Revised Standards for Mailing Lithium Batteries, 20463-20465 [E7-7817]
Download as PDF
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 79 / Wednesday, April 25, 2007 / Proposed Rules
Packaging containers may not be tested
using pre-primary containers that are
currently or have previously been
approved as USPS primary containers.
In addition, test reports must identify by
brand name the pre-primary containers
that were used during testing.* * *
*
*
*
*
*
We will publish an appropriate
amendment to 39 CFR part 111 to reflect
these changes if our proposal is
adopted.
Neva R. Watson,
Attorney, Legislative.
[FR Doc. E7–7816 Filed 4–24–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710–12–P
POSTAL SERVICE
39 CFR Part 111
Revised Standards for Mailing Lithium
Batteries
Postal Service.
Proposed rule.
AGENCY:
cprice-sewell on PRODPC61 with PROPOSALS
ACTION:
SUMMARY: The Postal Service is
proposing to revise our mailing
standards for lithium batteries.
Currently, our standards limit customers
and battery manufacturers from using
the mail to send consumer-type lithium
batteries, and prohibit the mailing of
devices powered by lithium batteries
when the batteries are in the device.
These standards are excessively
restrictive because they obstruct the
mailing of commonly used consumertype batteries that are permitted to be
transported by air under Department of
Transportation (DOT) and International
Air Transportation Association (IATA)
regulations. In addition, under our
current standards, it is difficult to
determine which lithium batteries meet
mailing standards and which do not.
Therefore, by identifying all small
consumer-type lithium batteries as
mailable when properly labeled and
packaged, this proposal would increase
the safety of the mail. Our proposed
standards are based on, yet more
restrictive than, DOT shipping
regulations for lithium batteries.
DATES: We must receive your comments
on or before May 25, 2007.
ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver written
comments to the Manager, Mailing
Standards, Postal Service, 475 L’Enfant
Plaza, SW., Room 3436, Washington, DC
20260–3436. You may inspect and
photocopy all written comments at
Postal Service Headquarters Library, 475
L’Enfant Plaza, SW., 11th Floor N,
Washington, DC between 9 a.m. and 4
p.m., Monday through Friday.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:21 Apr 24, 2007
Jkt 211001
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Bert
Olsen, 202–268–7276.
Current
mailing standards are inconsistent with
Department of Transportation (DOT)
regulations and prohibit most lithium
batteries from being mailed via air
transportation services—Express Mail,
First-Class Mail, or Priority Mail—even
though commercial air carriers currently
carry these items under DOT
regulations. This proposal would allow
the Postal Service to accept lithium
batteries and battery-powered devices
for mailing in a manner similar to that
of other commercial shippers.
Commercial shippers follow DOT and
International Air Transportation
Association (IATA) regulations, which
generally allow lithium batteries
containing up to 8 grams of equivalent
lithium content, while we accept only
batteries having no more than 0.5 grams
of equivalent lithium content. Many
small consumer-type batteries contain
more than 0.5 grams of equivalent
lithium content.
In addition, our standards prohibit
acceptance of devices that have the
batteries installed in them, while DOT
and IATA regulations permit shipment
of electronic devices when small
consumer-type batteries are installed.
DOT regulations suggest that the device
itself offers protection of the batteries,
and batteries contained in equipment
are less likely to externally short-circuit.
Consumer devices such as personal
digital assistants, cameras, flashlights,
laptop computers, cell phones,
handheld electronic games, and portable
media players such as iPods and MP3
players contain lithium batteries. Many
popular consumer products now
contain lithium batteries, and some
batteries cannot be easily removed from
the device they power, and some
batteries easily exceed our allowable
equivalent lithium content requirement.
Therefore, we propose to adopt mailing
standards that are in line with industry
standards and that are more easily
understood and complied with by
mailers.
Our proposed revision is more
restrictive than the shipping regulations
required by DOT and IATA in the
following ways:
• We would impose a 5-pound weight
limit on mailpieces containing primary
lithium batteries.
• We would impose a 10-pound
weight limit on mailpieces containing
secondary lithium batteries and a limit
of no more than 3 batteries per
mailpiece.
