BREAKING NEWS: U.S. Postal Service Grounds Hoverboards Following Product Fires

Attention hoverboard manufacturers, sellers and buyers: as of December 16, the U.S. Postal Service® is limiting the shipping of mailable motorized balance boards, or hoverboards, due to the risk of fire. These boards will only be accepted for shipping via Standard Post/Parcel Select that travels on Ground transportation to domestic locations. Shipping of mailable motorized balance boards, or hoverboards, to all international, APO, FPO, DPO destinations is prohibited.

The following restriction has been made by the USPS® “out of an abundance of caution” following at least 11 reports of hoverboards catching fire — caused by the devices’ large lithium-ion batteries — in 10 states, including California. This policy falls in line with many major retailers and airlines recently banning these products.

For a motorized balance board or hoverboard, which includes batteries, to be mailable, it must not contain more than two batteries, and each battery must not exceed 100 watt hours. Lithium batteries are still allowed in the mail, as long as they meet USPS rules and regulations.

For more information on USPS lithium battery rules and regulations, check out these links:

• For Domestic Mail: http://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_026.htm
• For International Mail: http://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c6_004.htm

Click here for additional U.S. Postal Service news and updates.

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Endicia is a leading provider of internet-based postage services that make it easier and more affordable to ship parcels through the U.S. Postal Service®. We know that shipping can be complex and our goal is to simplify your shipping operations so you can focus on doing what you do best. Visit us at www.endicia.com to learn more.