{ "name": "Postal shipping restrictions by item category", "description": "What item categories each postal carrier prohibits, restricts, or allows, with the conditions that apply. Covers USPS (domestic US) and Royal Mail / Post Office (UK domestic and international).", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/", "licence": "Facts extracted from public government and postal service web pages; not a reproduction of the original text", "last_verified": "2026-08-03", "stale_after": "2027-08-03", "sources": [ "https://www.usps.com/ship/shipping-restrictions.htm", "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send" ], "records": [ { "item_category": "Spare (uninstalled) lithium ion batteries", "carrier": "Airlines (all US carriers)", "restriction_type": "carry-on only", "scope": "passenger air travel", "conditions": "Must be in carry-on baggage only; if carry-on is checked at gate or planeside, batteries must be removed and kept with passenger in cabin; battery terminals must be protected from short circuit; size limit 100 Wh per battery (up to 160 Wh with airline approval, max 2 batteries); prohibited if carried for resale/distribution", "id": "airlines-all-us-carriers-spare-uninstalled-lithium-ion-batteries", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/airlines-all-us-carriers-spare-uninstalled-lithium-ion-batteries/", "source": "https://www.faa.gov/hazmat/packsafe/lithium-batteries", "source_quote": "Spare (uninstalled) lithium ion and lithium metal batteries, including power banks and cell phone battery charging cases, must be carried in carry-on baggage only" }, { "item_category": "Spare (uninstalled) lithium metal batteries", "carrier": "Airlines (all US carriers)", "restriction_type": "carry-on only", "scope": "passenger air travel", "conditions": "Must be in carry-on baggage only; if carry-on is checked at gate or planeside, batteries must be removed and kept with passenger in cabin; battery terminals must be protected from short circuit; size limit 2 grams of lithium content per battery (up to 8 grams with airline approval, max 2 batteries); prohibited if carried for resale/distribution", "id": "airlines-all-us-carriers-spare-uninstalled-lithium-metal-batteries", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/airlines-all-us-carriers-spare-uninstalled-lithium-metal-batteries/", "source": "https://www.faa.gov/hazmat/packsafe/lithium-batteries", "source_quote": "Spare (uninstalled) lithium ion and lithium metal batteries, including power banks and cell phone battery charging cases, must be carried in carry-on baggage only" }, { "item_category": "Batteries carried for further sale or distribution", "carrier": "FAA (air transport)", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "aircraft (all baggage)", "conditions": "Batteries carried for further sale or distribution (vendor samples, etc.) are prohibited.", "id": "faa-air-transport-batteries-carried-for-further-sale-or-distribution", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/faa-air-transport-batteries-carried-for-further-sale-or-distribution/", "source": "https://www.faa.gov/hazmat/packsafe/lithium-batteries", "source_quote": "Batteries carried for further sale or distribution (vendor samples, etc.) are prohibited." }, { "item_category": "Damaged or recalled batteries and battery-powered devices", "carrier": "FAA (air transport)", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "aircraft (all baggage)", "conditions": "Must not be carried aboard an aircraft if likely to create sparks or generate a dangerous evolution of heat.", "id": "faa-air-transport-damaged-or-recalled-batteries-and-battery-powered-devices", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/faa-air-transport-damaged-or-recalled-batteries-and-battery-powered-devices/", "source": "https://www.faa.gov/hazmat/packsafe/lithium-batteries", "source_quote": "Damaged or recalled batteries and battery-powered devices, which are likely to create sparks or generate a dangerous evolution of heat must not be carried aboard an aircraft" }, { "item_category": "Spare lithium ion batteries (101\u2013160 Wh)", "carrier": "FAA (air transport)", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "carry-on baggage", "conditions": "With airline approval only; limited to two spare larger lithium ion batteries exceeding 101\u2013160 Wh.", "id": "faa-air-transport-spare-lithium-ion-batteries-101-160-wh", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/faa-air-transport-spare-lithium-ion-batteries-101-160-wh/", "source": "https://www.faa.gov/hazmat/packsafe/lithium-batteries", "source_quote": "With airline approval, passengers may also carry up to two spare larger lithium ion batteries (exceeding 101\u2013160 Wh) or Lithium metal batteries (exceeding 2-8 grams)." }, { "item_category": "Spare lithium metal batteries (exceeding 2-8 grams)", "carrier": "FAA (air transport)", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "carry-on baggage", "conditions": "With airline approval only; limited to two spare Lithium metal batteries exceeding 2-8 grams.", "id": "faa-air-transport-spare-lithium-metal-batteries-exceeding-2-8-grams", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/faa-air-transport-spare-lithium-metal-batteries-exceeding-2-8-grams/", "source": "https://www.faa.gov/hazmat/packsafe/lithium-batteries", "source_quote": "With airline approval, passengers may also carry up to two spare larger lithium ion batteries (exceeding 101\u2013160 Wh) or Lithium metal batteries (exceeding 2-8 grams)." }, { "item_category": "Lithium-ion (PI 965) cells or batteries packed alone \u2014 Section IA", "carrier": "IATA (air)", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "international air transport", "conditions": "Highest restriction tier. Applies to lithium ion cells/batteries packed alone that exceed the Section IB quantity/watt-hour thresholds. Full IATA DGR compliance required including UN specification packaging, all labelling, documentation, and biennial training. No exceptions.", "id": "iata-air-lithium-ion-pi-965-cells-or-batteries-packed-alone-section-ia", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/iata-air-lithium-ion-pi-965-cells-or-batteries-packed-alone-section-ia/", "source": "https://danielstraining.com/revised-packing-instructions-for-lithium-cells-and-batteries-effective-03-31-22/", "source_quote": "Section IA remains unchanged." }, { "item_category": "Lithium-ion (PI 965) cells or batteries packed alone \u2014 Section IB", "carrier": "IATA (air)", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "international air transport", "conditions": "Applies to lithium ion cells/batteries at or below threshold watt-hour content and within the quantity limit in Table 965-IB. Full IATA DGR compliance required (including initial and biennial training) EXCEPT that UN specification packaging is not required. Effective March 31, 2022 \u2014 Section II was removed.", "id": "iata-air-lithium-ion-pi-965-cells-or-batteries-packed-alone-section-ib", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/iata-air-lithium-ion-pi-965-cells-or-batteries-packed-alone-section-ib/", "source": "https://danielstraining.com/revised-packing-instructions-for-lithium-cells-and-batteries-effective-03-31-22/", "source_quote": "Section IB now applies solely to lithium cells or batteries with a lithium content at or below the threshold amount and in a quantity that does not exceed that allowed in Section IB, Table 965-IB or Section IB, Table 968-IB, respectively." }, { "item_category": "Lithium metal (PI 968) cells or batteries packed alone \u2014 Section IB", "carrier": "IATA (air)", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "international air transport", "conditions": "Applies to lithium metal cells/batteries at or below lithium content threshold and within quantity limit in Table 968-IB. Full IATA DGR compliance required (biennial training mandatory) EXCEPT UN specification packaging not required. Effective March 31, 2022.", "id": "iata-air-lithium-metal-pi-968-cells-or-batteries-packed-alone-section-ib", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/iata-air-lithium-metal-pi-968-cells-or-batteries-packed-alone-section-ib/", "source": "https://danielstraining.com/revised-packing-instructions-for-lithium-cells-and-batteries-effective-03-31-22/", "source_quote": "Under the packing instructions of Section IB, a lithium ion or lithium metal cell or battery packed alone is subject to all of the applicable provisions of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (including the General Requirements) except for the requirement to use a specification (UN Standard) packaging." }, { "item_category": "Lithium metal (PI 968) cells or batteries packed alone \u2014 Section II", "carrier": "IATA (air)", "restriction_type": "allowed", "scope": "international air transport", "conditions": "REMOVED effective March 31, 2022. Section II previously exempted small lithium metal cells/batteries packed alone from full regulation (no training, no specification packaging). This exception no longer exists.", "id": "iata-air-lithium-metal-pi-968-cells-or-batteries-packed-alone-section-ii", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/iata-air-lithium-metal-pi-968-cells-or-batteries-packed-alone-section-ii/", "source": "https://danielstraining.com/revised-packing-instructions-for-lithium-cells-and-batteries-effective-03-31-22/", "source_quote": "Section II applied to: Lithium cells or batteries with a lithium content at or below the threshold amount and packed in a quantity that did not exceed that allowed in Section II, Table 965-II or Section II, Table 968-II, respectively." }, { "item_category": "Lithium ion batteries contained in equipment (UN 3481) \u2014 recommended 2025", "carrier": "IATA air transport", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "air transport", "conditions": "IATA DGR recommends state of charge not exceeding 30%, or an indicated battery capacity not exceeding 25%.", "id": "iata-air-transport-lithium-ion-batteries-contained-in-equipment-un-3481-recommended-2025", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/iata-air-transport-lithium-ion-batteries-contained-in-equipment-un-3481-recommended-2025/", "source": "https://www.lion.com/lion-news/october-2024/lithium-battery-30-state-of-charge-recommendations-for-2025", "source_quote": "UN 3481, lithium ion batteries contained in equipment" }, { "item_category": "Lithium ion batteries packed alone (UN 3480)", "carrier": "IATA air transport", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "air transport", "conditions": "Must be offered for transport at a state of charge not exceeding 30% of their rated design capacity.", "id": "iata-air-transport-lithium-ion-batteries-packed-alone-un-3480", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/iata-air-transport-lithium-ion-batteries-packed-alone-un-3480/", "source": "https://www.lion.com/lion-news/october-2024/lithium-battery-30-state-of-charge-recommendations-for-2025", "source_quote": "A 30% state-of-charge limit already applies to lithium batteries shipped alone by air (UN 3480)." }, { "item_category": "Lithium ion batteries packed with equipment (UN 3481) \u2014 cells >2.7 Wh", "carrier": "IATA air transport", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "air transport", "conditions": "Starting January 1, 2026, must be offered for transport at a state of charge not exceeding 30% of their rated design capacity.", "id": "iata-air-transport-lithium-ion-batteries-packed-with-equipment-un-3481-cells-2-7-wh", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/iata-air-transport-lithium-ion-batteries-packed-with-equipment-un-3481-cells-2-7-wh/", "source": "https://www.lion.com/lion-news/october-2024/lithium-battery-30-state-of-charge-recommendations-for-2025", "source_quote": "Starting January 1, 2026 , shipments of the following must be offered for transport at a state of charge not exceeding 30% of their rated design capacity: UN 3481, lithium ion batteries packed with equipment where the cells/batteries have a Watt-hour rating greater than 2.7 Wh." }, { "item_category": "Lithium ion batteries packed with equipment (UN 3481) \u2014 recommended 2025", "carrier": "IATA air transport", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "air transport", "conditions": "IATA DGR recommends shipments be offered