[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 16 (Monday, January 27, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8174-8179]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-01618]
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POSTAL SERVICE
39 CFR Parts 111 and 211
New Mailing Standards for Hazardous Materials Outer Packaging and
Nonregulated Toxic Materials
AGENCY: Postal ServiceTM.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The Postal Service is amending Publication 52, Hazardous,
Restricted, and Perishable Mail (Pub 52 or Publication 52) by adding
new section 131 to require specific outer packaging when mailing most
hazardous materials (HAZMAT) or dangerous goods (DG), to remove
quantity restrictions for nonregulated toxic materials, and to remove
the telephone number requirement from the lithium battery mark.
DATES: Effective January 27, 2025. Applicable beginning January 19,
2025.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dale Kennedy, (202) 268-6592, or
Jennifer Cox, (202) 268-2108.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Postal Service amends Publication 52,
Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail (Pub 52 or Publication 52),
with the provisions set forth herein. While not codified in title 39 of
the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Publication 52 is a regulation
of the Postal Service, and changes to it may be published in the
Federal Register. 39 CFR 211.2(a)(2). Moreover, Publication 52 is
incorporated by reference into Mailing Standards of the United States
Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) section 601.8.1, which is
incorporated by reference, in turn, into the Code of Federal
Regulations. 39 CFR 111.1 and 111.3. Publication 52 is publicly
available, in a read-only format, via the Postal Explorer[supreg]
website at https://pe.usps.com. In addition, links to Postal Explorer
are provided on the landing page of USPS.com, the Postal Service's
primary customer-facing website, and on Postal Pro, an online
informational source available to postal customers.
Summary of New Measures
The Postal Service is the sole regulatory authority for the mail
but aligns with regulations within 49 CFR in some instances. Per the
regulations in 49 CFR 171.1(d)(7) the Postal Service is not subject to
the regulations in the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR). Due to
the increase of eCommerce shipping over the last several years, HAZMAT/
Dangerous Goods (DG) incidents have increased significantly. Historic
postal data from 2020 through 2022, showed a significant increase in
HAZMAT/DG incidents, which prompted the Postal Service to implement new
policies requiring mailers to present HAZMAT/DG separately from non-
HAZMAT/DG and to include HAZMAT Service Type Codes (STC) and Extra
Service Codes (ESC) when packages contain HAZMAT/DG. These
requirements, at least in part, resulted in a 20% reduction of overall
HAZMAT/DG incidents in 2023.
Except as otherwise specified below, the Postal Service will
require mailers shipping HAZMAT or DG to utilize rigid outer packaging
that meets a minimum edge crush test requirement of at least 32 or 200
lbs. burst test strength for packages weighing 20 pounds or less and at
least 44 edge crush test or 275 lbs. burst test strength for packages
weighing more than 20 pounds. By implementing these requirements, the
capability of packages to withstand normal processing and handling from
induction to delivery point will be increased, reducing the overall
potential for HAZMAT or DG incidents.
Previously, the uses of padded and poly bags as outer packaging
were permitted only when the mailpiece contained button cell batteries
installed in the equipment/device they operate. This change will now
allow mailers to use padded or poly bags as outer packaging for
shipments containing lithium batteries installed in the new or
manufacturer refurbished equipment/device they operate when placed
within in a secondary container (i.e., the manufacturer's box) that can
withstand a 1.2-meter drop test, and only if they do not display and
are not required to display HAZMAT text, marks or labels as provided in
sections 349.221a6, 622.51f, and 622.52g of Publication 52.
The Postal Service will remove quantity restrictions for
nonregulated liquid and solid toxic materials, for products such as
pesticides, insecticides, and herbicides in section 346.232 of
Publication 52, but any such items must be contained within outer
packaging meeting the requirements of section 131 of Publication 52.
Lastly, the Postal Service will align with Pipeline and Hazardous
Materials Safety Administration's (PHMSA) decision to remove the
telephone number requirement from the lithium battery mark.\1\ The
Postal Service encourages mailers to switch to a mark that does not
include a telephone number as soon as possible and be fully compliant
by January 1, 2027.