• We would require all primary and
secondary lithium batteries to be of the
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
PO 00000
Frm 00024
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
20463
type proven (by testing) to be
nondangerous in accordance with UN
Manual of Tests and Criteria.
• We would require all mailpieces
containing lithium batteries to be
marked on the outside to identify the
contents.
Our proposal mirrors DOT and IATA
allowable gram quantity limits for small
consumer-type lithium batteries.
Devices containing batteries must be
packaged in such a way as to prevent
activation while they are in the
mailstream. Lithium batteries other than
small consumer-type batteries remain
nonmailable.
Although we are exempt from the
notice and comment requirements of the
Administrative Procedure Act [5 U.S.C.
of 553(b), (c)] regarding proposed
rulemaking by 39 U.S.C. 410(a), we
invite public comment on the following
proposed revisions to Mailing Standards
of the United States Postal Service,
Domestic Mail Manual (DMM),
incorporated by reference in the Code of
Federal Regulations. See 39 CFR 111.1.
We provide the proposed mailing
standards below. We propose to
implement these standards on June 1,
2007.
List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 111
Administrative practice and
procedure, Postal Service.
Accordingly, 39 CFR part 111 is
proposed to be amended as follows:
PART 111—[AMENDED]
1. The authority citation for 39 CFR
part 111 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552(a); 39 U.S.C. 101,
401, 403, 404, 414, 416, 3001–3011, 3201–
3219, 3403–3406, 3621, 3626, 5001.
2. Revise the following sections of the
Mailing Standards of the United States
Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual
(DMM), as follows:
600 Basic Standards for All Mailing
Services
601
Mailability
*
*
601.10
*
*
*
*
*
Hazardous Materials
*
*
*
10.20 Miscellaneous Hazardous
Materials (Hazard Class 9)
*
*
*
*
*
[Add new 10.20.5 to read as follows:]
10.20.5 Primary Lithium (NonRechargeable) Cells and Batteries
Small consumer-type primary lithium
cells or batteries (lithium metal or
lithium alloy) like those used to power
cameras and flashlights are mailable
E:\FR\FM\25APP1.SGM
25APP1
20464
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 79 / Wednesday, April 25, 2007 / Proposed Rules
with the following restrictions: Each cell
must contain no more than 1.0 gram (g)
of lithium content per cell. Each battery
must contain no more than 2.0 g
aggregate lithium content per battery.
Additionally, each cell or battery must
meet the requirements of each test in the
UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, part
III, and subsection 38.3 as referenced in
DOT’s hazardous materials regulation at
49 CFR 171.7. All primary lithium cells
and batteries must be mailed within a
firmly sealed package separated and
cushioned to prevent short circuit,
movement, or damage. Except for
batteries installed in equipment, they
must be in a strong outer package. All
outer packages must have a complete
delivery and return address. Primary
lithium cells and batteries are mailable
as follows:
a. Via surface transportation when the
cells or batteries (not packed with or
installed in equipment) are ‘‘in the
original retail packaging.’’ They are
forbidden aboard passenger aircraft. The
outside of the package must be marked
on the address side ‘‘Surface Mail Only,
Primary Lithium Batteries—Forbidden
for Transportation Aboard Passenger
Aircraft.’’
b. Via surface or air transportation
when the cells or batteries are properly
packed with or properly installed in the
equipment they operate and the
mailpiece has no more than the number
of batteries needed to operate the
device. Cells or batteries properly
installed in the device they operate
must be protected from damage and
short circuit, and the device must be
equipped with an effective means of
preventing accidental activation. The
outside of the package must be marked
on the address side ‘‘Package Contains
Primary Lithium Batteries.’’
c. The mailpiece must not exceed 5
pounds.
