New mailing rule to allow transport of lithium batteries

18.05.2012 - Posts worldwide will be able to carry packages containing equipment with limited quantities of lithium batteries and cells as of 1 January 2013, according to new international mailing rules.

 

The Universal Postal Union and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) have worked together to harmonize their respective technical instructions to admit the air transportation of postal items containing lithium batteries that are properly packed.

Posts wanting to apply the new rule as of 1 January 2013 have to coordinate training initiatives for postal staff with their national civil aviation authority.

Posts will then be able to accept international mail items containing equipment with up to four lithium cells or two lithium batteries already installed in the equipment being sent by post.

Currently, in accordance with ICAO rules, lithium cells and batteries are considered dangerous goods prohibited from travelling by air in the international mail stream.

UPU member countries requested changes to this rule in view of the growth in e-commerce and to be able to better meet customers’ delivery needs.

Courtesy:  http://news.upu.int