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\1\ See Department of Transportation, Pipeline and Hazardous
Materials Safety Administration, Hazardous Materials: Harmonization
With International Standards, 89 FR 25434, 25490 (Apr. 10, 2024).
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This new rule reduces complexity and provides consistency for all
customers. Therefore, the Postal Service believes this rule will
provide a continued reduction in incidents and enhance the safety of
our employees, our networks, and our transportation partners.
Response to Comments
In response to the proposed rule (88 FR 86868, December 15, 2023),
the Postal Service received six formal responses to the proposed
changes.
The comments received are as follows:
Comment: One commenter requested a 60-day extension to the public
comment period.
Response: The Postal Service was unable to grant this request.
Comment: One commenter indicated they didn't believe outer
packaging requirements should be based on the weight of hazardous
materials, but instead on the total package weight and provided
alternate language for new section 131.
Response: The Postal Service agrees with the alternate language and
has incorporated it within new section 131.
Comment: One commenter indicated that the last sentence of proposed
section 131 was very obtuse and may be misconstrued that it is
applicable to
[[Page 8175]]
item b. The commenter suggested revisions to include a new item c. and
updates to items a. and b. to incorporate the revision.
Response: The Postal Service appreciates the feedback and
understands there may be room for improvement, therefore, proposed
section 131 has been revised to clarify that the lithium battery
related exception is not in reference to the previous item.
Comment: Two commenters supported the update to nonregulated toxic
materials in section 346.232 of Publication 52 but suggested removing
the reference to 49 CFR 172.101 (the Hazardous Materials Table) in the
proposed Publication 52 revision.
Response: The Postal Service appreciates the supportive comment and
recommendations regarding the reference to the 49 CFR hazardous
materials table. Section 346.232 has been revised accordingly.
Comment: One commenter suggested that the entire package should be
reviewed for strength not just the outer layer. This commenter further
suggested that a lower minimum crush test requirement be considered for
pieces weighing less than three ounces.
Response: The Postal Service appreciates this feedback. To prevent
additional complexities to the regulations, the Postal Service is
moving forward with the originally proposed outer package strength
requirements. Mailers who believe their packaging configuration meets
the necessary strength requirements may request consideration for use
of such packaging in writing to the Postal Service's Director, Product
Classification.
Comment: Two commenters believed that setting minimum strength
requirements for strong outer packaging goes beyond the requirements of
the HMR and far exceeds what is necessary. In doing so, the Postal
Service will increase costs to its customers and will hurt
sustainability efforts.
Response: The Postal Service appreciates the feedback regarding the
outer packaging strength requirements. However, the Postal Service
believes this change is necessary to establish clear parameters for all
customers, not just those customers who are well versed and trained in
hazardous material shipping requirements. In the past, customers have
expressed confusion when the word, ``rigid'' was used for outer
packaging requirements. This term is open to interpretation and, for
instance, some customers believe that card stock or clay-coated paper
is rigid and would be sufficient as outer packaging. By clarifying and
specifying the requirements, all Postal Service customers will have a
clear understanding of the requirements. Many manufacturers are already
constructing packaging that meets or exceeds the new outer packaging
requirements, contributing to sustainability.
Comment: Two commenters suggested the Postal Service share
aggregate reports of incidents, including the type of packaging
utilized, and conduct stakeholder meetings to discuss incidents to
inform the public of the challenges the Postal Service is facing during
normal handling of hazardous materials.
Response: Aggregate incident report data has been shared in the
Summary of New Measures. However, the report does not include the type
of packaging utilized. Currently, the Postal Service contacts customers
regarding incidents and routinely consults with them until their
packaging meets current requirements. The Postal Service appreciates
the suggestion to consult with the public and will consider this in
future endeavors.
