USPS Now Accepting Packages Containing Lithium Batteries in Time for Holidays

Just in time for the holiday gift-giving season, U.S. Post Offices will accept packages containing lithium batteries found in electronic devices. This is particularity good news for online merchants sending electronics internationally.

In May, international online merchants were left frustrated when a ban prevented the USPS (News - Alert) from accepting packages containing lithium batteries and electronic products containing lithium batteries, addressed to destinations outside of the United States. Although the order affected packages with international addresses, it did not apply to packages mailed within the U.S. through domestic commercial air or ground transportation.

The USPS ban was supposed to be enforced through January 2013, missing the prime shipping and shopping month of December, but now the ban is said to lift November 15.

"The Postal Service is pleased to be back in the business of shipping gifts containing lithium batteries internationally and to our service members overseas," said Giselle Valera, vice president, Global Business. "Postal employees are gearing up for a busy holiday season, and we're ready to help customers send care packages to loved ones around the world."

Image via Shutterstock

Items banned by the USPS included video cameras, walkie talkies, GPS devices, radio controlled toys, cameras, scanners, cell phones, MP3 players, Bluetooth handsets, smartphones/ mobiles, laptop computers, shavers, power drills, tablets, portable DVD players and manufacturing equipment.

In related news, lithium-ion batteries are being used to power a gird-connected ESS system to help increase renewable wind power performance. Saft (News - Alert), a manufacturer and designer of high-tech batteries, was selected by Cowessess First nation to install, design and create a Battery Energy Storage System as a part of its High Wind and Storage Project.