for transport at a state of charge not exceeding 30% of their rated design capacity.", "id": "iata-air-transport-lithium-ion-batteries-packed-with-equipment-un-3481-recommended-2025", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/iata-air-transport-lithium-ion-batteries-packed-with-equipment-un-3481-recommended-2025/", "source": "https://www.lion.com/lion-news/october-2024/lithium-battery-30-state-of-charge-recommendations-for-2025", "source_quote": "the IATA DGR recommends that shipments of the following be offered for transport at a state of charge not exceeding 30% of their rated design capacity: UN 3481, lithium ion batteries packed with equipment" }, { "item_category": "Vehicle, lithium ion battery powered (UN 3556) \u2014 battery >100 Wh", "carrier": "IATA air transport", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "air transport", "conditions": "Starting January 1, 2026, must be offered for transport at a state of charge not exceeding 30% or an indicated battery capacity not exceeding 25%.", "id": "iata-air-transport-vehicle-lithium-ion-battery-powered-un-3556-battery-100-wh", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/iata-air-transport-vehicle-lithium-ion-battery-powered-un-3556-battery-100-wh/", "source": "https://www.lion.com/lion-news/october-2024/lithium-battery-30-state-of-charge-recommendations-for-2025", "source_quote": "Starting January 1, 2026 , shipments of the following must be offered for transport at a state of charge not exceeding 30% of their rated design capacity or an indicated battery capacity not exceeding 25%: UN 3556, Vehicle, lithium ion battery powered where the battery has a Watt-hour rating greater than 100 Wh." }, { "item_category": "Batteries", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Mail", "restriction_type": "allowed", "scope": "UK & International", "conditions": "Batteries must comply with Special Provision 238 of the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, Model Regulations (please check with the manufacturer or distributor)", "id": "royal-mail-post-mail-batteries", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-mail-batteries/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "Batteries must comply with Special Provision 238 of the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, Model Regulations (please check with the manufacturer or distributor)" }, { "item_category": "Act 1976 (including certain venomous spiders)", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "UK & International", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-act-1976-including-certain-venomous-spiders", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-act-1976-including-certain-venomous-spiders/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "Act 1976 (including certain venomous spiders)" }, { "item_category": "Aerosols", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "International", "conditions": "International \u2013 not allowed in the mail", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-aerosols", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-aerosols/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "ohibited and restricted items A \u2013 C D \u2013 H I \u2013 O P \u2013 Z A \u2013 C Aerosols Aerosols for toiletry or medicinal purposes (including deodorants, body sprays, hair sprays, shaving and hair removal creams and medicinal aerosols for prevention or cure such as flea sprays) - for asthma inhalers see Prescription medicines International – not allowed in the mail UK &" }, { "item_category": "Alcohol less than 24% ABV", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "allowed", "scope": "UK & International", "conditions": "The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-alcohol-less-than-24-abv", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-alcohol-less-than-24-abv/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging" }, { "item_category": "Alcoholic beverages and liquids containing less than 24% alcohol by volume", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "UK & International", "conditions": "Volume should not exceed 1 litre per item; must wrap in polythene and seal with tape; mark as FRAGILE when sending glass bottles", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-alcoholic-beverages-and-liquids-containing-less-than-24-alcohol-by-volume", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-alcoholic-beverages-and-liquids-containing-less-than-24-alcohol-by-volume/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "l general advice: place in a suitable rigid outer container Alcoholic beverages and liquids containing less than 24% alcohol by volume (ABV) (including beer, lager, wine and champagne) UK & International – allowed in the mail, with restrictions and packaging guidelines below: Volume should not exceed 1 litre per item Wrap in polythene and seal with tap" }, { "item_category": "Alcoholic beverages and liquids containing less than 24% alcohol by volume (ABV)", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "UK & International", "conditions": "These items must be presented at a Post Office\u00ae counter", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-alcoholic-beverages-and-liquids-containing-less-than-24-alcohol-by-volume-abv", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-alcoholic-beverages-and-liquids-containing-less-than-24-alcohol-by-volume-abv/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "l general advice: place in a suitable rigid outer container Alcoholic beverages and liquids containing less than 24% alcohol by volume (ABV) (including beer, lager, wine and champagne) UK & International – allowed in the mail, with restrictions and packaging guidelines below: Volume should not exceed 1 litre per item Wrap in polythene and seal with tap" }, { "item_category": "Alcoholic beverages and liquids containing more than 24% but not more than 70% alcohol by volume (ABV)", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "UK", "conditions": "These items must be presented at a Post Office\u00ae counter", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-alcoholic-beverages-and-liquids-containing-more-than-24-but-not-more-than-70-alc", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-alcoholic-beverages-and-liquids-containing-more-than-24-but-not-more-than-70-alc/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "not allowed in the mail UK – not allowed in the mail Alcoholic beverages and liquids containing more than 24% but not more than 70% alcohol by volume (ABV) (eg gin, rum, vodka, whisky) International – not allowed in the mail UK – allowed in the mail, with restrictions and packaging guidelines below: Volume must not exceed 1 litre per item" }, { "item_category": "Alcoholic beverages and liquids containing more than 70% alcohol by volume (ABV)", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "International", "conditions": "International \u2013 not allowed in the mail", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-alcoholic-beverages-and-liquids-containing-more-than-70-alcohol-by-volume-abv", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-alcoholic-beverages-and-liquids-containing-more-than-70-alcohol-by-volume-abv/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "mail UK – not allowed in the mail Alcoholic beverages Alcoholic beverages and liquids containing more than 70% alcohol by volume (ABV) International – not allowed in the mail UK – not allowed in the mail Alcoholic beverages and liquids containing more than 24% but not more than 70% alcohol by volume (ABV) (eg gin, rum, vodka, whisky) Intern" }, { "item_category": "Ammunition", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "International", "conditions": "not allowed in the mail", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-ammunition", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-ammunition/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "International – not allowed in the mail" }, { "item_category": "Asbestos", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "International", "conditions": "not allowed in the mail", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-asbestos", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-asbestos/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "International – not allowed in the mail" }, { "item_category": "Balloons filled with non-flammable gases", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "allowed", "scope": "UK", "conditions": "ensure adequate cushioning material and place in a suitable rigid outer container", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-balloons-filled-with-non-flammable-gases", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-balloons-filled-with-non-flammable-gases/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "ensure adequate cushioning material and place in a suitable rigid outer container" }, { "item_category": "Batteries", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "UK", "conditions": "The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-batteries", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-batteries/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging" }, { "item_category": "Batteries (dangerous goods, not connected to device)", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "UK & International", "conditions": "Batteries classified as dangerous goods including wet spillable lead acid, used alkaline metal, NiMH, NiCd, zinc-air, solo lithium batteries, power banks and damaged batteries are not allowed", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-batteries-dangerous-goods-not-connected-to-device", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-batteries-dangerous-goods-not-connected-to-device/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "Batteries that are classified as dangerous goods and certain used batteries (including wet spillable lead acid/lead alkaline batteries [such as car batteries], used alkaline metal, nickel metal hydride [NiMH], nickel cadmium [NiCd], zinc-air batteries, solo lithium batteries, power banks and damaged batteries of any type) International – not allowed in the mail UK – not allowed in the mail" }, { "item_category": "Batteries (new alkaline, NiMH, NiCd, zinc-air)", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "UK & International", "conditions": "Must be new and sent unopened in their original retail packaging; surround with cushioning material", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-batteries-new-alkaline-nimh-nicd-zinc-air", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-batteries-new-alkaline-nimh-nicd-zinc-air/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "Batteries, specifically new alkaline metal, nickel metal hydride (NiMH), nickel cadmium (NiCd), zinc-air and zinc chloride including: D, C, 9V, AA, AAA and AAAA alkaline batteries UK & International – allowed in the mail, with restrictions and packaging guidelines below: Must be new and sent unopened in their original retail packaging" }, { "item_category": "Batteries (new lithium, not with device)", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "UK & International", "conditions": "New and used lithium batteries when not sent with or connected to an electronic device including power banks are not allowed", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-batteries-new-lithium-not-with-device", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-batteries-new-lithium-not-with-device/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "Batteries, specifically new and used lithium batteries when not sent with or connected to an electronic device (including power banks) International – not allowed in the mail UK – not allowed in the mail" }, { "item_category": "Biological substances (Category B)", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "UK", "conditions": "The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-biological-substances-category-b", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-biological-substances-category-b/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging" }, { "item_category": "Bladed items", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "UK", "conditions": "Prohibited from all Parcelforce Worldwide services", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-bladed-items", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-bladed-items/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "Prohibited from all Parcelforce Worldwide services" }, { "item_category": "Car parts", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "UK", "conditions": "Car parts, panels, doors, bumpers and bonnets are prohibited using Parcelforce Worldwide services", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-car-parts", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-car-parts/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "Car parts, panels, doors, bumpers and bonnets are prohibited using Parcelforce Worldwide services" }, { "item_category": "Christmas crackers", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "UK & International", "conditions": "Can only be sent in their complete made-up form and in their original retail packaging", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-christmas-crackers", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-christmas-crackers/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "not allowed in the mail UK – not allowed in the mail Christmas crackers UK & International – allowed in the mail, with restrictions and packaging guidelines below: Crackers can only be sent in their complete made-up form and in their original retail packaging D \u2013 H Dry ice (for example UN1845 when used as a coolant for UN3373 or for other perish" }, { "item_category": "Clinical and medical waste", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "UK", "conditions": "not allowed in the mail", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-clinical-and-medical-waste", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-clinical-and-medical-waste/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "not allowed in the mail" }, { "item_category": "Controlled drugs and narcotics", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "UK", "conditions": "not allowed in the mail", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-controlled-drugs-and-narcotics", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-controlled-drugs-and-narcotics/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "not allowed in the mail" }, { "item_category": "Corrosives", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "UK", "conditions": "not allowed in the mail", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-corrosives", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-corrosives/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "not allowed in the mail" }, { "item_category": "Counterfeit currency, bank notes and postage stamps", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "UK & International", "conditions": "except copies of old denominations, which are now obsolete and worthless except for collectable value and cannot be passed as tender", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-counterfeit-currency-bank-notes-and-postage-stamps", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-counterfeit-currency-bank-notes-and-postage-stamps/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "Counterfeit currency, bank notes and postage stamps (except copies of old denominations, which are now obsolete and worthless except for collectable value and cannot be passed as tender)" }, { "item_category": "Dead insects, sent as collectables", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "allowed", "scope": "UK", "conditions": "Dead insects, sent as collectables, are allowed", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-dead-insects-sent-as-collectables", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-dead-insects-sent-as-collectables/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "Dead insects, sent as collectables, are allowed" }, { "item_category": "Dry ice", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "UK & International", "conditions": "Not allowed in the mail", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-dry-ice", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-dry-ice/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "on 650, such as our Safebox product (note: frozen water and dry ice are prohibited) The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging Bladed items Bladed articles and bladed products as defined by the Offensive Weapons Act 2019, including but not limited to, any knife (including a folding pocket knife), any knife blade, cutl" }, { "item_category": "Electronic devices with lithium batteries (battery connected to device)", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "UK & International", "conditions": "No more than four cells or two batteries installed; Wh rating must not exceed 20Wh per cell or 100Wh per battery; must be presented at a Post Office counter", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-electronic-devices-with-lithium-batteries-battery-connected-to-device", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-electronic-devices-with-lithium-batteries-battery-connected-to-device/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "Electronic devices connected to lithium batteries (including mobile phones, digital cameras, etc) where the battery is connected to the device" }, { "item_category": "Electronic devices with lithium batteries (battery not connected)", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "UK", "conditions": "Maximum number of lithium batteries is minimum required to power device plus two spares; Wh rating must not exceed 20Wh per cell or 100Wh per battery; prohibited internationally", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-electronic-devices-with-lithium-batteries-battery-not-connected", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-electronic-devices-with-lithium-batteries-battery-not-connected/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "Electronic devices sent with lithium batteries (including mobile phones, digital cameras, etc) where the battery is not connected to the device" }, { "item_category": "Environmental Hazardous Substances", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "UK", "conditions": "Pack in a leak-proof or sift-proof inner and protect by cushioning material in rigid outer packaging", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-environmental-hazardous-substances", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-environmental-hazardous-substances/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "Pack in a leak-proof or sift-proof inner and protect by cushioning material in rigid outer packaging" }, { "item_category": "Environmental Waste", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "UK", "conditions": "UK \u2013 not allowed in the mail", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-environmental-waste", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-environmental-waste/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "and protect by cushioning material in rigid outer packaging Environmental waste (including used batteries and used engine oil) International – not allowed in the mail UK – not allowed in the mail Explosives (including fireworks, flares, blasting caps, party poppers, Christmas cracker snaps) Any chemical compound, mixture or device capable of prod" }, { "item_category": "Explosives", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "UK", "conditions": "UK \u2013 not allowed in the mail", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-explosives", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-explosives/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "not allowed in the mail UK – not allowed in the mail Explosives (including fireworks, flares, blasting caps, party poppers, Christmas cracker snaps) Any chemical compound, mixture or device capable of producing an explosive or pyrotechnic effect with substantial instantaneous release of heat and gas is prohibited eg ammunition, blasting caps, Christma" }, { "item_category": "Firearms", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "UK", "conditions": "Sender's name and address must be visible on the parcel", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-firearms", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-firearms/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "Sender's name and address must be visible on the parcel" }, { "item_category": "Flammable liquids", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "UK", "conditions": "not allowed in the mail", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-flammable-liquids", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-flammable-liquids/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "UK – not allowed in the mail" }, { "item_category": "Flammable solids", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "UK", "conditions": "not allowed in the mail", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-flammable-solids", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-flammable-solids/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "UK – not allowed in the mail" }, { "item_category": "Frozen water", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "UK", "conditions": "not allowed in the mail", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-frozen-water", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-frozen-water/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "UK – not allowed in the mail" }, { "item_category": "Frozen water and dry ice", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "UK & International", "conditions": "Must be suitably sealed to prevent leakage or tainting of other items such as in sealed vacuum packs", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-frozen-water-and-dry-ice", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-frozen-water-and-dry-ice/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "Must be suitably sealed to prevent leakage or tainting of other items such as in sealed vacuum packs" }, { "item_category": "Gases (flammable, non-flammable, toxic, compressed)", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "UK & International", "conditions": "Not allowed in the mail; includes new, used and empty gas cylinders, fire extinguishers, scuba tanks", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-gases-flammable-non-flammable-toxic-compressed", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-gases-flammable-non-flammable-toxic-compressed/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "(including flammable, non-flammable, toxic and compressed gases, new or used and empty gas cylinders, ethane, butane, refills for lighters, fire extinguishers and scuba tanks, life jackets, nitrogen dioxide and carbon dioxide canisters including culinary foaming devices and SodaStream)" }, { "item_category": "Gases, including flammable, non-flammable, toxic and compressed gases", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "UK", "conditions": "not allowed in the mail", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-gases-including-flammable-non-flammable-toxic-and-compressed-gases", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-gases-including-flammable-non-flammable-toxic-and-compressed-gases/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "UK – not allowed in the mail" }, { "item_category": "Goods made in foreign prisons", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "UK", "conditions": "not allowed in the mail", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-goods-made-in-foreign-prisons", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-goods-made-in-foreign-prisons/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "UK – not allowed in the mail" }, { "item_category": "Guns for sporting use", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "allowed", "scope": "UK", "conditions": "allowed in the mail, see restrictions and packaging guidelines below", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-guns-for-sporting-use", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-guns-for-sporting-use/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "UK – allowed in the mail, see restrictions and packaging guidelines below:" }, { "item_category": "Human or animal ashes", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "UK & International", "conditions": "The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-human-or-animal-ashes", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-human-or-animal-ashes/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging" }, { "item_category": "Lighters", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "UK & International", "conditions": "Lighters considered to contain residual fuel may be disposed of", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-lighters", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-lighters/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "Lighters considered to contain residual fuel may be disposed of" }, { "item_category": "Lighters and refills containing flammable liquid or gas", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "UK & International", "conditions": "International – not allowed in the mail", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-lighters-and-refills-containing-flammable-liquid-or-gas", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-lighters-and-refills-containing-flammable-liquid-or-gas/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "International – not allowed in the mail" }, { "item_category": "Lighters (empty, new or unused)", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "UK & International", "conditions": "Must be unopened and in their original retail packaging; lighters considered to contain residual fuel may be disposed of", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-lighters-empty-new-or-unused", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-lighters-empty-new-or-unused/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "Must be unopened and in their original retail packaging" }, { "item_category": "Liquids not classified as dangerous goods", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "UK", "conditions": "Customers posting via Parcelforce Worldwide, maximum 5 litres per container, must be sent using express48", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-liquids-not-classified-as-dangerous-goods", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-liquids-not-classified-as-dangerous-goods/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "Customers posting via Parcelforce Worldwide, maximum 5 litres per container, must be sent using express48" }, { "item_category": "Liquids under 1 litre", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "UK & International", "conditions": "Mark as \"FRAGILE\" when sending glass bottles", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-liquids-under-1-litre", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-liquids-under-1-litre/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "Mark as \"FRAGILE\" when sending glass bottles" }, { "item_category": "Lithium Batteries", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "UK & International", "conditions": "The equipment containing cells or batteries must be packed in strong rigid packaging and must be secured against movement within the outer packaging and packed to prevent accidental activation", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-lithium-batteries", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-lithium-batteries/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "The equipment containing cells or batteries must be packed in strong rigid packaging and must be secured against movement within the outer packaging and packed to prevent accidental activation" }, { "item_category": "Live creatures, insects and invertebrates", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "UK", "conditions": "The sender's name and address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-live-creatures-insects-and-invertebrates", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-live-creatures-insects-and-invertebrates/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "The sender's name and address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging" }, { "item_category": "Lottery tickets", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "UK", "conditions": "UK – not allowed in the mail (except UK lottery tickets)", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-lottery-tickets", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-lottery-tickets/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "UK – not allowed in the mail (except UK lottery tickets)" }, { "item_category": "Magnetised material", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "allowed", "scope": "UK & International", "conditions": "Should be wrapped in soft packaging at least 2cm thick around each item", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-magnetised-material", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-magnetised-material/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "Should be wrapped in soft packaging at least 2cm thick around each item" }, { "item_category": "Matches", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "UK & International", "conditions": "Not allowed in the mail, including safety matches and windproof matches", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-matches", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-matches/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "Matches (including safety matches and windproof matches) International – not allowed in the mail UK – not allowed in the mail" }, { "item_category": "Medicines", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "UK & International", "conditions": "Sender's name and address must be visible on the parcel", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-medicines", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-medicines/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "Sender's name and address must be visible on the parcel" }, { "item_category": "Nail varnish, polish or gel", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "allowed", "scope": "UK", "conditions": "These items must be presented at a Post Office® counter", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-nail-varnish-polish-or-gel", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-nail-varnish-polish-or-gel/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "These items must be presented at a Post Office® counter" }, { "item_category": "Obscene publications and unlawful indecent images", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "UK & International", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-obscene-publications-and-unlawful-indecent-images", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-obscene-publications-and-unlawful-indecent-images/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "Obscene publications and unlawful indecent images" }, { "item_category": "Oxidising materials or organic peroxides", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "UK & International", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-oxidising-materials-or-organic-peroxides", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-oxidising-materials-or-organic-peroxides/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "Oxidising materials or organic peroxides" }, { "item_category": "Paints (solvent-based)", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "UK & International", "conditions": "Not allowed in the mail", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-paints-solvent-based", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-paints-solvent-based/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "Solvent-based paints, wood varnishes and enamels International – not allowed in the mail UK – not allowed in the mail" }, { "item_category": "Paints (water-based)", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "UK & International", "conditions": "Volume per item should not exceed 150ml; must be securely closed and placed in a leak-proof liner", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-paints-water-based", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-paints-water-based/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "Water-based paints, wood varnishes and enamels International & UK – allowed in the mail, see restrictions and packaging guidelines below: Volume per item should not exceed 150ml" }, { "item_category": "Paints, wood varnishes and enamels", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "UK", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-paints-wood-varnishes-and-enamels", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-paints-wood-varnishes-and-enamels/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "UK – not allowed in the mail" }, { "item_category": "Perfumes and aftershaves", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "allowed", "scope": "UK", "conditions": "These items must be presented at a Post Office® counter", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-perfumes-and-aftershaves", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-perfumes-and-aftershaves/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "These items must be presented at a Post Office® counter" }, { "item_category": "Perishable items", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "allowed", "scope": "UK", "conditions": "Packages must be clearly labelled \"PERISHABLE\"", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-perishable-items", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-perishable-items/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "Packages must be clearly labelled \"PERISHABLE\"" }, { "item_category": "Plants and seeds for planting", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "allowed", "scope": "UK destinations", "conditions": "UK destinations - Allowed in the mail, with restrictions and packaging guidelines below. Note: from 2 June 2025 plants and seeds are prohibited when sent from Great Britain to Northern Ireland", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-plants-and-seeds-for-planting", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-plants-and-seeds-for-planting/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "UK destinations - Allowed in the mail, with restrictions and packaging guidelines below. Note: from 2 June 2025 plants and seeds are prohibited when sent from Great Britain to Northern Ireland" }, { "item_category": "Poisons, toxic liquids, solids and gases", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "UK & International", "conditions": "International – not allowed in the mail", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-poisons-toxic-liquids-solids-and-gases", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-poisons-toxic-liquids-solids-and-gases/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "International – not allowed in the mail" }, { "item_category": "Prescription medicines and drugs sent for scientific or medical purposes", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "allowed", "scope": "UK & International", "conditions": "May only be sent by, or at the specific request of, a qualified medical practitioner, registered dental practitioner, veterinary surgeon, registered nurse or a recognised laboratory or institution", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-prescription-medicines-and-drugs-sent-for-scientific-or-medical-purposes", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-prescription-medicines-and-drugs-sent-for-scientific-or-medical-purposes/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "May only be sent by, or at the specific request of, a qualified medical practitioner, registered dental practitioner, veterinary surgeon, registered nurse or a recognised laboratory or institution" }, { "item_category": "Radioactive materials and samples", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "allowed", "scope": "UK & International", "conditions": "The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-radioactive-materials-and-samples", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-radioactive-materials-and-samples/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging" }, { "item_category": "Sharp objects", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "allowed", "scope": "International & UK", "conditions": "The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-sharp-objects", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-sharp-objects/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging" }, { "item_category": "Soil