following types of delivery: express, economy and economy by sea. Lithium batteries are accepted. SPSR has 200+ branches in Russia and delivers to more than 2000 cities in Russia.
  • Pochtoy delivers packages with lithium batteries by SPSR (Express, Econom, Sea).
  • Shopotam (eBayToday) offers SPSR Express among other shipping methods.
  • Qwintry offers SPSR Express among other shipping methods. Delivery cost is identical to USPS Express Mail International.
  • NYCMSK delivers packages with lithium batteries by SPSR. Supports the following types of delivery: express, econonomy and economy by sea. Packages are insured automatically from loss and damage (covert up to $20 per kg). Additional insurance – 1.5% of the package content.

Besides the above mentioned package forwarders, you may use Meest-America which is very popular among Ukrainian customers. Meest delivers packages by sea and air freight. You may also use package forwarders that ship by Meest such as RusBid and BosMix. The latter companies are well known in the Ukraine, but there is no much feedback about them from customers from Russia.

Do you know any other package forwarders that allows to deliver lithium batteries and electronics with lithium, Li-ion, Li-pol batteries to Russia? If you don’t live in Russia, do you experience similar problems with your package forwarder?

Update (November 11, 2012)
Effective Nov. 15, 2012, USPS will start accepting specific quantities of lithium batteries – when installed in the equipment they are intended to operate – to be sent to many international destinations, including APO (Army Post Office), FPO (Fleet Post Office) and DPO (Diplomatic Post Office) locations when permitted by the destination or host country.

Shipito mail forwarder allows customers from Russia to send packages with electronics and lithium batteries

Shipito has offered a new way to send packages with lithium batteries and electronics for its customers from Russia. Shipito offers Polonez Parcel for customers from Russia now. Polonez Parcel packages are shipped by Container to Poland and then given to the postal service for delivery in Russia.

Polonez Parcel limitations:

• Maximum weight is 44 lbs, maximum size 47″x23″x23″(should be more than enough for the large 36″x17″x17″ consolidation box)
• No insuranceis available. Polonez unfortunately does not insure packages delivered by the postal service. For this reason, we do not recommend shipping expensive packages. Better solution is to remove lithium batteries from your electronics, ship actual devices by USPS with tracking and insurance, and use Polonez only for batteries.
• Minimum chargeable weight is 20 lbs, so even if you ship small package, you will pay the same as for 20 lbs!
• Dimensional weight formula is L x W x H / 140, dimensional weight is used if higher than actual weight.
• Polonez claims delivery in about two months, but it is not guaranteed, and it may take even little longer than that.
• Polonez picks up packages once a month, usually last complete weekend in the given month.
• Available from California warehouses of Shipito only, no Polonez package can be shipped from the Oregon warehouse (You can transfer your package from Oregon to California for a fee).

Polonez Parcel is very expensive for Russia. For example, I have compared the cost of shipping via USPS, Shipito Airmail and Polonez parcel for my two packages sent in 2012 via USPS Express Mail International:

Shipito Airmail vs. USPS Express Mail vs. Polonez (29 lbs, 37″x19″x14″)

Shipito Airmail vs. USPS Express Mail vs. Polonez (36.80 lbs, 36″x18″x17″)

Please note that Shipito allows to deliver lithium batteries and electronics with lithium, Li-ion, Li-pol batteries through Airmail Priority and Airmail Express shipping methods:

• Airmail Priority packages can be insured, but can not be tracked. And shipping light and small packages is cheaper via Airmail Priority than via USPS.
• Airmail Express packages can be insured and tracked, but they cost about the same as USPS Express Mail packages.

See the Shipito Calculator for shipping options and calculating postage for your parcel.

Shipito customers won’t be able to ship electronics with lithium batteries to international destinations after starting May 16

USPS sent new email saying that packages with lithium batteries (lithium, li-ion and li-pol batteries) will be prohibited after May 15, 2012.

Effective May 16 2012 until January 2013, the Postal Service will not be able to accept packages containing lithium batteries and electronic devices containing lithium batteries addressed to international destinations. This includes mail destined to, or from, APO (Army Post Office), FPO (Fleet Post Office) and DPO (Diplomatic Post Office) locations.

