USPS Packaging Instruction 8B

Nonspillable Wet Battery

A nonspillable wet battery containing liquid electrolite is prohibited from mailing unless the battery casing is completely sealed to prevent the liquid corrosive from spilling during handling, as allowed in 348 and DMM 601.10.13. Nonspillable batteries with UN2800 are prohibited in international mail, but they may be sent as domestic mail via air or surface transportation when properly packaged.

Proper Shipping Name

• Nonspillable Battery.

ID Number

• UN2800.

Mailability

• International Mail: Prohibited.
• Domestic Mail: Permitted via air transportation (Express Mail, Priority Mail, and First–Class Mail) or surface transportation sent as Standard Mail or Parcel Post.

Required Packaging

Primary Receptacle

• The nonspillable battery must be capable of withstanding the vibration and pressure differential tests cited in 49 CFR 173.159(d)(i) and (ii).

Cushioning Material

• The nonspillable battery must be protected from short circuits with protective or cushioning material.

Outer Packaging

• The nonspillable battery must be securely packaged in a strong fiberboard box.
• Only one nonspillable battery is allowed per mailpiece.
• The total weight of a single mailpiece cannot exceed 25 pounds.

Marking

• The outer packaging must be clearly marked on the address with “Nonspillable Battery, UN2800.”
• A complete return address and delivery address must be used.

Note: A shipper's declaration for dangerous goods is not required for nonspillable wet batteries sent via air transportation as exempted in 49 CFR173.159(d).