samples", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "allowed", "scope": "UK", "conditions": "Soil samples sent for analysis are permitted provided they are packaged so that any leaks and spills are contained in the outer packaging", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-soil-samples", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-soil-samples/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "Soil samples sent for analysis are permitted provided they are packaged so that any leaks and spills are contained in the outer packaging" }, { "item_category": "substances and injure health", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "UK", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-substances-and-injure-health", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-substances-and-injure-health/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "UK – not allowed in the mail" }, { "item_category": "Tickets and related advertisements for illegal lotteries", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "UK", "conditions": "UK – not allowed in the mail", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-tickets-and-related-advertisements-for-illegal-lotteries", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-tickets-and-related-advertisements-for-illegal-lotteries/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "UK – not allowed in the mail" }, { "item_category": "Vaccines", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "UK", "conditions": "The vaccines must be securely closed and placed in a leak-proof liner such as a sealed polythene bag (for liquids) or a sift-proof container (for solids)", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-vaccines", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-vaccines/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "The vaccines must be securely closed and placed in a leak-proof liner such as a sealed polythene bag (for liquids) or a sift-proof container (for solids)" }, { "item_category": "Water-based paint", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "UK & International", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-water-based-paint", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-water-based-paint/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "Water-based paint" }, { "item_category": "Water-based paints, wood varnishes and enamels", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "allowed", "scope": "International & UK", "conditions": "The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-water-based-paints-wood-varnishes-and-enamels", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-water-based-paints-wood-varnishes-and-enamels/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging" }, { "item_category": "Weapons", "carrier": "Royal Mail / Post Office", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "UK & International", "conditions": "Weapons (including Section 5 firearms, CS gas and pepper sprays, flick knives and other knives that are banned under UK laws, tasers and stun guns)", "id": "royal-mail-post-office-weapons", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/royal-mail-post-office-weapons/", "source": "https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/what-can-i-send", "source_quote": "Weapons (including Section 5 firearms, CS gas and pepper sprays, flick knives and other knives that are banned under UK laws, tasers and stun guns)" }, { "item_category": "Lithium batteries (100 watt hours or less) in a device", "carrier": "TSA (air transport screening)", "restriction_type": "allowed", "scope": "carry-on bags and checked bags", "conditions": "Carry On Bags: Yes. Checked Bags: Yes (Special Instructions). Lithium ion batteries limited to a rating of 100 watt hours (Wh) per battery.", "id": "tsa-air-transport-screening-lithium-batteries-100-watt-hours-or-less-in-a-device", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/tsa-air-transport-screening-lithium-batteries-100-watt-hours-or-less-in-a-device/", "source": "https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/lithium-batteries-100-watt-hours-or-less-device", "source_quote": "Carry On Bags: Yes" }, { "item_category": "Spare (uninstalled) lithium ion and lithium metal batteries", "carrier": "TSA (air transport screening)", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "carry-on baggage only", "conditions": "Must be carried in carry-on baggage only. Lithium metal limited to 2 grams per battery; lithium ion limited to 100 watt hours (Wh) per battery.", "id": "tsa-air-transport-screening-spare-uninstalled-lithium-ion-and-lithium-metal-batteries", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/tsa-air-transport-screening-spare-uninstalled-lithium-ion-and-lithium-metal-batteries/", "source": "https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/lithium-batteries-100-watt-hours-or-less-device", "source_quote": "Spare (uninstalled) lithium ion and lithium metal batteries, including power banks and cell phone battery charging cases, must be carried in carry-on baggage only. Lithium metal (non-rechargeable) batteries are limited to 2 grams of lithium per battery. Lithium ion (rechargeable) batteries are limited to a rating of 100 watt hours (Wh) per battery." }, { "item_category": "Acetic acid (UN2790)", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic mail via air or surface transportation", "conditions": "Mailable if meets Limited Quantity requirements, contains less than 80% acid, and does not exceed 1 pint; Packaging Instruction 8A must be followed", "id": "usps-acetic-acid-un2790", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-acetic-acid-un2790/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_027.htm", "source_quote": "Acetic Acid (UN2790): May be mailable if they meet Limited Quantity requirements for air or surface material, contains less than 80 percent acid, and does not exceed 1 pint." }, { "item_category": "Acetone (UN1090), Benzene (UN1114), Hexane(s) (UN1208)", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "all mail", "conditions": "Nonmailable unless diluted with less flammable or nonflammable materials sufficient to raise flashpoint to 20 F or higher", "id": "usps-acetone-un1090-benzene-un1114-hexane-s-un1208", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-acetone-un1090-benzene-un1114-hexane-s-un1208/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_022.htm", "source_quote": "Acetone (UN1090) normally has a flashpoint of 0° F, Benzene (UN1114) normally has a flashpoint of 12° F, and Hexane(s) (UN1208) normally have flashpoints in the vicinity of -15° F. All are nonmailable unless diluted" }, { "item_category": "Adhesives and cements (UN1133)", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic mail via surface transportation only", "conditions": "Mailable only if qualifies as Limited Quantity surface material and meets conditions; Packaging Instruction 3A or 3B as applicable", "id": "usps-adhesives-and-cements-un1133", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-adhesives-and-cements-un1133/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_022.htm", "source_quote": "52/pub52apxc_001.htm#ep999476> Appendix C must be followed. Adhesives and Cements (UN1133): A flammable liquid with an approximate flashpoint of 73° F (23° C) is mailable only if it qualifies as a Limited Quantity surface material and meets the conditions in 343.21 or 343.22 as applicable. Packaging Instruction 3A or 3B in USPS" }, { "item_category": "Articles made from natural or depleted uranium or natural thorium (UN2909)", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic mail via surface transportation", "conditions": "Mailable if activity does not exceed limits in Exhibit 347.22; classified as excepted package per 49 CFR 172.101; must follow Packaging Instruction 7A", "id": "usps-articles-made-from-natural-or-depleted-uranium-or-natural-thorium-un2909", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-articles-made-from-natural-or-depleted-uranium-or-natural-thorium-un2909/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_026.htm", "source_quote": "UN2909: Manufactured articles containing only natural or depleted uranium or thorium, categorized as excepted package-articles manufactured from uranium or depleted uranium or natural thorium under 49 CFR § 172.101." }, { "item_category": "Audible fire alarm systems powered by compressed gas", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic mail via surface transportation", "conditions": "Acceptable via surface transportation if comply with conditions in Packaging Instruction 2E", "id": "usps-audible-fire-alarm-systems-powered-by-compressed-gas", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-audible-fire-alarm-systems-powered-by-compressed-gas/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_021.htm", "source_quote": "Audible Fire Alarm Systems: These systems, if powered by compressed gas, are acceptable in domestic mail via surface transportation if they comply with conditions in Packaging Instruction 2E" }, { "item_category": "Batteries with liquid electrolyte (UN2794, UN2795)", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "all mail", "conditions": "Nonmailable; includes automobile lead acid batteries except for non-spillable type", "id": "usps-batteries-with-liquid-electrolyte-un2794-un2795", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-batteries-with-liquid-electrolyte-un2794-un2795/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_027.htm", "source_quote": "Batteries with Liquid Electrolyte (UN2794, UN2795): Includes automobile lead acid batteries, except for the non-spillable type permitted under 348.22 ." }, { "item_category": "Biological products exceeding 4 liters or 4 kg containing Category A", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "all mail", "conditions": "Biological products, cultures, or specimens known or suspected to contain Category A infectious substance, or exceeding 4 liters/4 kg limits, are nonmailable", "id": "usps-biological-products-exceeding-4-liters-or-4-kg-containing-category-a", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-biological-products-exceeding-4-liters-or-4-kg-containing-category-a/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_025.htm", "source_quote": "Biological Products and Specimens: Biological products, cultures, stocks, or other biological specimens known or suspected to contain a Category A infectious substance. Mailpieces exceeding 4 liters (1 gallon) for liquids or 4 kg. (8.8 pounds) for solids are nonmailable." }, { "item_category": "Biological products or medical preparations in nonrefillable metal containers", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic surface mail only", "conditions": "Nonflammable solutions accepted for domestic surface mail only if they comply with Packaging Instruction 2F", "id": "usps-biological-products-or-medical-preparations-in-nonrefillable-metal-containers", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-biological-products-or-medical-preparations-in-nonrefillable-metal-containers/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_021.htm", "source_quote": "Biological Products or Medical Preparations: Nonflammable solutions containing biological or medical products in nonrefillable metal containers preparation that heat could deteriorate may be accepted for domestic surface mail only" }, { "item_category": "Blood for transfusion containing Category A infectious substance", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "all mail", "conditions": "Blood collected for transfusion and known or suspected to contain a Category A infectious substance is nonmailable", "id": "usps-blood-for-transfusion-containing-category-a-infectious-substance", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-blood-for-transfusion-containing-category-a-infectious-substance/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_025.htm", "source_quote": "Blood for Transfusion: Blood collected for transfusion and known or suspected to contain a Category A infectious substance." }, { "item_category": "Butane (UN1011) \u2014 Division 2.1 flammable gas", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic mail