Starting today, May 16, 2012, the USPS is no longer allowing lithium (li-ion) batteries (rechargeable and non-rechargeable) to be shipped internationally or to (or from) APO, FPO or DPO locations. These batteries can still be mailed within the US and its territories.
This is big news for sellers, especially of electronics items, which are popular with both international buyers and those serving in the armed forces.
Some products that will be affected by this change include:
- iPads
- Kindles
- Laptops/laptop batteries
- Cell phones
- Digital cameras
- Portable DVD players
- Electric razors
The only good news to come in the official bulletin from the United States Postal Service is that this ban is expected to be somewhat temporary. Starting in January of 2013, the USPS anticipates allowing limited quantities of lithium batteries to be shipped as long as they are already installed in personal electronic devices.
It’s important for sellers to stay on top of news like this and I’ll admit that it even slipped under my radar. I heard about it earlier this week on one of the Facebook groups featured on the Essential Resources for Amazon Sellers page.