[Add new 10.20.6 to read as follows:]
10.20.6 Secondary Lithium-Ion
(Rechargeable) Cells and Batteries
Small consumer-type lithium-ion
cells and batteries like those used to
power cell phones and laptop
computers are mailable with the
following restrictions: Each cell must
contain no more than 1.5 g of equivalent
lithium content per cell. Each battery
must contain no more than 8.0 g
aggregate quantity of equivalent lithium
content per battery. Additionally, each
cell or battery must meet the
requirements of each test in the UN
Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III,
and subsection 38.3 as referenced in the
DOT’s hazardous materials regulation at
49 CFR 171.7. All secondary lithium-ion
cells and batteries must be mailed in a
firmly sealed package separated and
cushioned to prevent short circuit,
movement, or damage. Except for
batteries installed in equipment, they
must be in a strong outer package. All
outer packages must have a complete
delivery and return address. These cells
and batteries are mailable as follows:
a. Via surface or air transportation
when individual cells or batteries are
mailed or when properly packed with or
properly installed in the equipment they
operate and the mailpiece has no more
than the number of batteries needed to
operate the device. Cells or batteries
properly installed in the device they
operate must be protected from damage
and short circuit, and the device must
be equipped with an effective means of
preventing accidental activation. The
outside of the package must be marked
on the address side ‘‘Package Contains
Lithium-ion Batteries (no lithium
metal).’’
b. The mailpiece must not contain
more than 3 batteries or exceed 10
pounds.
[Add new 10.20.7 to read as follows:]
10.20.7
Damaged or Recalled Batteries
Damaged or recalled batteries are
prohibited from mailing unless
approved by the manager, Mailing
Standards.
[Add new Exhibit 10.20.7 as follows:]
Exhibit 10.20.7 Lithium Battery
Mailability Chart
Mailpiece
weight limit
(lb)
Primary lithium batteries
(small non-rechargeable consumer-type batteries)
Surface
transportation
Air transportation
Without the equipment they operate (individual batteries) .........
Packed with equipment but not installed in equipment ..............
Contained (properly installed) in equipment ...............................
Mailable .................
Mailable .................
Mailable .................
Prohibited ...............
Mailable .................
Mailable .................
Note 1: Each primary cell must not contain
more than 1g lithium content.
5
5
5
International
APO/FPO
Prohibited.
Mailable.
Mailable.
Note 2: Each primary battery must not
contain more than 2 g lithium content.
Surface transportation
Air transportation
Mailpiece weight limit and battery
limit
Without the equipment they operate
(individual batteries).
Packed with equipment but not installed in equipment.
Contained (properly installed) in
equipment.
cprice-sewell on PRODPC61 with PROPOSALS
Secondary lithium batteries
(small rechargeable consumer-type
batteries)
Mailable .................
Mailable .................
10 lb (no more than 3 batteries) ........
Mailable.
Mailable .................
Mailable .................
10 lb (no more than 3 batteries) ........
Mailable.
Mailable .................
Mailable .................
10 lb (no more than 3 batteries) ........
Mailable.
Note 3: Each secondary cell must not
contain more than 1.5 g equivalent lithium
content.
Note 5: In addition to the 10 pound weight
limit for secondary batteries, there is a limit
of 3 batteries.
Note 4: Each secondary battery must not
contain more than 8 g equivalent lithium
content.
*
15:21 Apr 24, 2007
Jkt 211001
*
*
*
11.0 Other Restricted and
Nonmailable Matter
*
VerDate Aug<31>2005
*
PO 00000
*
*
Frm 00025
*
Fmt 4702
*
Sfmt 4702
11.17
International
APO/FPO
Battery-Powered Devices
[Revise the first sentence in 11.17 to
read as follows:]
Cells or batteries properly installed in
equipment must be protected from
damage and short circuit, and
equipment containing cells or batteries
must be equipped with an effective
E:\FR\FM\25APP1.SGM
25APP1
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 79 / Wednesday, April 25, 2007 / Proposed Rules
means of preventing accidental
activation. * * *
*
*
*
*
*
We will publish an appropriate
amendment to 39 CFR part 111 to reflect
these changes if our proposal is
adopted.
Neva R. Watson,
Attorney, Legislative.