This change is required by the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Universal Postal Union (UPU), both of which currently prohibit lithium batteries in mail shipments that are carried on international commercial air transportation.

This change will not apply to packages containing lithium batteries and electronic devices containing lithium batteries when mailed within the United States on domestic commercial air or ground transportation.

International organizations apply different rules to the carriage of lithium batteries in mail shipments carried on commercial aircraft as compared to domestic requirements.

We anticipate that by January 2013, international aviation rules will be changed to allow mailing of lithium batteries when installed in the personal electronic devices they are intended to operate.

USPS is working with expert organizations to determine if any new exceptions can be developed prior to January 2013. Further announcements will be made should USPS be able to accept lithium batteries in certain types of mail shipments as soon as any new options become available.

We appreciate your business and are committed to providing you with a high standard of service.

So unlike previously expected, Shipito customers will have more time to ship packages containing lithium batteries and electronic devices containing lithium batteries via USPS. Please note that your package has to physically leave Shipito warehouse on May 15, so I recommend scheduling package for mailout at least a day or two BEFORE this date.

The good news is that Shipito Airmail Priority accepts packages containing lithium batteries and electronic devices. So customers who can not use DHL, Fedex, TNT, UPS, Polonez Parcel or any other carrier will still be able to ship electronics via Shipito. Shipito Airmail Priority packages are handled by postal services around the world. And they are insured.

Another good news is that several package forwarders allow to ship lithium batteries from USA to Russia.

USPS will not allow to ship ANY Lithium battery after May 7. That means no iPhones, cell phones, iPads, Kindles or notebooks.

USPS will not want to ship any lithium battery after May 7, 2012. That means USPS will not ship any iPhones, cell phones, iPads, Kindle or notebooks to international destinations (including APO, FPO and DPO locations).

Background:

Under current rules of various international agencies, including the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Universal Postal Union (UPU), lithium batteries cannot be sent as mail matter on international commercial air transportation.

In keeping with these requirements, the Postal Service must maintain standards prohibiting the carriage of lithium metal or lithium-ion batteries in postal shipments sent on commercial aircraft to international destinations, including to and from APO, FPO and DPO locations. On May 7, 2012, the Postal Service revised International Mail Manual (IMM) part 136, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) section 601.10.20, and Publication 52 section 349.22 to incorporate standards prohibiting outbound international mailing of lithium metal or lithium-ion batteries and devices containing lithium batteries.

The Postal Service anticipates that by January 1, 2013, aviation rules will be changed to allow specific quantities of lithium batteries (installed in the equipment they are intended to operate) to be sent by mail to destinations abroad.

Sample e-mails USPS customers receive:

Effective May 7, 2012, we are revising IMM part 136 to stipulate that
lithium metal or lithium-ion cells or batteries may not be sent in
international mail. The restriction applies regardless of quantity, size,
watt hours, and whether the cells or batteries are packed in equipment, with
equipment, or without equipment. The restrictions also apply when mailing to
an APO, FPO, or DPO location outside of the United States (including its
territories).

In addition, we will make parallel changes to other USPS publications that
make reference to the international mailing of lithium batteries such as the
Domestic Mail Manual (DMM(r)) and Publication 52, Hazardous, Restricted, and
Perishable Mail.

Rick Klutts
Product Classification
USPS Headquarters
US Postal Service

MEDIA STATEMENT ON Outbound International Mailing of Lithium Batteries

REACTIVE ONLY — FOR IMMEDIATE USE

Until January 2013, the Postal Service will not be able to accept packages containing lithium batteries and electronic devices containing lithium batteries addressed to international destinations. This includes mail destined to, or from, APO (Army Post Office), FPO (Fleet Post Office) and DPO (Diplomatic Post Office) locations.

This change is required by the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Universal Postal Union (UPU), both of which currently prohibit lithium batteries in mail shipments that are carried on international commercial air transportation.

This change will not apply to packages containing lithium batteries and electronic devices containing lithium batteries when mailed within the United States on domestic commercial air or ground transportation.

International organizations apply different rules to the carriage of lithium batteries in mail shipments carried on commercial aircraft as compared to domestic requirements.

