Shipping batteries is not as straightforward as it may seem. Depending on the type, they may be considered hazardous materials with shipping restrictions at the country, carrier or service level. It is your responsibility to do your research before you ship, but we’re here to help break it down!

There are three main factors that determine if a battery will be permitted for shipping with Chit Chats.

  • The type of battery
  • The service to be used
  • The quantity of batteries being shipped
  • The gross weight of the shipment
  • The shipment packaging

Important! Damaged or recalled batteries are strictly prohibited from being shipped and will not be permitted under any circumstance.

Type of Battery

Alkaline & Dry Cells

Common household dry-cell batteries (such as sizes AA, AAA, C, D, etc.) are generally not regulated as hazardous materials and are permitted for shipping in most cases.

Lithium batteries

Lithium refers to the type of anode used in the battery. Tablets, computers and cell phones are commonly powered by lithium batteries. These types of batteries are generally considered to be hazardous but are often able to be shipped if certain conditions are met such as the service used or packaging.

Nonspillable batteries

These are wet batteries that do not leak any electrolyte or liquid if the battery is ruptured or cracked and are commonly found in automotive parts. These batteries are generally considered to be a hazardous material and are only permitted to be shipped with certain services.

Type of Service

Most hazardous batteries are not permitted for shipping via our Chit Chats International Tracked service. This also extends to devices which contain these batteries. For example, lithium batteries are not permitted, nor are cell phones containing lithium batteries. However, alkaline batteries are permitted provided that they are not rechargeable and are packaged safely.

Quantity of Battery

Depending on the type of battery being shipped, there may be limitations on the quantity based on the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) and carrier restrictions.

Battery types such as alkaline and dry cells do not have limitations on the quantity, however, lithium and nonspillable wet batteries are regulated as hazardous materials and must be shipped in limited quantities. 

Lithium batteries packed with or installed in equipment have a maximum limit of 8 cells or 2 batteries. 

Nonspillable wet batteries are limited to one battery per mailpiece.

Weight of Parcels Containing Batteries

When shipping lithium batteries or nonspillable wet batteries, they have specific weight requirements. These specifications are made by the TSA and by the carrier.

Lithium batteries
Gross weight of shipment containing lithium batteries packed with or installed in equipment must not exceed 11 pounds. 

Nonspillable batteries
Gross weight of shipment containing a single nonspillable wet battery must not exceed 25 pounds.

Packaging your Shipment

When hazardous materials are permitted for shipping, they are often under specific packaging instructions. These specifications are typically made by the carrier. For example, USPS has a guide on how to mail lithium batteries. Below are some other guidelines for packaging shipments containing batteries.

Nonspillable Batteries

Batteries - General

If you are still trying to determine if your shipment containing batteries can be shipped, please see our handy table below.

Before shipping to international destinations, please also check the specific country's conditions for mailing.