via surface transportation only", "conditions": "Mailable via surface transportation as Limited Quantity material; must comply with quantity limits and Packaging Instruction 2A", "id": "usps-butane-un1011-division-2-1-flammable-gas", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-butane-un1011-division-2-1-flammable-gas/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_021.htm", "source_quote": "Butane (UN1011): Division 2.1 flammable gases. Butane or butane mixtures are mailable via surface transportation as Limited Quantity materials" }, { "item_category": "Candles", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "hazmat declaration required", "scope": "seller shipments (Etsy)", "conditions": "May have special shipping requirements under USPS hazardous materials rules; $50 noncompliance fee for undeclared or improperly prepared hazardous materials effective July 12 2026", "id": "usps-candles", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-candles/", "source": "https://www.valueaddedresource.net/poshmark-cover-usps-hazardous-non-compliance-fee/", "source_quote": "Some items, such as certain candles, perfumes, aerosols, nail polish, or items containing lithium batteries, may have special shipping requirements." }, { "item_category": "Canned heat (Sterno)", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic mail via surface transportation", "conditions": "Mailable if qualifies as Limited Quantity surface material and meets quantity limitations and packaging requirements; Packaging Instruction 3A must be followed", "id": "usps-canned-heat-sterno", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-canned-heat-sterno/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_022.htm", "source_quote": "Canned Heat (Sterno): Considered a flammable liquid and typically has a flashpoint between 40° F (4° C) and 80° F (27° C). It is mailable if it qualifies as a Limited Quantity surface material" }, { "item_category": "Carbonated beverages", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "allowed", "scope": "all domestic mail", "conditions": "Not regulated as hazardous materials; mailable without restriction but must be properly packaged per DMM 601", "id": "usps-carbonated-beverages", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-carbonated-beverages/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_021.htm", "source_quote": "Carbonated Beverages: These items are not regulated as hazardous materials and are mailable without restriction but must be properly packaged in accordance with DMM 601." }, { "item_category": "Category A infectious substances (UN2814, UN2900)", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "all mail including international", "conditions": "Category A infectious substances (capable of causing permanent disability or life-threatening disease in healthy humans/animals) are nonmailable", "id": "usps-category-a-infectious-substances-un2814-un2900", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-category-a-infectious-substances-un2814-un2900/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_025.htm", "source_quote": "Category A: An infectious substance transported in a form capable of causing permanent disability or life-threatening or fatal disease in otherwise healthy humans or animals when exposure occurs. Category A infectious substances are nonmailable." }, { "item_category": "Category B infectious substances (UN3373)", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic mail and limited international mail", "conditions": "Mailable only when intended for medical, veterinary, research, or public health lab use; must be properly prepared; domestic mailing requires Priority Mail or Priority Mail Express; international requires written approval from director Product Classification", "id": "usps-category-b-infectious-substances-un3373", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-category-b-infectious-substances-un3373/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_025.htm", "source_quote": "Domestic Mail: Infectious substances are mailable only when intended for medical or veterinary use, research, or laboratory certification related to public health, and must be properly prepared to withstand shocks, pressure changes, and other conditions incident to ordinary handling in transit." }, { "item_category": "Chlorine dioxide hydrate, frozen", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "all mail", "conditions": "Nonmailable Division 5.1 oxidizing substance", "id": "usps-chlorine-dioxide-hydrate-frozen", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-chlorine-dioxide-hydrate-frozen/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_024.htm", "source_quote": "Chlorine dioxide hydrate, frozen." }, { "item_category": "Cigarette lighters charged with fuel (NA1057)", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "all mail", "conditions": "Lighters charged with fuel and having an ignition system are nonmailable; may seek DOT approval number for mailability ruling", "id": "usps-cigarette-lighters-charged-with-fuel-na1057", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-cigarette-lighters-charged-with-fuel-na1057/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_021.htm", "source_quote": "Cigarette Lighters (NA1057): Generally classified as Class 3 flammable liquid, lighters charged with fuel and having an ignition system (or similar heating, lighting, or ignition device) are nonmailable." }, { "item_category": "cigarettes", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "all domestic mail", "conditions": "Any roll of tobacco wrapped in paper or any substance not containing tobacco, or roll of tobacco wrapped in substance containing tobacco likely to be purchased as a cigarette; includes roll-your-own tobacco, excludes cigars", "id": "usps-cigarettes", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-cigarettes/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c4_026.htm", "source_quote": "Any roll of tobacco wrapped in paper or in any substance not containing tobacco, or a roll of tobacco wrapped in any substance containing tobacco that, due to its appearance, the type of tobacco used in the filler, or its packaging and labeling, is likely to be offered to, or purchased by, consumers as a cigarette." }, { "item_category": "Cigarettes, Cigars, & Tobacco", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic", "conditions": "Cigarettes and smokeless tobacco are restricted items and can only be mailed in limited circumstances. Cigars may be mailed domestically.", "id": "usps-cigarettes-cigars-tobacco", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-cigarettes-cigars-tobacco/", "source": "https://www.usps.com/ship/shipping-restrictions.htm", "source_quote": "Cigarettes and smokeless tobacco are restricted items and can only be mailed in limited circumstances. Cigars may be mailed domestically." }, { "item_category": "Cleaning agents and solvents (flammable liquid)", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic mail via surface transportation", "conditions": "Mailable if qualifies as Limited Quantity surface material and meets conditions; Packaging Instruction 3A must be followed", "id": "usps-cleaning-agents-and-solvents-flammable-liquid", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-cleaning-agents-and-solvents-flammable-liquid/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_022.htm", "source_quote": "Cleaning Agents and Solvents: A flammable liquid. It is mailable if it qualifies as Limited Quantity surface materials and meet the conditions in 343.21 as applicable." }, { "item_category": "Combustible liquids \u2014 domestic air", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic mail via air transportation", "conditions": "Mailable if qualify as ID8000 materials and meet criteria; Packaging Instruction 3B must be followed", "id": "usps-combustible-liquids-domestic-air", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-combustible-liquids-domestic-air/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_022.htm", "source_quote": "Domestic Mail via Air Transportation: Combustible liquids are mailable if they qualify as ID8000 materials" }, { "item_category": "Combustible liquids \u2014 domestic surface", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic mail via surface transportation", "conditions": "Mailable if qualify as Limited Quantity and consumer commodity materials and meet criteria; Packaging Instruction 3B must be followed", "id": "usps-combustible-liquids-domestic-surface", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-combustible-liquids-domestic-surface/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_022.htm", "source_quote": "Domestic Mail via Surface Transportation: Combustible liquids are mailable if they qualify as Limited Quantity and consumer commodity materials" }, { "item_category": "Combustible Liquids (Hazard Class 3)", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "Domestic Mail via Air Transportation (as ID8000) or Surface Transportation (as Limited Quantity); prohibited International", "conditions": "Via air, mailable if they qualify as ID8000 materials per 335 and meet criteria in Exhibit 343.22. Via surface, mailable if they qualify as Limited Quantity and consumer commodity materials per 343.22. Prohibited in international mail.", "id": "usps-combustible-liquids-hazard-class-3", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-combustible-liquids-hazard-class-3/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/welcome.htm", "source_quote": "//pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_022.htm> 343 Flammable and Combustible Liquids (Hazard Class 3) 344 Flammable Solids (Hazard Class 4) 345 Oxidizing Substances, Organic Peroxides (Hazard Class 5) 346 Toxic Substan" }, { "item_category": "Combustible liquids \u2014 international mail", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "international mail", "conditions": "All combustible liquids are prohibited from international mail", "id": "usps-combustible-liquids-international-mail", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-combustible-liquids-international-mail/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_022.htm", "source_quote": "International Mail: Combustible liquids are prohibited." }, { "item_category": "Common household dry-cell batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, etc.)", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "allowed", "scope": "all mail", "conditions": "Generally not regulated as hazardous materials; mailable subject to DMM 601 packaging requirements", "id": "usps-common-household-dry-cell-batteries-aa-aaa-c-d-etc", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-common-household-dry-cell-batteries-aa-aaa-c-d-etc/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_027.htm", "source_quote": "Household Dry-Cell Batteries: Common household battery types (AA, AAA, C, D, etc.) are generally not regulated as hazardous materials and are mailable." }, { "item_category": "Compact fluorescent lamps and similar devices with small amounts of mercury (UN3506)", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic mail via air or surface transportation", "conditions": "Mailable if each device contains 100 mg or less of mercury and each mailpiece contains no more than 1 gram of mercury total; follow Packaging Instruction 8C", "id": "usps-compact-fluorescent-lamps-and-similar-devices-with-small-amounts-of-mercury-un35", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-compact-fluorescent-lamps-and-similar-devices-with-small-amounts-of-mercury-un35/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_027.htm", "source_quote": "Manufactured devices that contain small amounts of mercury (UN3506): Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL) and similar consumer devices containing minute amounts of mercury are mailable by air or surface only when each device, article, or apparatus contains 100 milligrams (mg) (0.0035 ounce) or less of mercury" }, { "item_category": "controlled substances - DEA-registered mailers", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "allowed", "scope": "domestic mail - between DEA-registered parties", "conditions": "Controlled substances are acceptable in domestic mail only when both mailer and addressee are registered with DEA