Phones, laptops, tablets, cameras, cordless tools and handheld games are popular resale items. Almost all of them run on lithium batteries, and the Postal Service treats those batteries as hazardous materials. That does not stop you from shipping a used phone, but it changes how. This manual summarizes the U.S. Postal Service rules for domestic mail as published when it was written. Carriers update their rules, so check Publication 52 before every new category, and follow your carrier's rules if you ship with someone else.
Why used devices are treated differently
USPS's shipping restrictions page explains that hazardous materials include lithium batteries, "like the ones in cell phones and electronics," because they contain a lot of energy and can be a fire risk. Some hazardous materials can only travel by ground.
For used devices the key sentence is short. USPS says that if you are mailing pre-owned, damaged or defective electronic devices containing or packaged with lithium batteries, you must send them via ground transportation; they are prohibited in air transportation. The packages must be marked on the outer packaging with the text "Restricted Electronic Device" and "Surface Transportation Only."
Packaging Instruction 9D in Publication 52 repeats that rule and states the exclusion: devices that are new in original packaging, and manufacturer-certified new or refurbished devices, are excluded from the used-device restriction. A phone you bought used and cleaned up yourself is still a used device.
The marking on the box
Instruction 9D says packages with used, damaged or defective devices must be marked with "Restricted Electronic Device" and "Surface Transportation Only" on the address side. Some sections of the instruction use "Surface Mail Only" for specific battery configurations, so read the section that matches your shipment.
Separately, the instruction describes when a DOT-approved lithium battery mark is required. For lithium-ion batteries installed in equipment, it says the mark is required except for mailpieces with button cells installed in equipment, or no more than four cells or two batteries installed in the equipment they operate. For batteries packed with equipment rather than installed, the mark is required. The mark must show the right UN number, such as UN3481 for lithium-ion batteries contained in or packed with equipment.
Put the markings where they will not be folded over an edge. The instruction says packaging must be rigid, sealed and large enough for the lithium battery mark to sit flat on the address side, with exceptions for button cells.
Size limits to check before you list
Instruction 9D sets quantity limits. For lithium-ion cells and batteries installed in or packed with equipment:
- Each cell must not exceed 20 Wh.
- Each battery must not exceed 100 Wh.
- Each mailpiece may contain no more than 8 cells or 2 batteries.
Most phones and tablets are far below 100 Wh, but some laptop, power station and tool batteries are not. The watt-hour rating is usually printed on the battery. If it is not, and you cannot find it from the manufacturer, you have an item you cannot confidently ship by mail. Find that out before you buy, not at the counter.
Loose and damaged batteries
Spare batteries are a different case. Instruction 9D says lithium batteries without equipment are mailable domestically by surface transportation only, in limited quantities, in their originally sealed packaging, with specific markings and a 5-pound mailpiece limit. A used loose battery that is not in its original sealed packaging does not fit that description.
The instruction's table lists damaged, defective or recalled batteries as prohibited unless approved by USPS product classification. If a device has a swollen battery, a cracked case, or heat damage, do not ship it by mail. Swelling is also a reason to stop handling the device and dispose of the battery through a proper recycling channel.
Packing a used device
- Power it off. Make sure it cannot switch on in transit.
- Protect the terminals and switches. Instruction 9D refers to the federal packaging rule for lithium batteries, which focuses on preventing short circuits and damage.
- Use a rigid box. Padded mailers and poly bags are allowed only in the narrow button-cell case the instruction describes.
- Cushion the device so it cannot shift or be crushed.
- Add a complete delivery and return address, which the instruction requires on all outer packages.
- Mark the address side with the surface-only text and any required lithium battery mark.
USPS also says HAZMAT packages must be separated from other packages and presented in a container marked "HAZMAT" when you drop off a batch. Ask at the counter how your Post Office handles that.
Pricing the shipping
Because used electronics must travel by ground, buyers will not get air-speed delivery from you. Say so in the listing, quote a realistic handling and transit window, and do not offer an expedited option that would require air transport. USPS lists HAZMAT handling fees by service on its restrictions page; the figures change, so check the current page rather than relying on an old number.
Shipping cost belongs in your margin. Bring the realistic ground rate and packaging cost to the profit bench before you decide what to pay for the device.
Before the box closes
Wipe the device and remove accounts. The manual on wiping phones and computers has a checklist. Run a recall search on the model, especially for power banks and chargers. And if any part of the shipment is outside the rules above, stop and check Publication 52 or ask at the counter. A refused package costs less than one that causes a fire.
Can I ship a used phone by Priority Mail?
USPS rules say used, damaged or defective electronic devices containing or packed with lithium batteries must travel by surface transportation only, with "Restricted Electronic Device" and "Surface Transportation Only" marked on the address side. Choose a ground service and check Publication 52 for the current rules before you print the label.