Not as far as I can tell - within the last four weeks, I've received 4 18650's from DX, in two separate packages, and an order from another HK supplier containing 3 26650 Enerland cells. All came via normal HK post.
I've also received a few orders containing 2 cell LiPo batteries in the last couple of months, via HK post. (The contents were in all cases accurately described on the customs declaration labels, in case anybody was wondering).
I'm not so sure. I've recieved a couple of parcels in the past few weeks including LiPo batteries marked "Air Mail" via HK Post. Maybe HK Post are relying on the integrity of HK dealers.
The chinese vendors are shipping Li-ion batteries VIA CHINA POST.
The only postal service that have denied the chance to ship Li-ion batts is Honk Kong Post, so all the li-ion batts will be shipped via Chinapost until Chinapost does the same as HK post.
No one experianced any delays in shipping All my batteries came via airmail .. fear, intimidation and rumor .
like yelling fire in a theater. the only thing that was being said was that they demanded that correct labeling be put on the packaging since obviously people weren't listing that they were lithium bateries ...How that ever turned into there will be no more Lion batteries shipped from china ever again is on the edge of just damn skippy .wasn't true isn't true and never will be true .
Here's the latest rules http://www.iata.org/whatwedo/cargo/dangerous_goods/Documents/Guidance%20Document%20on%20the%20Transport%20of%20Li-Batt_2011_V2.pdf
In Germany, delivery by road and rail is still ok considering regulations PI968 (DHL), might be of interest for those of you in the Service which have been deployed to Krautland. Manufacturer's individual packaging is considered safe. USPS/ APO might be different tho, it's ten years since I last used those.
Interestingly enough, I ordered a bunch of Panasonic CR123A's thru evilBay, and they came in an unmarked, padded envelope - not what you'd consider "safe".
Made in the USA for Panasonic Slovakia s.r.o. in Bratislava, by the way. Woulda been cheaper and more efficient if they'd shipped it to me directly instead of sending them through the former commie bloc states first. I won't complain though, 1.39 each ain't bad for good quality primary cells. Still, with green thinking and environmental responisbility, it feels a tiny bit odd shipping stuff extra long routes. By the way, nothing against Slovakia: I have several Czech friends. Remembering the cold war 1st hand, I still allow myself a little bit of commie bashing every now and then. Things appeared so much easier back in the day... if only they had been!
Anyone else noticed that or knows what happened. I kind of liked those, not much capacity but I could get decent bursts of 20C, no other battery I know can give you 20 amps for less than $2 bucks