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Customer guidelines for posting lithium batteries Changes have recently been made to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Technical Instructions for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air resulting in the classification of all lithium batteries as dangerous goods. Consequently, lithium batteries may not be carried in the mail by air. Australia Post cannot accept lithium batteries or devices containing lithium batteries for mailing overseas or for domestic air carriage. Australia Post can only accept lithium batteries or devices containing lithium batteries for transport within Australia by road via its parcels service and only if certain requirements are met. The guidelines below explain what types of lithium batteries are accepted by Australia Post and how to package and label your battery or device so that it is safe to send. Can I send a lithium battery or an item containing a lithium battery in the mail? Yes, you can send a lithium battery or item containing a lithium battery by mail within Australia provided that you make sure that the item is safe to send. Lithium batteries and items containing lithium batteries are dangerous goods and can not be carried by Australia Post by air. Such items will be carried in the mail by road transport only within Australia via Australia Post’s parcels service. What do I need to do to make sure that a lithium battery or and item containing a lithium battery is safe to send in the mail? To make sure that your item is safe to send you must: • Check that the amount of lithium in the battery is not more than the permitted amount. This is an aggregate of 2grams/lithium metal (non-rechargeable) battery or 100 Watt-Hour/lithium ion (Li-ion rechargeable) batteries. Most lithium batteries used in consumer electronic devices will not contain more than the allowed amounts. • Package the item properly. Batteries must be packaged so that they are protected from damage or short circuit. Ask counter staff for assistance if you’re unsure. • Send your package as a parcel and put a Road Transport Only sticker or clearly write Road Transport Only (preferably in red) on the package next to the delivery address. How do I know the lithium content of a battery? Most lithium batteries used in consumer electronic devices contain less than the permitted amount of lithium. For example the following devices and batteries for such devices will be safe to send: Mobile phones, ipods, cameras, MP3s players, portable DVD players, most lap-top computers, camcorders, power tools, GPS navigation systems, watches, clocks, calculators, toys, remote car locks, bicycle lights, electronic shavers and other consumer electronic devices. If you are unsure however or think that a battery may have a high lithium content contact the manufacturer. How do I package equipment containing a lithium battery so that it is safe to send? To package the equipment: • Do not remove the battery from the item you are sending. • Pack the item in strong outer packaging so that the battery is protected from damage and short circuit. • Make sure that the package is more then 2cm thick. Page 2 Customer guidelines for posting lithium batteries If equipment has more than 2 batteries / 4 cells installed in it the package containing that item must be labelled in accordance with the Australian Code for the Transport of Road and Rail (the Code). This involves enclosing the equipment in packaging that is marked with a contact telephone number for the sender as well as an indication that: • the package contains a "lithium metal" or "lithium ion" battery as appropriate • the package must be handled with care and that a flammability hazard exists if the package is damaged • special procedures should be followed in the event that the packaged is damaged, to include inspection and repacking if These labelling requirements will be met by attaching a lithium battery handling label to the package. How do I package a lithium battery that is not installed in equipment? To package batteries not installed in equipment: • Pack battery in inner packaging so that the battery is completely enclosed eg. In a bubble wrap bag. • Put battery contained in inner packaging into strong outer packaging. Make sure that the package is more then 2cm thick. Label package in accordance with the Australian Code for the Transport of Road and Rail (the Code). This involves enclosing the battery in packaging that is marked with a contact telephone number for the sender as well as an o the package contains a “lithium metal” or “lithium ion” battery as appropriate o the package must be handled with care and that a flammability hazard exists if the package is damaged o special procedures should be followed in the event that the packaged is damaged, to include inspection and These labelling requirements will be met by attaching a lithium battery handling label to the package How do I make sure that my package containing a lithium battery is only carried by road? You must place a Road Transport Only sticker on the front of your package next to the delivery address. Stickers are available from counter staff. If there are no stickers available you must write the words Road Transport Only (preferably in red) clearly on Can I send a lithium battery or an item containing a lithium battery overseas? No. Lithium Batteries cannot be carried by air or in overseas mail. Can Australia Post guarantee that my item will reach its destination if I follow these instructions? No. Some remote locations in Australia can only be reached by air. Australia Post can not guarantee that your package will reach such a destination as lithium batteries are not accepted by air carriers in the mail. In these instances, the package will be returned to sender. What do I do if I have any questions? Please visit our website at auspost.com.au or ask counter staff for further information. Please note: If you are sending a lithium battery or article containing a lithium battery to a destination which can only be reached by air, the item will be rejected as air carriers scan the mail for dangerous goods.

Source: http://www.master-instruments.com.au/files/product_warranty/customer_guidelines_for_lithium_batteries.pdf.pdf