Comment: One commenter indicated that while they support the
removal of quantity restrictions for nonregulated toxic materials, it
is inappropriate to subject these products which do not meet the
classification of hazardous materials to the same standards as those
that do.
Response: The Postal Service has unique challenges due to the
nature of its business and implements rules to address such challenges.
The purpose of requiring the same outer packaging for nonregulated
toxic materials as for regulated hazardous materials is due to the
significant incidents some of these products have caused during postal
handling. However, these products are not being subjected to the same
standards as Division 6.1 hazardous materials quantity restrictions,
secondary packaging, leakproof or cushioning requirements that these
products were subject to prior to this rule.
Comment: Two commenters requested that if the Postal Service were
to move forward with the proposed amendments, it should allow a minimum
of one year before the changes go into effect in order to educate the
downstream distribution channels on finalized requirements.
Response: The Postal Service appreciates this feedback. With more
than 500,000 employees and more than 31,000 facilities nationwide, the
Postal Service understands and shares the same challenges related to
educational efforts. However, the Postal Service cannot delay
implementation.
Comment: Two commenters indicated that setting minimum burst
strength or edge crust test requirements by weight will introduce
complexity in the supply chain and ultimately lead to confusion and
noncompliance.
Response: As indicated in a previous response, the Postal Service
believes setting these clear, simplistic parameters will reduce
complexity and in fact provides clarity as the previous use of
``rigid'' requirements proved to be an area of confusion that was left
open for interpretation.
Comment: One commenter indicated that requiring minimum burst test
or edge crush test exceeds HMR and air requirements for limited
quantities. Air requirements for limited quantities are more stringent
and require limited quantities to be capable of a 1.2-meter drop test
and 24 hours stack test. Limited quantity packages are limited to
30kgs/66lbs. gross weight by all modes of transport. The necessity to
require minimum burst or edge crush test requirements is not evident
and the proposal provides no justification.
Response: Although the Postal Service largely only accepts
hazardous materials that are classified as limited quantities, there
are other mailable hazardous materials that do not qualify as limited
quantities. Allowing limited quantities to be exempt from the outer
packaging requirement would create more complexity than the more
simplistic approach taken as each material would have specific
requirements.
Comment: One commenter indicated that large manufacturers and
distributors will be unable to comply with the requirement to have
different burst or edge crush tests. This is because many hazardous
materials entering postal networks are part of a multimodal
distribution model which must be prepared in accordance with 49 CFR,
and once introduced within the postal network must comply with Pub 52.
Response: Large manufacturers and distributors should be well
versed in handling complexities when they are preparing hazardous
materials for transport as each mode of transport (e.g., air, rail,
ground, vessel) has its own requirements. The Postal Service is self-
regulated, and our regulations must be unique since most customers are
not hazardous materials professionals.
Comment: One commenter indicated that UN3841, Lithium-Ion batteries
contained in equipment being shipped to military destinations from a
larger distribution company to a postal induction site must be marked
when there are more than two packages in the
[[Page 8176]]
consignment for this type of movement per Department of Transportation
(DOT) regulations, which conflicts with Pub 52. The commenter further
requested the ability to mark these packages to military destinations
with the lithium battery mark.
Response: The Postal Service realizes the challenges larger
distribution companies face regarding the mode of transportation when
shipping lithium batteries contained in the equipment/device to
military destinations. As indicated previously, the Postal Service is
self-regulated. Military mail sent overseas receives the benefit of
domestic mail pricing through associated products, however the contents
are required to adhere to international rules. As an example,
domestically the lithium battery mark is permitted for eligible items
containing lithium batteries, whereas internationally the use of a
lithium battery mark is prohibited. Therefore, these packages must not
display the lithium battery mark, or they will be rejected.
Comment: One commenter stated that allowing the use of padded or
poly bags as outer packaging for lithium batteries contained in
equipment is not viable because it would cover the necessary lithium
battery mark in accordance with 49 CFR and would be considered an
overpack according to 49 CFR.
