Say goodbye (at least for now) to dropping by your local US post office and sending a smartphone or tablet to anyone overseas, including those with military post office boxes. If it has a lithium battery in it, you're going to have to a find another way of getting the box out as an international shipment.
The US Postal Service recently banned shipments of electronic products containing lithium batteries, citing risk of fire. Shipwire.com has a list of items that will be affected, with all the popular consumer electronic products mentioned: laptop computers, smartphones, tablets, cameras, MP3 players, Bluetooth headsets, GPS devices, portable DVD players, and even radio-controlled toys.
You can read more about the exact steps the USPS is taking by downloading this report, but the short version goes like this:
Effective May 16, 2012, the Postal Service will revise Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) section 601.10.20 to codify that primary lithium metal or lithium alloy (non-rechargeable) cells and batteries or secondary lithium-ion cells and batteries (rechargeable) are prohibited when mailed internationally or to and from an APO, FPO, or DPO location. However, this prohibition does not apply to lithium batteries authorized under DMM 601.10.20 when mailed within the United States or its territories.
International standards have recently been the subject of discussion by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Universal Postal Union (UPU), and the Postal Service anticipates that on January 1, 2013, customers will be able to mail specific quantities of lithium batteries internationally (including to and from an APO, FPO, or DPO location) when the batteries are properly installed in the personal electronic devices they are intended to operate.
What's slightly odd about all this is that the USPS seems to be the only organization implementing the rule. Other major logistics companies and national postal offices, as far as I know, will still be shipping devices with lithium batteries.
Although the measure likely won't have a significant impact on volume shippers that typically route large quantities via other logistics companies, such as UPS or FedEx, or by air freight or boat cargo, it does drive home the fact that companies in the high-tech supply chain have to keep a constant eye on local shipping policies, or there could be havoc in the pipeline. It's also a good reminder of why many companies have various shipping warehouses scattered around the planet.
It looks as if end-consumers and those shipping repair units are likely to feel the brunt of the new USPS policy initially. Some small businesses might be hit, too, including online retailers that ship internationally. Will your business be hurt by this? How is your company dealing with the USPS lithium battery ban?
"I am tempted to go to the postal service here, and ask what they think about this case, and if they consider the lithium batteries of any risk. Or maybe an airline."
That will be great. You can start with a post office close to your residence. I think I would like do the same thing here. Keep us posted.
@Barbara, yes, it does seem like their biggest enemy is themselves and Congress. I would say a move like this just points out the need for an overhaul of the postal service and the Congressional controls placed on them.
Yes, what I have read trying to find more evidence is the same, very vague reasons about the cause of the fire. The same they could have said about something else if the lithium batteries woudn't have been there, maybe.
There doesn't have to be enough evidence for other companies to follow USPS, or for an international regulation. You know, I am tempted to go to the postal service here, and ask what they think about this case, and if they consider the lithium batteries of any risk. Or maybe an airline. I just would like to hear another opinion from someone who is actually in the shipping business. In a way, I smell rat.
I find this rather odd that the USPS would be the only major carrier with this ban. The USPS is hurting significantly, and it would seem that a move like this could only hurt them worse by causing consumers to use UPS or FedEx. I could understand the move if this was a universal move by all carriers, at that point some solution to the issue would be presented. I think USPS is underestimating the financial loss, and for their sake they better hope their push for more junk mail works.
Jenn, In many cases, it makes no sense to separate the battery from the device. Try taking out the battery of the iPad or iPhone, for instance. The equipment is sealed tight from the factory and can't be opened by a retailer or a service center without some damages to the system.
_hm - Let's see if they resume service in Jan 2013. If they do, it was a temporary shortfall. If they don't, it will be interesting to see how they talk themselves out of it.
nimantha.d - hard to say. USPS is already losing money as consumer rely less and less on physical shipments and migrate to digital delivery. Think they will probably be taking steps to ensure that they resume these lucrative shipments.
Ashish - thanks for posting the link. I don't think the USPS is exiting the business altogether. It sounds like they have to bring their "standards" more into alignment with international shipping requirements.
Natural disasters wreak havoc to the tune of $100 billion in annual damages, says a UN report. To cope, companies need improved risk management strategies.
EBN Dialogue enables and encourages you to participate in live chats with notable leaders and luminaries. Not only editors and journalists, but the entire EBN community is able to comment and ask questions. Listed below are upcoming and archived chats.
Archived Dialogues
Thailand Stages a Comeback Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Euro-Crisis: What It Means for High-Tech Firms Join EBN Editor in Chief Bolaji Ojo and Contributing Editor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday, July 12, at 10:00 a.m. EDT for a Live Chat on high-tech and Europe's economic difficulties.
Microsoft Surface: Potential Winners & Losers What are the implications for the electronics industry supply chain of Microsoft Corp.'s decision to launch its own tablet PC? Join industry veteran and EE Times' systems and OEM expert Rick Merritt on Tuesday, July 3, at 12:00 pm EDT for a Live Chat on this subject.
Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Peter Drucker famously said "Trying to predict the future is like trying to drive down a country road at night with no lights while looking out the back window." Yet in the razor's-edge world of electronics—with a lean supply chain and just-in-time demands—the need to know the future is vital.
You've heard the saying "the No. 1 supply chain risk is your people." That hasn't always been the case. But today's complex global supply chain requires a new type of multitalented employee. It's one who understands, finance, marketing, economics, is savvy with technology, graceful with relationships and can think analytically.
Where are these people? Are universities properly preparing the next generation supply chain professionals? How do train your existing workforce for these new, demanding positions?
Brian Fuller, editor-in-chief of EBN, will lead a 60-minute Avnet Velocity panel discussion that will ask and answer these and other questions swirling around today's supply-chain talent challenges.
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