[FR Doc. E7–7817 Filed 4–24–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710–12–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Parts 51, 60, 62, 63, 72, 78, 96,
and 97
[EPA–HQ–OAR–2007–0012; FRL–8302–4]
RIN 2060–A033
Revisions to Definition of
Cogeneration Unit in Clean Air
Interstate Rule (CAIR), CAIR Federal
Implementation Plan, Clean Air
Mercury Rule (CAMR), and CAMR
Proposed Federal Plan; Revision to
National Emission Standards for
Hazardous Air Pollutants for Industrial,
Commercial, and Institutional Boilers
and Process Heaters; and Technical
Corrections to CAIR and Acid Rain
Program Rules
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Proposed rule.
cprice-sewell on PRODPC61 with PROPOSALS
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: In 2005, EPA finalized the
Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR) to
address emissions of nitrogen oxides
(NOX) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) and the
Clean Air Mercury Rule (CAMR) to
establish standards of performance for
mercury (Hg) for coal-fired electric
utility steam generating units. Both
CAIR and CAMR include model capand-trade rules that states may adopt to
meet the applicable requirements. In
2006, EPA finalized the Federal
Implementation Plan (FIP) for CAIR and
also proposed a Federal Plan for CAMR.
All four rules include an exemption for
certain cogeneration units. To qualify
for this exemption, a unit must, among
other things, meet an efficiency
standard included in the cogeneration
unit definition. Today, in light of
information concerning existing
biomass-fired cogeneration units that
may not qualify for the exemption, EPA
is proposing a change in the
cogeneration unit definition in CAIR,
the CAIR model cap-and-trade rules, the
CAIR FIP, CAMR, and the CAMR model
cap-and-trade rule, and the proposed
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:21 Apr 24, 2007
Jkt 211001
CAMR Federal Plan. Specifically, EPA
is proposing to revise the efficiency
standard in the cogeneration unit
definition so that the standard would
apply, with regard to certain units, only
to the fossil fuel portion of a unit’s
energy input. This change to the CAIR
model cap-and-trade rules, CAIR FIP,
CAMR, and proposed CAMR Federal
Plan would likely make it possible for
some additional units to qualify for the
cogeneration unit exemption in these
rules. Because it would only affect a
small number of relatively low emitting
units, this would have little effect on the
projected emissions reductions and the
environmental benefits of these rules.
EPA is also considering revisions to the
definition of ‘‘total energy input,’’ a
term used in the efficiency standard.
This action also proposes minor
technical corrections to CAIR and the
Acid Rain Program rules. Finally, this
action proposes minor revisions to
National Emission Standards for
Hazardous Air Pollutants for Industrial,
Commercial, and Institutional Boilers
and Process Heaters (‘‘boiler MACT’’).
DATES: Comments. Comments must be
received on or before June 11, 2007. If
requested by May 7, 2007, a public
hearing will be held on May 10, 2007 in
Washington, DC. For additional
information on a public hearing, see the
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of
this preamble.
ADDRESSES: Submit your comments,
identified by Docket ID Number EPA–
HQ–OAR–2007–0012, by one of the
following methods:
A. Federal Rulemaking Portal: https://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the on-line
instructions for submitting comments.
B. E-mail: A-AND-R-Docket@epa.gov
C. Mail: Air Docket, ATTN: Docket
Number EPA–HQ–OAR–2007–0012,
Environmental Protection Agency, Mail
Code: 6102T, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave.,
NW., Washington, DC 20460.
D. Hand Delivery: EPA Docket Center,
1301 Constitution Avenue, NW., Room
3334, Washington, DC. Such deliveries
are only accepted during the Docket’s
normal hours of operation, and special
arrangements should be made for
deliveries of boxed information.
Instructions: Direct your comments to
Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–OAR–2007–
0012. EPA’s policy is that all comments
received will be included in the public
docket without change and may be
made available online at https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information provided, unless
the comment includes information
claimed to be Confidential Business
Information (CBI) or other information
whose disclosure is restricted by statute.
PO 00000
Frm 00026
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
20465
Do not submit information that you
consider to be CBI or otherwise
protected through https://
www.regulations.gov or e-mail. The
https://www.regulations.gov website is
an ‘‘anonymous access’’ system, which
means EPA will not know your identity
or contact information unless you
provide it in the body of your comment.
