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 several 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 USPS International or our Chit Chats International Tracked service. This includes lithium batteries packed with but not installed in equipment, lithium batteries separate from equipment and pre-owned, damaged or defective electronic devices containing or packed with lithium batteries. Alkaline batteries are permitted provided that they are not rechargeable and are packaged safely. It is highly recommended that upon shipping new electronics that contain lithium batteries to an international destination that the word ‘New’ is listed in the description and the Wh (Wattt hour) is provided.
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.
Please note that all shipments originating from Atlantic Canada and Alberta, regardless of destination, adhere to TSA 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 are limited by both their capacity, measured in Watt-Hour ratings, and their quantity. Equipment containing or equipped with lithium batteries must follow a maximum limit of 8 cells or 2 batteries. Additionally, the Watt-Hour rating must not exceed 20Wh per cell or 100Wh per battery.
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.
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.