Response: The commenter may misunderstand the intent of the padded
or poly bag outer packaging. The allowance for the padded or poly bag
as outer packaging in the proposed rule specifically stated ``. . . the
Postal Service proposes to allow mailers to use padded or poly bags as
outer packaging for shipments containing lithium batteries installed in
the equipment, they operate that are not required to display and do not
display hazardous text, marks or labels . . . .'' The purpose of this
allowance is specifically for international mail, including our
deployed military personnel, as manufacturer boxes often provide a
detailed description of the contents and that there are batteries
within the package. The policy for mailing lithium batteries to these
destinations states there cannot be any marks or labels indicating the
contents are lithium batteries. Often, such manufacturer boxes are
intercepted at our international service centers and returned to the
mailer.
Comment: One commenter indicated that proposing a more rigid
standard than required by 49 CFR for road or rail transport or as
required by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) would
further the inconsistency between the HMR and Pub 52. They further
indicated that training employees to comply with different requirements
and determine the transport mode for products is unrealistic and cost
prohibitive and would render the Postal Service impractical in the
distribution chain.
Response: With more than 500,000 employees and more than 31,000
facilities nationwide, the Postal Service understands and shares the
challenges that training employees brings to an organization. The broad
Postal Service customer base requires the Postal Service to accommodate
everyone regardless of their level of HAZMAT/DG understanding. The
outer packaging change is necessary to provide clarity about HAZMAT
packaging requirements, which ultimately increases the level of safety
for everyone.
Comment: One commenter stated that packaging and marking/labeling
of products classified as hazardous materials are determined at the
time of packaging and preparation for retail sales and at that point
shippers do not know the destination address or movement type for these
products. An application of multiple different packaging requirements
is impossible and there is simply no way to comply with multiple
standards and requirements for the same product based upon the final
distribution method. This commenter urges the Postal Service to
consider the impact to the industry in adopting these requirements and
apply a more wholistic approach to further harmonize with the HMR. The
commenter estimated annual training cost of $6,480,000 per year to
comply with these various requirements.
Response: As previously stated, the Postal Service understands and
shares the same challenges related to training employees within large
organizations. The broad Postal Service customer base requires it to
accommodate everyone regardless of their level of HAZMAT/DG
understanding.
Comment: One commenter opposed allowing the use of poly or padded
mailers as outer packaging for lithium batteries contained in equipment
due to the challenge of training employees to differentiate between
overpacks and covering items with poly mailers without identifying them
as hazardous materials. Since the Postal Service doesn't recognize
overpacks, employees trained in the HMR would have confusion with
applying requirements for overpacks when transported under the HMR
versus within postal networks under Pub 52.
Response: The poly/padded mailer exception is not intended for use
on packages that must display a lithium battery mark or label. Doing so
would be considered purposely not declaring these items as hazardous
material and could lead to civil penalties.
Comment: One commenter questioned the Postal Service's decision to
include the drop test height of 1.7 meters. Hazardous materials mailed
under Pub 52 can only be mailed in limited quantities and the HMR does
not require testing on packages for limited quantities, it requires
strong outer packaging. For air transport, section 2.7.6.1 of IATA's
Dangerous Goods Regulations requires a limited quantity packaging to be
capable of withstanding a 1.2-meter drop test. In 49 CFR 173.185(c)(2),
the drop test is not applicable to lithium batteries contained in
equipment and states that they must be packaged in strong, rigid outer
packaging ``unless the cell or battery is afforded equivalent
protection by the equipment in which it is contained.''
Response: The Postal Service originally included the 1.7-meter drop
test height requirement due to the highly mechanized environment within
the postal network. After careful consideration of the comments and
continuing efforts to protect our air transportation networks, the
Postal Service has decided to change the drop test requirement to 1.2-
meters.