If you send an e-mail comment directly
to EPA without going through https://
www.regulations.gov, your e-mail
address will be automatically captured
and included as part of the comment
that is placed in the public docket and
made available on the Internet. If you
submit an electronic comment, EPA
recommends that you include your
name and other contact information in
the body of your comment and with any
disk or CD–ROM you submit. If EPA
cannot read your comment due to
technical difficulties and cannot contact
you for clarification, EPA may not be
able to consider your comment.
Electronic files should avoid the use of
special characters, and any form of
encryption, and should be free of any
defects or viruses.
Docket: All documents in the docket
are listed in the https://
www.regulations.gov index. Although
listed in the index, some information is
not publicly available, e.g., CBI or other
information whose disclosure is
restricted by statute. Certain other
material, such as copyrighted material,
is not placed on the Internet and will be
publicly available only in hard copy
form. Publicly available docket
materials are available either
electronically in https://
www.regulations.gov or in hard copy at
the EPA Docket Center, EPA West,
Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Avenue,
NW., Washington, DC. The Public
Reading Room is open from 8:30 a.m. to
4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday,
excluding legal holidays. The telephone
number for the Public Reading Room is
(202) 566–1744, and the telephone
number for the Air Docket is (202) 566–
1742.
For
information concerning the proposed
changes, contact Elyse Steiner, Program
Development Branch, Clean Air Markets
Division (MC 6204J), EPA, Washington,
DC 20460; telephone number (202) 343–
9141; fax number (202) 343–2359;
electronic mail address:
Steiner.elyse@epa.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Regulated
Entities. Categories and entities
potentially regulated by this action
include the following:
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
E:\FR\FM\25APP1.SGM
25APP1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 79 (Wednesday, April 25, 2007)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 20463-20465]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-7817]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
POSTAL SERVICE
39 CFR Part 111
Revised Standards for Mailing Lithium Batteries
AGENCY: Postal Service.
ACTION: Proposed rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Postal Service is proposing to revise our mailing
standards for lithium batteries. Currently, our standards limit
customers and battery manufacturers from using the mail to send
consumer-type lithium batteries, and prohibit the mailing of devices
powered by lithium batteries when the batteries are in the device.
These standards are excessively restrictive because they obstruct
the mailing of commonly used consumer-type batteries that are permitted
to be transported by air under Department of Transportation (DOT) and
International Air Transportation Association (IATA) regulations. In
addition, under our current standards, it is difficult to determine
which lithium batteries meet mailing standards and which do not.
Therefore, by identifying all small consumer-type lithium batteries as
mailable when properly labeled and packaged, this proposal would
increase the safety of the mail. Our proposed standards are based on,
yet more restrictive than, DOT shipping regulations for lithium
batteries.
DATES: We must receive your comments on or before May 25, 2007.
ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver written comments to the Manager, Mailing
Standards, Postal Service, 475 L'Enfant Plaza, SW., Room 3436,
Washington, DC 20260-3436. You may inspect and photocopy all written
comments at Postal Service Headquarters Library, 475 L'Enfant Plaza,
SW., 11th Floor N, Washington, DC between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday
through Friday.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bert Olsen, 202-268-7276.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Current mailing standards are inconsistent
with Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations and prohibit most
lithium batteries from being mailed via air transportation services--
Express Mail, First-Class Mail, or Priority Mail--even though
commercial air carriers currently carry these items under DOT
regulations. This proposal would allow the Postal Service to accept
lithium batteries and battery-powered devices for mailing in a manner
similar to that of other commercial shippers. Commercial shippers
follow DOT and International Air Transportation Association (IATA)
regulations, which generally allow lithium batteries containing up to 8
grams of equivalent lithium content, while we accept only batteries
having no more than 0.5 grams of equivalent lithium content. Many small
consumer-type batteries contain more than 0.5 grams of equivalent
lithium content.