or are exempted from DEA registration such as military, civil defense, and law enforcement personnel performing official duties", "id": "usps-controlled-substances-dea-registered-mailers", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-controlled-substances-dea-registered-mailers/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c4_020.htm", "source_quote": "Controlled substances, and drugs that contain controlled substances, are acceptable in the domestic mail only under the following conditions:" }, { "item_category": "controlled substances - Schedule I-V", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "all mail - when distribution is unlawful", "conditions": "If the distribution of a controlled substance is unlawful under 21 U.S.C. Section 801-971 or implementing regulations, mailing is also unlawful under 18 U.S.C. Section 1716", "id": "usps-controlled-substances-schedule-i-v", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-controlled-substances-schedule-i-v/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c4_020.htm", "source_quote": "the mailing of the substance is also unlawful under 18 U.S.C. § 1716." }, { "item_category": "Corrosive liquid mixtures qualifying as Limited Quantity \u2014 domestic", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic mail via air or surface transportation", "conditions": "Mailable if 1 pint or less and contains 15% or less corrosive material; must meet Limited Quantity requirements", "id": "usps-corrosive-liquid-mixtures-qualifying-as-limited-quantity-domestic", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-corrosive-liquid-mixtures-qualifying-as-limited-quantity-domestic/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_027.htm", "source_quote": "Domestic Mail: Corrosive materials may be mailable if they meet Limited Quantity requirements for air or surface transportation" }, { "item_category": "Corrosives (Hazard Class 8) \u2014 international mail", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "international mail", "conditions": "All corrosives are prohibited from international mail", "id": "usps-corrosives-hazard-class-8-international-mail", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-corrosives-hazard-class-8-international-mail/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_027.htm", "source_quote": "International Mail: All corrosives are prohibited." }, { "item_category": "covered products (cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, ENDS) - general prohibition", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "all mail - general public", "conditions": "The Postal Service will not accept, forward, or deliver packages it knows or reasonably believes to contain nonmailable covered products; seized and forfeited nonmailable covered products will be destroyed", "id": "usps-covered-products-cigarettes-smokeless-tobacco-ends-general-prohibition", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-covered-products-cigarettes-smokeless-tobacco-ends-general-prohibition/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c4_027.htm", "source_quote": "The Postal Service will not accept, forward, or deliver packages it knows, or reasonably believes, to contain nonmailable covered products." }, { "item_category": "covered products - seizure and forfeiture", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "all mail", "conditions": "Nonmailable covered products deposited in the mail are subject to seizure and forfeiture; will be destroyed or retained by the federal government for crime detection, prosecution, or related investigations", "id": "usps-covered-products-seizure-and-forfeiture", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-covered-products-seizure-and-forfeiture/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c4_027.htm", "source_quote": "Nonmailable covered products deposited in the mail are subject to seizure and forfeiture." }, { "item_category": "Cremated Remains", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "allowed", "scope": "domestic", "conditions": "Other Guidelines on Shipping & Packaging Cremated Remains", "id": "usps-cremated-remains", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-cremated-remains/", "source": "https://www.usps.com/ship/shipping-restrictions.htm", "source_quote": "Other Guidelines on Shipping & Packaging Cremated Remains", "disagreements": [ { "field": "restriction_type", "versions": [ { "value": "allowed", "source": "https://www.usps.com/ship/shipping-restrictions.htm", "source_quote": "Other Guidelines on Shipping & Packaging Cremated Remains", "as_of": "2026-08-03" }, { "value": "restricted", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/welcome.htm", "source_quote": "on 10C - Cremated Remains 10D - Adult Bird Boxes Appendix D Appendix E Postal Service Publications and Refere", "as_of": "2026-08-04" } ] }, { "field": "scope", "versions": [ { "value": "domestic", "source": "https://www.usps.com/ship/shipping-restrictions.htm", "source_quote": "Other Guidelines on Shipping & Packaging Cremated Remains", "as_of": "2026-08-03" }, { "value": "Domestic via Priority Mail Express only; International via Priority Mail Express International only when destination country permits", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/welcome.htm", "source_quote": "on 10C - Cremated Remains 10D - Adult Bird Boxes Appendix D Appendix E Postal Service Publications and Refere", "as_of": "2026-08-04" } ] }, { "field": "conditions", "versions": [ { "value": "Other Guidelines on Shipping & Packaging Cremated Remains", "source": "https://www.usps.com/ship/shipping-restrictions.htm", "source_quote": "Other Guidelines on Shipping & Packaging Cremated Remains", "as_of": "2026-08-03" }, { "value": "Domestic: Must be sent via Priority Mail Express service using USPS-produced cremated remains packaging (BOX-CRE). International: Only through Priority Mail Express International in BOX-CRE packaging when the destination country permits. Must verify destination country accepts both service and cremated remains.", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/welcome.htm", "source_quote": "on 10C - Cremated Remains 10D - Adult Bird Boxes Appendix D Appendix E Postal Service Publications and Refere", "as_of": "2026-08-04" } ] } ] }, { "item_category": "Damaged, defective, or recalled lithium batteries", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "all mail", "conditions": "Prohibited unless approved by the director, Product Classification", "id": "usps-damaged-defective-or-recalled-lithium-batteries", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-damaged-defective-or-recalled-lithium-batteries/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_028.htm", "source_quote": "Damaged, Defective, or Recalled Batteries: Damaged, defective, or recalled batteries unless approved by the director, Product Classification" }, { "item_category": "Diesel fuel (NA1993)", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic mail via surface transportation", "conditions": "Mailable if qualifies as Limited Quantity surface material and meets conditions; Packaging Instruction 3B must be followed", "id": "usps-diesel-fuel-na1993", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-diesel-fuel-na1993/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_022.htm", "source_quote": "52/pub52apxc_001.htm#ep999476> Appendix C must be followed. Diesel Fuel (NA1993): A combustible liquid with a typical flashpoint between 110° F (43° C) and 190° F (88° C) and is mailable if it qualifies as a Limited Quantity surface material and meets the conditions stated in 343.22 . Packaging Instruction 3B in 9A Dry Ice (Carbon Dioxide Solid) 9B Magnetized Materials 9C Miscellaneous Hazardous Materials 9D Lithium Metal and Lith" }, { "item_category": "Dry ice \u2014 domestic air", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic mail via air transportation", "conditions": "Permitted in quantities of up to 5 pounds per mailpiece; must comply with Packaging Instruction 9A", "id": "usps-dry-ice-domestic-air", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-dry-ice-domestic-air/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_028.htm", "source_quote": "Domestic Mail via Air Transportation: Dry ice is permitted in quantities of up to 5 pounds per mailpiece." }, { "item_category": "Dry ice \u2014 domestic surface", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "allowed", "scope": "domestic mail via surface transportation", "conditions": "Dry ice is permitted via surface transportation; must comply with Packaging Instruction 9A", "id": "usps-dry-ice-domestic-surface", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-dry-ice-domestic-surface/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_028.htm", "source_quote": "Domestic Mail via Surface Transportation: Dry ice is permitted and must comply with Packaging Instruction 9A" }, { "item_category": "Dry ice \u2014 international mail", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "international mail", "conditions": "Dry ice is prohibited from international mail", "id": "usps-dry-ice-international-mail", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-dry-ice-international-mail/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_028.htm", "source_quote": "International Mail: Dry ice is prohibited." }, { "item_category": "Dyes (UN2801, UN3147)", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic mail via air or surface transportation", "conditions": "Acceptable if dyes qualify as Limited Quantity air or surface; must follow Packaging Instruction 8A", "id": "usps-dyes-un2801-un3147", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-dyes-un2801-un3147/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_027.htm", "source_quote": "Dyes (UN2801, UN3147): Acceptable if the dyes qualify as Limited Quantity air or Limited Quantity surface material" }, { "item_category": "Electronic Nicotine Delivery System (ENDS)", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "all domestic mail", "conditions": "Any electronic device that delivers nicotine, flavor, or any other substance through an aerosolized solution; includes e-cigarettes, e-hookahs, e-cigars, vape pens, advanced refillable personal vaporizers, electronic pipes; includes any component, liquid, part, or accessory", "id": "usps-electronic-nicotine-delivery-system-ends", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-electronic-nicotine-delivery-system-ends/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c4_026.htm", "source_quote": "Electronic Nicotine Delivery System (ENDS): Any electronic device that delivers nicotine, flavor, or any other substance through an aerosolized solution." }, { "item_category": "Electronic tubes charged with gas", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "all mail", "conditions": "Mailable without restriction if volume does not exceed 30 cubic inches and tube is charged with gas at 35 psig or less; must be packed in strong outer containers", "id": "usps-electronic-tubes-charged-with-gas", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-electronic-tubes-charged-with-gas/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_021.htm", "source_quote": "Electronic Tubes: These items are mailable without restriction if the volume does not exceed 30 cubic inches and the tube is charged with gas at 35 psig or less." }, { "item_category": "Electronics with a lithium battery", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "hazmat declaration required", "scope": "commercial package shipments", "conditions": "Listed by the Department of Transportation as posing a significant safety risk while being transported; $7.50 hazmat handling fee for Priority Mail; $50 noncompliance fee for packages not properly declared and labeled across all commercial packages including Ground Advantage (effective July 12 2026)", "id": "usps-electronics-with-a-lithium-battery", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-electronics-with-a-lithium-battery/", "source": "https://www.ecommercebytes.com/2026/07/05/new-usps-noncompliance-fee-could-take-sellers-by-surprise/", "source_quote": "Essential oils, nail polish (and nail polish remover), perfumes and colognes, hand sanitizer, inks, stains and varnishes, hairspray, and electronics with a lithium battery are among the products listed by the