Comment: One commenter stated that setting minimum burst test or
ECT requirements for outer packaging may appear to be a simple solution
to ensure safe transport of HAZMAT but setting the minimum at 200 lb.
burst test or 32-edge crust test for packages weighing 20 pounds or
less and 275 lb. burst test or 44-edge crust test for packages weighing
more than 20 pounds far exceeds what is necessary. These proposed
minimum requirements will increase costs to Postal Service customers
looking to transport good and impact sustainability efforts for
companies trying to minimize the use of packaging materials.
Response: As previously indicated, the increase in eCommerce
shipping has led to increased HAZMAT/DG shipping, which led to
increased HAZMAT/DG incidents in the mail. The Postal Service is not a
manufacturer of shipping/packaging containers or in the business of
testing them. It is our hope that our customers would appreciate our
commitment to safety and understand our reasons for taking a more
simplistic approach to the outer packaging requirements for HAZMAT/DG.
Lastly, the Postal Service is committed to sustainability, the
requirement is for the strength of the box. There are no
[[Page 8177]]
prohibitions against mailers using sustainable outer packaging if it
meets the applicable strength requirements.
Comment: One commenter believes the packaging proposed in this new
section can be readily met by those who ship hazardous materials
through the Postal Service's network, and that the required packaging
is available from packaging suppliers and would help ensure the safety
of these hazardous materials.
Response: The Postal Service appreciates the support and agrees the
packaging proposed will increase the level of safety for handling and
transporting hazardous materials packages and it is easy to obtain.
Comment: One commenter indicated that Pub 52, section
349.221(a)(5)(c), requires the inclusion of a telephone number and
indicated that the United Nations Committee of Experts on the Transport
of Dangerous Goods and on the Globally Harmonized System of
Classification and Labeling of Chemicals adopted changes to the UN
Model Regulations that removes the telephone number requirement as part
of the lithium battery mark. The commenter recommended that the Postal
Service also remove the telephone number requirement for the lithium
battery mark from its regulations to maintain harmonization with both
international and domestic regulations.
Response: The Postal Service appreciates this input and is making
the necessary changes within Pub 52 to align with this global change by
removing the telephone number requirement from the lithium battery
marking.
Kevin Rayburn,
Attorney, Ethics & Legal Compliance.
The Postal Service adopts the following changes to Publication 52,
Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail, incorporated by reference
into Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic
Mail Manual (DMM) section 601.8.1, which is further incorporated by
reference in the Code of Federal Regulations. 39 CFR 111.1 and 111.3.
Publication 52 is also a regulation of the Postal Service, changes to
which may be published in the Federal Register. 39 CFR 211.2(a).
Accordingly, for the reasons stated in the preamble, the Postal Service
amends Publication 52 as follows:
Publication 52, Hazardous, Restricted and Perishable Mail
1 Introduction
13 Additional Information
[Add new section 131 to read as follows:]
131 Hazardous Materials Outer Packaging
Except as otherwise specified, rigid outer packaging must be used
for shipments containing hazardous materials. Outer packaging, as
defined in Appendix D, is the outer most enclosure that holds the
primary receptacle, and if applicable, secondary container/packaging,
absorbent and/or cushioning material.
When shipping hazardous materials, the following outer packaging is
required:
(a) Mailpieces containing hazardous materials weighing 20 pounds or
less (except for item c.), must use outer packaging rated at 200 lb.
burst test or 32-edge crush test strength or equivalent, at minimum.
(b) Mailpieces containing hazardous materials weighing more than 20
pounds (except for item c.), must use outer packaging rated at 275 lb.
burst test or 44-edge crush test strength or equivalent, at minimum.
(c) Lithium batteries installed in the equipment/device they
operate that are permitted to be mailed under sections 349 and 622 may
utilize padded or poly bags as outer packaging, provided they are
within a secondary container (i.e., original manufacturer's box) that
can withstand a 1.2-meter drop test before being placed inside the
padded or poly bag. These items must meet the following requirements:
1. The equipment/device must be new, or manufacturer refurbished.
2. The lithium batteries are afforded adequate protection by the
equipment/device.
3. The outer packaging does not display, and is not required to
display hazardous text, markings or labels as permitted in 349.221a6,
622.51f and 622.52g.
