Yes, batteries can often be mailed or shipped, but the rules depend on the battery type, its condition, how it is packaged, and whether it is traveling by ground or air.
Lithium batteries, alkaline batteries, rechargeable household batteries, and wet-cell batteries are not handled under one universal rule. Carrier requirements can also differ between USPS, UPS, and FedEx.
Before mailing any battery, identify its chemistry and confirm whether it is:
- Installed in equipment
- Packed beside equipment
- Shipped by itself
- New or used
- Damaged, defective, recalled, or at the end of its life
These details determine which services, packaging methods, markings, and restrictions apply. For used or end-of-life batteries, explore EACR Inc.’s battery recycling services for responsible collection and recycling options.
Which Batteries Can Be Shipped?
Most common batteries can be shipped under the correct conditions. However, some are easier to mail than others.
Alkaline and NiMH Batteries
Standard household batteries, including alkaline and nickel-metal hydride batteries, are generally among the simplest batteries to ship.
The batteries should still be packaged to prevent short circuits. Exposed terminals should be covered with nonconductive tape or protected through individual packaging. Batteries should also be secured so they cannot move around or contact metal objects inside the box.
Lithium-Ion and Lithium-Metal Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries are commonly found in rechargeable devices such as phones, laptops, tablets, cameras, and power tools. Lithium-metal batteries are generally nonrechargeable and are used in items such as watches, medical devices, and small electronics.
These batteries are regulated more strictly because they can overheat, ignite, or release dangerous energy if damaged or short-circuited.
Shipping rules depend heavily on whether the battery is:
- Properly installed in a device
- Packed with the equipment it powers
- Shipped separately without equipment
- New, used, damaged, or recalled
Wet-Cell and Lead-Acid Batteries
Wet-cell batteries contain corrosive acid or alkali and are commonly used in vehicles, industrial equipment, backup power systems, and utility applications.
These batteries may require leakproof packaging, upright positioning, terminal protection, absorbent or cushioning materials, hazard markings, and dangerous-goods documentation.
Can Lithium Batteries Be Mailed Through USPS?
USPS allows many consumer lithium batteries to be mailed domestically when all packaging, quantity, marking, and transportation requirements are followed.
Lithium batteries properly installed in equipment may generally travel through eligible air or surface services. Batteries packed with the equipment they operate may also be mailable domestically when USPS requirements are satisfied.
Individual lithium batteries shipped without equipment are generally restricted to surface transportation. USPS also requires qualifying loose batteries to remain in their originally sealed packaging and display the applicable lithium battery marking.
Pre-owned, damaged, or defective electronic devices containing lithium batteries may be restricted to ground transportation. Damaged, defective, or recalled lithium batteries themselves are generally prohibited unless USPS provides specific approval.
International restrictions are stricter. For many international and APO, FPO, or DPO shipments, lithium batteries must be properly installed in the electronic device they operate. Batteries shipped separately or merely packed beside the equipment may be prohibited.
Can Batteries Be Shipped Through UPS?
UPS accepts many battery shipments, but the package must comply with applicable Department of Transportation, IATA, and UPS requirements.
For standard alkaline batteries and certain nonspillable lead-acid batteries, shipping may involve straightforward precautions such as:
- Using strong outer packaging
- Protecting battery terminals
- Preventing batteries from contacting metal
- Securing the contents against movement
Lithium battery shipments may require specific packaging, markings, labels, documentation, and service levels. Shipments that require hazardous-material shipping papers may also be limited to approved contract customers.
UPS prohibits damaged, defective, or recalled lithium batteries from air transportation. Certain compliant ground shipments may be accepted in the contiguous United States, but they require shipper preapproval, specialized packaging, and a UPS service agreement.
Battery collection, recycling, and end-of-life battery shipments may also require UPS-approved Department of Transportation special-permit packaging and advance approval.
Can Batteries Be Shipped Through FedEx?
FedEx accepts certain wet, dry, and lithium batteries when they meet the applicable regulatory and carrier requirements.
FedEx treats batteries seriously because charged batteries can overheat, ignite, release corrosive substances, or become difficult to extinguish once involved in a fire.
For wet-cell batteries, FedEx instructs shippers to:
- Identify the correct battery classification
- Use a leakproof liner or container
- Keep fill openings and vents facing upward
- Separate multiple batteries with nonconductive dividers
- Secure the batteries against movement
- Place them inside a sturdy outer container
- Apply all required labels, markings, and documentation
Common wet-battery classifications include UN2794 for batteries filled with acid, UN2795 for batteries filled with alkali, and UN2800 for nonspillable wet batteries.
FedEx does not accept recalled or defective batteries as standalone units or when contained in equipment. Waste batteries and batteries being shipped for recycling or disposal are also subject to additional restrictions.
