USPS Says Mail More Toxins—Just Wrap 'Em Better, Folks!
Published Date: 1/27/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting January 19, 2025, the Postal Service is updating rules for mailing hazardous materials and toxic items. They now require special outer packaging for most hazardous goods, remove limits on how much nonregulated toxic material you can send, and simplify lithium battery labeling. These changes help keep mail safer and smoother, especially with more online shopping shipping dangerous stuff.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Stronger Outer Packaging Required
If you mail hazardous materials, you must use rigid outer packaging that meets at least a 200 lb. burst test or 32 edge crush test (ECT) for mailpieces weighing 20 pounds or less, and at least a 275 lb. burst test or 44 ECT for mailpieces weighing more than 20 pounds. This requirement applies beginning January 19, 2025, and USPS-produced packaging must not be used for mailable hazardous materials; all outer packages must include a complete delivery and return address.
Quantity Limits Removed for Some Toxics
The Postal Service removed quantity restrictions for nonregulated liquid and solid toxic materials (for example, pesticides, insecticides, herbicides) in section 346.232, effective January 19, 2025. Those items remain mailable but must be packaged in rigid outer packaging that meets the section 131 strength requirements.
Padded/Poly Bag Exception for In-Device Lithium
If you mail devices that contain lithium batteries (new or manufacturer-refurbished), you may use padded or poly outer bags instead of rigid boxes only if the device is inside a secondary container (e.g., manufacturer's box) that can withstand a 1.2-meter drop test, the batteries are protected by the device, and the outer package does not display required hazardous marks. This policy is effective beginning January 19, 2025.
Phone Number Removed from Lithium Mark
The Postal Service removed the telephone number requirement from the lithium battery mark and encourages mailers to switch to a lithium battery mark without a phone number as soon as possible, with full compliance encouraged by January 1, 2027.
Lithium Limits and Marking Thresholds Clarified
The rule specifies lithium shipment limits and marking rules: lithium metal cells must contain no more than 1.0 g lithium per cell and 2.0 g per battery; lithium-ion cells must not exceed 20 Wh per cell and batteries 100 Wh; lithium battery marks are required on mailpieces containing 5 to 8 lithium cells installed in equipment, while packages with only button cell batteries installed or with no more than 4 lithium cells or 2 lithium batteries do not require the mark. These provisions apply beginning January 19, 2025.
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Key Dates
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-19720, National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Procedures
The United States Postal Service is updating its rules for how it checks the environmental impact of its actions, making the process simpler and clearer. This affects USPS employees and anyone interested in how the Postal Service protects the environment. The new rules start on September 25, 2026, and the USPS wants your feedback by October 26, 2026—no extra costs involved, just smarter steps!
2026-18371, Labels 888, 889, 891, and 892, Discontinued
The Postal Service is proposing to amend Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM[supreg]) to discontinue the use of Label 888 and Label 889 respectively. Revisions to the DMM concern only Labels 888 and 889.
2026-17884, Free Matter for the Blind and Other Physically Handicapped Persons
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2026-17986, Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records
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2026-17640, Change in Rates of General Applicability for Competitive Products
This notice sets forth time-limited changes in rates of general applicability for competitive products.
2026-16016, New Mailing Standards for Live Animals
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