Note: USPS-Produced packaging must not be utilized for shipping
mailable hazardous materials. See DMM 601.6.1.
* * * * *
3 Hazardous Materials
* * * * *
32 General
* * * * *
325.3 Mailable Warning Labels
[Replace lithium battery mark with the following image in Exhibit
325.3a]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR27JA25.005
* * * * *
34 Mailability by Hazard Class
* * * * *
346 Toxic Substances and Infectious Substances (Hazard Class 6)
* * * * *
346.232 Other Nonregulated Toxic Materials
[Revise paragraph to read as follows:]
Liquids and solids such as pesticides, insecticides, herbicides,
and irritating material (346.11e), that do not meet the classification
criteria of a hazardous material under 49 CFR 172.101 with an oral
LD50 value greater than 300 mg/kg are mailable but must be
packaged in rigid outer packaging (see 131) and be able to withstand
normal transit and handling. Liquids must also follow the conditions
provided in 451.3a.
* * * * *
[[Page 8178]]
349 Miscellaneous Hazardous Materials (Hazard Class 9)
* * * * *
[Insert new 349.221 to read as follows:]
349.221 Lithium Batteries
a. General. The following applies to the mailability of all lithium
batteries:
1. Each cell or battery must meet the requirements of each test in
the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, part III, and subsection 38.3 as
referenced in 49 CFR 171.7.
2. Lithium battery outer packaging must be rigid (see 131), sealed
and of adequate size.
3. The use of padded or poly bags as outer packaging is permitted
only when:
a. Mailpieces contain lithium batteries properly installed in the
equipment/device they intend to operate.
b. The equipment/device must be new or manufacturer refurbished.
c. The batteries are afforded adequate protection by the equipment/
device, and
d. The secondary container (e.g., original manufacturer box),
containing the equipment or device prevents damage and accidental
activation, can retain the device without puncture of the packaging
under normal conditions of transport and can withstand a 1.2-meter drop
test. Button cell batteries, meeting the classification criteria in
349.11d, installed in the device they operate are not required to be
within a secondary container that can withstand a 1.2-meter drop test
prior to utilizing a padded or poly bag as outer packaging.
e. The outer package containing batteries does not display, and is
not required to display hazardous materials text, marks, or labels.
4. All outer packages must have a complete delivery and return
address.
5. Lithium battery marks are required on mailpieces containing 5 to
8 lithium cells installed in the equipment/device they operate.
a. The marks must be applied to the address side without being
folded or applied in such a manner that parts of the mark appear on
different sides of the mailpiece. See 325.1.
b. The mark must be a DOT-approved lithium battery mark, as
specified in 49 CFR 173.183(c)(3)(i) and Exhibit 325.2a.
c. Lithium metal cells or batteries must be marked with UN3090.
d. Lithium metal cells or batteries installed in or packed with the
equipment/device they intend to operate must indicate UN3091.
e. Lithium-ion cells or batteries must be marked UN3480.
f. Lithium-ion cells or batteries installed in or packed with the
equipment/device they intend to operate must indicate UN3481.
6. Lithium battery marks are not required on packages:
a. Containing only lithium button cell batteries installed in the
equipment/device they operate; or
b. Containing no more than 4 lithium cells or 2 lithium batteries
installed in the equipment/device they operate.
7. All used, damaged, or defective electronic devices with lithium
cells or batteries contained in or packed with device (excluding
electronic devices that are new in original packaging, and
manufacturer-certified new or refurbished devices) must be marked with
the text ``Restricted Electronic Device'' and ``Surface Transportation
Only'' on the address side of the mailpiece.
* * * * *
[Renumber existing section 349.221 to 349.222]
349.222 Lithium Metal (Nonrechargeable) Cells and Batteries--Domestic
[Revise item a. as follows:]
a. General. The following restrictions apply to the mailability of
all lithium metal (or lithium alloy) cells and batteries:
1. Each cell must contain no more than 1.0 gram (g) of lithium
content per cell.