In addition, our standards prohibit acceptance of devices that have
the batteries installed in them, while DOT and IATA regulations permit
shipment of electronic devices when small consumer-type batteries are
installed. DOT regulations suggest that the device itself offers
protection of the batteries, and batteries contained in equipment are
less likely to externally short-circuit.
Consumer devices such as personal digital assistants, cameras,
flashlights, laptop computers, cell phones, handheld electronic games,
and portable media players such as iPods and MP3 players contain
lithium batteries. Many popular consumer products now contain lithium
batteries, and some batteries cannot be easily removed from the device
they power, and some batteries easily exceed our allowable equivalent
lithium content requirement. Therefore, we propose to adopt mailing
standards that are in line with industry standards and that are more
easily understood and complied with by mailers.
Our proposed revision is more restrictive than the shipping
regulations required by DOT and IATA in the following ways:
We would impose a 5-pound weight limit on mailpieces
containing primary lithium batteries.
We would impose a 10-pound weight limit on mailpieces
containing secondary lithium batteries and a limit of no more than 3
batteries per mailpiece.
We would require all primary and secondary lithium
batteries to be of the type proven (by testing) to be nondangerous in
accordance with UN Manual of Tests and Criteria.
We would require all mailpieces containing lithium
batteries to be marked on the outside to identify the contents.
Our proposal mirrors DOT and IATA allowable gram quantity limits
for small consumer-type lithium batteries. Devices containing batteries
must be packaged in such a way as to prevent activation while they are
in the mailstream. Lithium batteries other than small consumer-type
batteries remain nonmailable.
Although we are exempt from the notice and comment requirements of
the Administrative Procedure Act [5 U.S.C. of 553(b), (c)] regarding
proposed rulemaking by 39 U.S.C. 410(a), we invite public comment on
the following proposed revisions to Mailing Standards of the United
States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM[supreg]), incorporated
by reference in the Code of Federal Regulations. See 39 CFR 111.1.
We provide the proposed mailing standards below. We propose to
implement these standards on June 1, 2007.
List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 111
Administrative practice and procedure, Postal Service.
Accordingly, 39 CFR part 111 is proposed to be amended as follows:
PART 111--[AMENDED]
1. The authority citation for 39 CFR part 111 continues to read as
follows:
Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552(a); 39 U.S.C. 101, 401, 403, 404, 414,
416, 3001-3011, 3201-3219, 3403-3406, 3621, 3626, 5001.
2. Revise the following sections of the Mailing Standards of the
United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM), as follows:
600 Basic Standards for All Mailing Services
601 Mailability
* * * * *
601.10 Hazardous Materials
* * * * *
10.20 Miscellaneous Hazardous Materials (Hazard Class 9)
* * * * *
[Add new 10.20.5 to read as follows:]
10.20.5 Primary Lithium (Non-Rechargeable) Cells and Batteries
Small consumer-type primary lithium cells or batteries (lithium
metal or lithium alloy) like those used to power cameras and
flashlights are mailable
[[Page 20464]]
with the following restrictions: Each cell must contain no more than
1.0 gram (g) of lithium content per cell. Each battery must contain no
more than 2.0 g aggregate lithium content per battery. Additionally,
each cell or battery must meet the requirements of each test in the UN
Manual of Tests and Criteria, part III, and subsection 38.3 as
referenced in DOT's hazardous materials regulation at 49 CFR 171.7. All
primary lithium cells and batteries must be mailed within a firmly
sealed package separated and cushioned to prevent short circuit,
movement, or damage. Except for batteries installed in equipment, they
must be in a strong outer package. All outer packages must have a
complete delivery and return address. Primary lithium cells and
batteries are mailable as follows:
a. Via surface transportation when the cells or batteries (not
packed with or installed in equipment) are ``in the original retail
packaging.'' They are forbidden aboard passenger aircraft. The outside
of the package must be marked on the address side ``Surface Mail Only,
Primary Lithium Batteries--Forbidden for Transportation Aboard
Passenger Aircraft.''
b. Via surface or air transportation when the cells or batteries
are properly packed with or properly installed in the equipment they
operate and the mailpiece has no more than the number of batteries
needed to operate the device. Cells or batteries properly installed in
the device they operate must be protected from damage and short
circuit, and the device must be equipped with an effective means of
preventing accidental activation. The outside of the package must be
marked on the address side ``Package Contains Primary Lithium
Batteries.''
c. The mailpiece must not exceed 5 pounds.