We anticipate that by January 2013, international aviation rules will be changed to allow mailing of lithium batteries when installed in the personal electronic devices they are intended to operate.

USPS is working with expert organizations to determine if any new exceptions can be developed prior to January 2013. Further announcements will be made should USPS be able to accept lithium batteries in certain types of mail shipments as soon as any new options become available.

We appreciate our customers’ business. We recognize this change will pose an inconvenience to our customers and we look forward to continuing to be their international shipping partner

Hope this problem will be resolved much sooner than January 2013.

Update from USPS (May 03, 2012)

Starting May 16, USPS will prohibit international mailing of lithium batteries and electronic devices containing lithium batteries. The new regulations also prohibit shipments to or from Army, Fleet and Diplomatic Post Offices.
The Postal Service is instructing retail associates to question whether lithium batteries are in any international shipments.
The prohibition doesn’t include packages containing lithium batteries when mailed in the U.S. using domestic commercial air or ground transportation.
The International Civil Aviation Organization and the Universal Postal Union already prohibit lithium batteries in mail shipments transported on international commercial air flights.
The Postal Service’s modification will remain in effect until at least January 2013. At that time, international aviation rules may be changed to allow mailing of lithium batteries when installed in personal electronic devices they’re intended to operate.
The Postal Service is working with other organizations to determine if exceptions to the new rule can be developed before January 2013.

Update from Shipito (May 04, 2012)
The last day USPS will accept shipments with Li-ion batteries is May 15, 2012. If you package is not mailed out on this day, Shipito will not be able to ship it by USPS.

This change will not affect Shipito Airmail Economy and Priority shipments (at least not at this moment). Other carriers like FedEx, DHL and TNT allow shipping li-ion batteries with the proper warning sticker.

Update from USPS (May 04, 2012)

OUTBOUND INTERNATIONAL MAILING OF LITHIUM BATTERIES
Until January 2013, the Postal Service will not be able to accept packages containing lithium batteries and electronic devices containing lithium batteries addressed to international destinations. This includes mail destined to, or from, APO (Army Post Office), FPO (Fleet Post Office) and DPO (Diplomatic Post Office) locations.
This change is required by the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Universal Postal Union (UPU), both of which currently prohibit lithium batteries in mail shipments that are carried on international commercial air transportation.
This change will not apply to packages containing lithium batteries and electronic devices containing lithium batteries when mailed within the United States on domestic commercial air or ground transportation.
International organizations apply different rules to the carriage of lithium batteries in mail shipments carried on commercial aircraft as compared to domestic requirements.
We anticipate that by January 2013, international aviation rules will be changed to allow mailing of lithium batteries when installed in the personal electronic devices they are intended to operate.
USPS is working with expert organizations to determine if any new exceptions can be developed prior to January 2013. Further announcements will be made should USPS be able to accept lithium batteries in certain types of mail shipments as soon as any new options become available.
We appreciate our customers’ business. We recognize this change will pose an inconvenience to our customers and we look forward to continuing to be their international shipping partner.
Currently, mail from the United States to all countries is being handled under normal operating conditions, with these exceptions (Effective 05/03/12).

Luckily USPS is not the only shipping method for delivering packages from the USA. Please subscribe to the RSS news feed to learn about other shipping options. You may also follow this blog via Twitter.

Update from USPS (November 11, 2012)

Effective Nov. 15, 2012, USPS will start accepting specific quantities of lithium batteries – when installed in the equipment they are intended to operate – to be sent to many international destinations, including APO (Army Post Office), FPO (Fleet Post Office) and DPO (Diplomatic Post Office) locations when permitted by the destination or host country.

Items which can be shipped may include: cameras, video cameras, mobile/smart phones, Bluetooth headsets, laptop computers, shavers, portable DVD players, tablets, two-way radios, GPS devices and most other small electronic devices requiring lithium batteries to operate.
Items which cannot be shipped include any lithium batteries not installed in the equipment they are intended to operate. In addition, when installed, they may not exceed the quantity or limits defined in the IMM or DMM.

Domestic shipments of packages containing lithium batteries, and electronic devices containing lithium batteries currently remain unchanged.

The Federal Register final rule, and IMM, DMM and Publication 52 revisions, will be available at pe.usps.com.