2. Each battery must contain no more than 2.0 g aggregate lithium
content per battery.
* * * * *
[Renumber existing section 349.222 to 349.223]
349.223 Lithium-Ion (Rechargeable) Cells and Batteries--Domestic
[Revise item a. as follows:]
a. General. The following additional restrictions apply to the
mailability of all secondary lithium-ion or lithium polymer cells and
batteries:
1. The watt-hour rating must not exceed 20 Wh per cell.
2. The watt-hour rating must not exceed 100 Wh per battery.
3. Each battery must bear the ``Watt-hour'' or ``Wh'' marking on
the battery to determine if it is within the limits defined in items 1
and 2.
* * * * *
62 Hazardous Materials: International Mail
621 General Requirements
* * * * *
[Insert new section 621.2 and renumber existing 621.2 through 621.4
as 621.3 through 621.5]
621.2 Outer Packaging Requirements
Except as otherwise specified, rigid outer packaging must be used
for shipments containing dangerous goods following the instructions in
131.
* * * * *
Appendix C
USPS Packaging Instruction 9D
[Revise third bullet in the Required Packaging section to read as
follows:]
Required Packaging
Lithium Metal and Lithium-Ion Batteries
[ssquf] Lithium batteries permitted to be mailed under section 349,
that are installed in the device they operate, are afforded adequate
protection by that equipment/device, and do not display hazardous text,
markings or labels as permitted in 349.221a6, 622.51f and 622.52g may
utilize padded and poly bags as outer packaging provided the device is
within a secondary container (i.e., original manufacturer's box) that
can withstand a 1.2-meter drop test. Button cell batteries, meeting the
classification criteria in 349.11d, installed in the device they
operate are not required to be within a secondary container that can
withstand a 1.2-meter drop test prior to utilizing a padded or poly bag
as outer packaging.
* * * * *
Markings
[Delete item 4., renumber existing number 5 to number 4 in
section:]
[ssquf] Lithium metal batteries properly installed in the equipment
they are intended to operate: * * *
[Delete item 3. And renumber item 4. To 3. In section:]
[ssquf] Lithium metal batteries packed with the equipment/device
they are intended to operate: * * *
[Delete item 3. And renumber item 4. To 3. In section:]
[ssquf] Lithium metal batteries not packed with or installed in
equipment/device (individual batteries: * * *
[Delete item 3. And renumber item 4. To 3. In section:]
[ssquf] Lithium-ion batteries properly installed in the equipment/
device they are intended to operate: * * *
[Delete item 4. And renumber item 5. To 4. In section:]
[ssquf] Lithium-ion batteries packed with the equipment/device they
are intended to operate: * * *
[Delete item 3. And renumber item 4. To 3. In section:]
[ssquf] Lithium-ion batteries not packed with or installed in
equipment/device (individual batteries: * * *
* * * * *
[[Page 8179]]
USPS Packaging Instruction 9E
[Insert new second bullet in the Required Packaging section to read
as follows:]
Required Packaging
Lithium Metal and Lithium-Ion Batteries
[ssquf] Lithium batteries installed in the device they operate,
that are permitted to be mailed under section 622.5, may utilize padded
and poly bags as outer packaging provided the device is within a
secondary container (i.e., original manufacturer's box) that can
withstand a 1.2-meter drop test. Button cell batteries, meeting the
classification criteria in 349.11d, installed in the device they
operate are not required to be within a secondary container that can
withstand a 1.2-meter drop test prior to utilizing a padded or poly bag
as outer packaging.
* * * * *
Appendix D
Hazardous Materials Definitions
* * * * *
[Revise definition of Rigid to read as follows:]
Rigid means unable to bend or be forced out of shape; not flexible.
Rigid outer packaging is generally interpreted to mean a fiberboard
(cardboard) box or outer packaging of equivalent strength, durability,
and rigidity. See 131.
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2025-01618 Filed 1-24-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710-12-P