Yes — you can ship batteries, but they're restricted hazardous materials (hazmat). Lithium batteries (especially lithium-ion) are the most restricted because they can catch fire; alkaline and other non-lithium batteries are easier to ship but still have rules. Each carrier has specific packaging, labeling, and service requirements — see our shipping restrictions overview.
Lithium batteries power most electronics (phones, laptops, power banks), so you'll encounter these rules often. The main risks are short-circuit and thermal runaway, which can ignite in transit. Carriers limit quantities, require insulated packaging, and ban loose lithium batteries in some international mail. A non-compliant battery shipment can be returned to sender or held in customs.
For international shipments, destination countries add their own battery rules; see package stuck in customs if your battery shipment stalls. Also related: perfume (flammable) and alcohol face similar hazmat-style restrictions.
What It Means
Battery Types and Rules
- Lithium-ion (rechargeable): most restricted; quantity limits, state-of-charge limits, insulated terminals required.
- Lithium metal (non-rechargeable): similar to lithium-ion; stricter for loose batteries.
- Alkaline/NiMH: lower risk; usually shipped with less restriction but still follow carrier rules.
- Installed in equipment: often easier to ship than loose batteries (e.g., a laptop with its battery).
Carrier Highlights
- USPS: lithium batteries installed in equipment or with equipment allowed with limits; loose lithium batteries banned in international mail.
- UPS/FedEx: allow lithium batteries with hazmat shipping rules, labeling, and documentation.
- DHL: strict lithium rules internationally; check before shipping.
Why It Happens
Why Batteries Are Restricted
Lithium batteries can experience thermal runaway — a self-heating reaction that can ignite and is hard to extinguish. In a cargo hold or sort facility, one battery fire can spread quickly. That's why carriers treat them as hazmat and require insulated terminals and quantity limits. Customs may enforce destination-country battery bans — see customs return to sender.
How Long It Lasts
How Long Compliance Takes
- Domestic with correct packaging: same-day if you follow carrier hazmat rules.
- International: longer, with customs forms and possible customs delays.
- Non-compliant: held or returned to sender — adds weeks.
Should You Be Concerned?
Should You Be Concerned?
Yes, if shipping lithium batteries — especially loose or in bulk. Follow carrier hazmat rules exactly. Be concerned if shipping internationally (destination rules vary), or if the battery is damaged or recalled (carriers may refuse). If your shipment is held, see package stuck in customs and how long to wait before reporting a lost package.
What You Can Do
What You Can Do
- Use the carrier's hazmat guide for lithium battery packaging and labeling.
- Insulate terminals to prevent short-circuit.
- Ship batteries installed in equipment when possible (easier than loose).
- For international, check destination rules and complete customs forms — see customs.
- For other restricted items, see perfume, alcohol, and shipping restrictions.
- If held, see return to sender.
When to Contact the Carrier
When to Contact the Carrier
Before shipping lithium batteries, contact the carrier for hazmat requirements. If a battery shipment is held or returned, contact support with the tracking number. For customs delays, see package stuck in customs.