USPS to Prohibit International Mailing of Lithium Batteries Effective May 16

Starting May 16, USPS will prohibit international mailing of lithium batteries and electronic devices containing lithium batteries. The new regulations also prohibit shipments to or from Army, Fleet and Diplomatic Post Offices.
The Postal Service is instructing retail associates to question whether lithium batteries are in any international shipments.
The prohibition doesn’t include packages containing lithium batteries when mailed in the U.S. using domestic commercial air or ground transportation.
The International Civil Aviation Organization and the Universal Postal Union already prohibit lithium batteries in mail shipments transported on international commercial air flights.
The Postal Service’s modification will remain in effect until at least January 2013. At that time, international aviation rules may be changed to allow mailing of lithium batteries when installed in personal electronic devices they’re intended to operate.
The Postal Service is working with other organizations to determine if exceptions to the new rule can be developed before January 2013.