Not every FedEx retail location accepts dangerous goods or regulated battery shipments. The shipper should confirm the package’s eligibility and drop-off location before arriving.
How to Package Batteries for Mailing
The correct packaging depends on the battery, but several precautions apply to most shipments.
Protect the Terminals
Cover exposed terminals with nonconductive electrical tape or place each battery in separate packaging.
Terminal protection prevents batteries from contacting one another, metal tools, or conductive materials that could create a short circuit.
Prevent Movement
Use a strong outer box and enough cushioning to prevent the batteries or devices from moving during transportation.
Loose batteries should not roll, slide, or collide inside the package.
Power Devices Off
Devices containing batteries should be completely powered off. Package the equipment to prevent accidental activation during transportation.
Do not rely solely on sleep or standby mode.
Keep Wet Batteries Upright
Wet-cell batteries should be secured with vents and fill openings facing upward. Use the appropriate leakproof liner, inner packaging, and sturdy outer container.
Apply the Required Markings
Lithium batteries and regulated wet-cell batteries may require UN numbers, lithium battery marks, hazard labels, orientation arrows, or shipping papers.
Do not apply a label based only on the appearance of the battery. The required marking depends on its chemistry, configuration, size, service level, and destination. Explore EACR Inc.’s battery labels to help identify the proper markings needed for compliant battery shipments.
Can Damaged or Recalled Batteries Be Mailed?
Damaged, swollen, leaking, defective, recalled, or overheating batteries should not be placed into an ordinary mail package.
USPS generally prohibits damaged, defective, or recalled lithium batteries unless specific approval has been issued. UPS only accepts certain compliant ground shipments through a specialized, preapproved program. FedEx states that it does not accept recalled or defective batteries as standalone units or inside equipment.
These batteries may require specialized hazardous-material packaging and transportation arranged through a qualified battery recycler or dangerous-goods provider.
Verify the Rules Before Mailing Batteries
Battery shipping rules are based on more than the carrier name. You must also consider:
- Battery chemistry
- Number of cells or batteries
- Lithium content or watt-hour rating
- Whether the battery is installed in equipment
- Whether the battery is new or used
- Battery condition
- Ground or air transportation
- Domestic or international destination
- Required packaging and labels
Carrier policies and government regulations can change. Check the current USPS, UPS, or FedEx guidance for the exact battery and shipment before preparing the package.
Businesses managing loose, damaged, recalled, or end-of-life batteries should not place them into ordinary parcel shipments. EACR Inc. can help organizations explore appropriate battery recycling and collection options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mailing Batteries
Can lithium batteries be mailed?
Yes, certain lithium batteries can be mailed when they meet applicable quantity, packaging, marking, condition, and transportation requirements. Batteries shipped separately are generally more restricted than batteries properly installed in equipment.
Can batteries be shipped through UPS?
Yes, UPS accepts many battery shipments. Requirements depend on the battery chemistry, condition, packaging, destination, and service level. Certain hazardous-material shipments require an approved account or specialized agreement.
Can batteries be shipped through FedEx?
Yes, FedEx accepts qualifying wet, dry, and lithium battery shipments. Regulated shipments must be correctly classified, packaged, marked, labeled, and presented at an eligible FedEx location.
Can batteries be shipped through USPS?
Yes, USPS allows many household and consumer lithium batteries to be mailed domestically. Loose lithium batteries are generally restricted to surface transportation, while damaged, defective, or recalled lithium batteries are usually prohibited.
Can damaged batteries be mailed?
Damaged batteries should not be placed into standard mail or parcel networks. Carrier acceptance is extremely limited and may require special authorization, packaging, and ground transportation.
Should battery terminals be taped before shipping?
Exposed terminals should generally be protected with nonconductive tape or individual packaging. This reduces the risk of contact, short circuits, overheating, and fire.
Recycle Batteries Responsibly
Batteries can often be mailed, but shipping requirements vary by battery type, condition, carrier, and destination. Before sending any battery, confirm the current rules and use the correct packaging, labels, and transportation method.
For used, end-of-life, or large quantities of batteries, explore EACR Inc.’s battery recycling services to arrange responsible pickup, collection, or recycling options.
Official Carrier Resources
The shipping information above was taken directly from current guidance published by USPS, UPS, and FedEx. Review each carrier’s official requirements before mailing batteries.
- https://www.ups.com/us/en/support/shipping-support/shipping-special-care-regulated-items/hazardous-materials-guide/how-to-ship-batteries
- https://www.fedex.com/en-us/shipping/how-to-ship-batteries.html
- https://faq.usps.com/s/article/Can-I-Ship-Lithium-Batteries
- https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52apxc_032.htm
