The USPS has announced that it'll refuse to ship any gear containing lithium ion batteries overseas. The postal service believes combusting power packs have caused two fatal cargo plane crashes since 2006 -- hence the ban, which takes effect from May 16th. Anyone wishing to ship the latest tech to those living or serving overseas will have to use another shipping company -- although the ban might be relaxed in 2013, once safety testing has been carried out.

USPS goes postal on lithium ion batteries, refuses to ship smartphones overseas originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 May 2012 07:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.