[Add new 10.20.6 to read as follows:]
10.20.6 Secondary Lithium-Ion (Rechargeable) Cells and Batteries
Small consumer-type lithium-ion cells and batteries like those used
to power cell phones and laptop computers are mailable with the
following restrictions: Each cell must contain no more than 1.5 g of
equivalent lithium content per cell. Each battery must contain no more
than 8.0 g aggregate quantity of equivalent lithium content per
battery. Additionally, each cell or battery must meet the requirements
of each test in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, and
subsection 38.3 as referenced in the DOT's hazardous materials
regulation at 49 CFR 171.7. All secondary lithium-ion cells and
batteries must be mailed in a firmly sealed package separated and
cushioned to prevent short circuit, movement, or damage. Except for
batteries installed in equipment, they must be in a strong outer
package. All outer packages must have a complete delivery and return
address. These cells and batteries are mailable as follows:
a. Via surface or air transportation when individual cells or
batteries are mailed or when properly packed with or properly installed
in the equipment they operate and the mailpiece has no more than the
number of batteries needed to operate the device. Cells or batteries
properly installed in the device they operate must be protected from
damage and short circuit, and the device must be equipped with an
effective means of preventing accidental activation. The outside of the
package must be marked on the address side ``Package Contains Lithium-
ion Batteries (no lithium metal).''
b. The mailpiece must not contain more than 3 batteries or exceed
10 pounds.
[Add new 10.20.7 to read as follows:]
10.20.7 Damaged or Recalled Batteries
Damaged or recalled batteries are prohibited from mailing unless
approved by the manager, Mailing Standards.
[Add new Exhibit 10.20.7 as follows:]
Exhibit 10.20.7 Lithium Battery Mailability Chart
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mailpiece
Primary lithium batteries (small non- Surface transportation Air transportation weight International APO/FPO
rechargeable consumer-type batteries) limit (lb)
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Without the equipment they operate Mailable........................ Prohibited...................... 5 Prohibited.
(individual batteries).
Packed with equipment but not Mailable........................ Mailable........................ 5 Mailable.
installed in equipment.
Contained (properly installed) in Mailable........................ Mailable........................ 5 Mailable.
equipment.
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Note 1: Each primary cell must not contain more than 1g lithium
content.
Note 2: Each primary battery must not contain more than 2 g
lithium content.
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Secondary lithium batteries (small Mailpiece weight
rechargeable consumer-type Surface transportation Air transportation limit and battery International APO/FPO
batteries) limit
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Without the equipment they operate Mailable...................... Mailable...................... 10 lb (no more than 3 Mailable.
(individual batteries). batteries).
Packed with equipment but not Mailable...................... Mailable...................... 10 lb (no more than 3 Mailable.
installed in equipment. batteries).
Contained (properly installed) in Mailable...................... Mailable...................... 10 lb (no more than 3 Mailable.
equipment. batteries).
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Note 3: Each secondary cell must not contain more than 1.5 g
equivalent lithium content.
Note 4: Each secondary battery must not contain more than 8 g
equivalent lithium content.
Note 5: In addition to the 10 pound weight limit for secondary
batteries, there is a limit of 3 batteries.
* * * * *
11.0 Other Restricted and Nonmailable Matter
* * * * *
11.17 Battery-Powered Devices
[Revise the first sentence in 11.17 to read as follows:]
Cells or batteries properly installed in equipment must be
protected from damage and short circuit, and equipment containing cells
or batteries must be equipped with an effective
[[Page 20465]]
means of preventing accidental activation. * * *
* * * * *
We will publish an appropriate amendment to 39 CFR part 111 to
reflect these changes if our proposal is adopted.
Neva R. Watson,
Attorney, Legislative.
[FR Doc. E7-7817 Filed 4-24-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710-12-P