Department of Transportation as posing a significant safety risk while being transported." }, { "item_category": "Electronics with built-in lithium-ion batteries (phones, tablets, smartwatches, drones, cordless tools, toys with coin cells)", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic US", "conditions": "Batteries packed with equipment (UN3481). Requires hazmat declaration at label creation. Cannot use poly mailers or padded envelopes \u2014 rigid cardboard packaging required. $7.50 handling fee on Priority Mail, $50 noncompliance fee if undeclared, effective July 12, 2026.", "id": "usps-electronics-with-built-in-lithium-ion-batteries-phones-tablets-smartwatches-dron", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-electronics-with-built-in-lithium-ion-batteries-phones-tablets-smartwatches-dron/", "source": "https://selleressentials.com/usps-hazmat-noncompliance-fee-2026/", "source_quote": "Batteries \u2014 anything with a lithium-ion, lithium-metal, or lithium-polymer battery: phones, laptops, tablets, power banks, earbuds, smartwatches, drones, cordless tools, toys with coin cells" }, { "item_category": "Electronics with lithium-ion batteries", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "hazmat declaration required", "scope": "online marketplace seller shipments (Poshmark)", "conditions": "Subject to USPS hazmat requirements and Poshmark Terms of Service; $50 USPS noncompliance fee applies if improperly declared/labeled; Poshmark absorbs $45 of fee after August 1 2026, seller pays $5", "id": "usps-electronics-with-lithium-ion-batteries", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-electronics-with-lithium-ion-batteries/", "source": "https://blog.poshmark.com/2026/07/09/59935/", "source_quote": "regulated contents (perfume, nail polish, aerosol sprays, electronics with lithium-ion batteries)" }, { "item_category": "Empty compressed gas containers \u2014 unused/new", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "allowed", "scope": "all mail", "conditions": "Mailable without restriction", "id": "usps-empty-compressed-gas-containers-unused-new", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-empty-compressed-gas-containers-unused-new/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_021.htm", "source_quote": "Empty, unused (i.e., new) containers are mailable without restriction." }, { "item_category": "Empty compressed gas containers \u2014 used", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "all mail", "conditions": "Mailable under same restrictions as when filled, because residual amounts of hazardous material might remain", "id": "usps-empty-compressed-gas-containers-used", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-empty-compressed-gas-containers-used/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_021.htm", "source_quote": "Empty, used containers are mailable under the same restrictions as when filled (because residual amounts of the hazardous material might remain present)." }, { "item_category": "Essential oils", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "hazmat declaration required", "scope": "commercial package shipments", "conditions": "Listed by the Department of Transportation as posing a significant safety risk while being transported; $7.50 hazmat handling fee for Priority Mail; $50 noncompliance fee for packages not properly declared and labeled across all commercial packages including Ground Advantage (effective July 12 2026)", "id": "usps-essential-oils", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-essential-oils/", "source": "https://www.ecommercebytes.com/2026/07/05/new-usps-noncompliance-fee-could-take-sellers-by-surprise/", "source_quote": "Essential oils, nail polish (and nail polish remover), perfumes and colognes, hand sanitizer, inks, stains and varnishes, hairspray, and electronics with a lithium battery are among the products listed by the Department of Transportation as posing a significant safety risk while being transported." }, { "item_category": "Ethanol-based flammable liquids or solids", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic mail via air only", "conditions": "Mailable by domestic air only with prior written authorization from director, Product Classification; quantity and packaging limits apply based on ethanol concentration", "id": "usps-ethanol-based-flammable-liquids-or-solids", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-ethanol-based-flammable-liquids-or-solids/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_022.htm", "source_quote": "Flammable liquids or solids containing ethanol (ethyl alcohol) are mailable by domestic air only with prior written authorization." }, { "item_category": "Excessive dry ice \u2014 domestic air (over 5 lbs)", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "domestic mail via air transportation", "conditions": "Dry ice exceeding 5 pounds per mailpiece is prohibited from air transport in domestic mail", "id": "usps-excessive-dry-ice-domestic-air-over-5-lbs", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-excessive-dry-ice-domestic-air-over-5-lbs/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_028.htm", "source_quote": "Excessive Dry Ice: Dry ice exceeding 5 pounds per mailpiece is prohibited from air transport in domestic mail." }, { "item_category": "Exempt human or animal specimens", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "all domestic mail", "conditions": "Not regulated as hazardous materials; must be triple-packaged per 346.327; outer packaging must be marked 'Exempt human specimen' or 'Exempt animal specimen'", "id": "usps-exempt-human-or-animal-specimens", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-exempt-human-or-animal-specimens/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_025.htm", "source_quote": "Exempt human or animal specimens as defined in 346.12 (d) , are not regulated as hazardous materials but must be packaged to meet mailing standards, including being triple-packaged" }, { "item_category": "Explosives", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "domestic", "conditions": "Completely forbidden in the U.S. mail", "id": "usps-explosives", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-explosives/", "source": "https://www.usps.com/ship/shipping-restrictions.htm", "source_quote": "an't send these items in the U.S. mail: Air Bags Ammunition Explosives Gasoline Liquid Mercury Marijuana (medical or otherwise); hemp/CBD is allowed, but restricted Domestically Restricted Items You can send the following items if you follow all the rules and restrictions. See a more complete list in USPS Publicatio", "disagreements": [ { "field": "scope", "versions": [ { "value": "domestic", "source": "https://www.usps.com/ship/shipping-restrictions.htm", "source_quote": "an't send these items in the U.S. mail: Air Bags Ammunition Explosives Gasoline Liquid Mercury Marijuana (medical or otherwise); hemp/CBD is allowed, but restricted Domestically Restricted Items You can send the following items if you follow all the rules and restrictions. See a more complete list in USPS Publicatio", "as_of": "2026-08-03" }, { "value": "all mail", "source": "https://www.ecommercebytes.com/2026/07/05/new-usps-noncompliance-fee-could-take-sellers-by-surprise/", "source_quote": "Note the USPS never allows explosives or metal mercury (such as mercury thermometers, mercury barometers, mercury blood pressure monitors) to be mailed.", "as_of": "2026-08-04" } ] }, { "field": "conditions", "versions": [ { "value": "Completely forbidden in the U.S. mail", "source": "https://www.usps.com/ship/shipping-restrictions.htm", "source_quote": "an't send these items in the U.S. mail: Air Bags Ammunition Explosives Gasoline Liquid Mercury Marijuana (medical or otherwise); hemp/CBD is allowed, but restricted Domestically Restricted Items You can send the following items if you follow all the rules and restrictions. See a more complete list in USPS Publicatio", "as_of": "2026-08-03" }, { "value": "USPS never allows explosives to be mailed", "source": "https://www.ecommercebytes.com/2026/07/05/new-usps-noncompliance-fee-could-take-sellers-by-surprise/", "source_quote": "Note the USPS never allows explosives or metal mercury (such as mercury thermometers, mercury barometers, mercury blood pressure monitors) to be mailed.", "as_of": "2026-08-04" } ] } ] }, { "item_category": "Explosives (Hazard Class 1) \u2014 domestic air", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "domestic mail via air transportation", "conditions": "All explosives are prohibited from domestic air mail", "id": "usps-explosives-hazard-class-1-domestic-air", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-explosives-hazard-class-1-domestic-air/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_020.htm", "source_quote": "Domestic Mail via Air Transportation: All explosives are prohibited." }, { "item_category": "Explosives (Hazard Class 1) \u2014 domestic surface", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "domestic mail via surface transportation", "conditions": "Generally prohibited; exceptions exist for Division 1.4S toy propellant devices and safety fuses with prior written approval", "id": "usps-explosives-hazard-class-1-domestic-surface", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-explosives-hazard-class-1-domestic-surface/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_020.htm", "source_quote": "Domestic Mail via Surface Transportation: Generally, explosives are prohibited, with exceptions for Division 1.4S toy propellant devices and safety fuses that have been approved by the director, Product Classification before mailing" }, { "item_category": "Explosives (Hazard Class 1) \u2014 international mail", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "international mail", "conditions": "All explosives are prohibited from international mail", "id": "usps-explosives-hazard-class-1-international-mail", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-explosives-hazard-class-1-international-mail/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_020.htm", "source_quote": "International Mail : All explosives are prohibited." }, { "item_category": "Fire extinguishers containing propellant explosives (UN0275, UN0276, UN0323, UN0381)", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "all mail", "conditions": "Fire extinguishers that contain propellant explosives are prohibited from mailing", "id": "usps-fire-extinguishers-containing-propellant-explosives-un0275-un0276-un0323-un0381", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-fire-extinguishers-containing-propellant-explosives-un0275-un0276-un0323-un0381/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_021.htm", "source_quote": "Fire Extinguishers (UN0275, UN0276, UN0323, or UN0381): Fire extinguishers that contain propellant explosives are prohibited from mailing." }, { "item_category": "Fire Extinguishers (UN1044) \u2014 Division 2.2 nonflammable compressed gas", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic mail", "conditions": "Mailable if do not contain methyl bromide gas mixtures, meet DOT container specifications, hold nonflammable/nonpoisonous/noncorrosive gas; only one extinguisher per mailpiece", "id": "usps-fire-extinguishers-un1044-division-2-2-nonflammable-compressed-gas", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-fire-extinguishers-un1044-division-2-2-nonflammable-compressed-gas/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_021.htm", "source_quote": "Fire Extinguishers (UN1044): Division 2.2 nonflammable compressed gas. Fire extinguishers that contain nonflammable compressed gas are mailable if they do not contain methyl bromide gas mixtures" }, { "item_category": "Firearms", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic", "conditions": "Even though unloaded rifles and shotguns are mailable, mailers must comply with applicable regulations.", "id": "usps-firearms", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-firearms/", "source": "https://www.usps.com/ship/shipping-restrictions.htm", "source_quote": "Even though unloaded rifles and shotguns are mailable, mailers must comply with applicable regulations." }, { "item_category": "firearms - handguns (including pistols and revolvers)", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic mail", "conditions": "A firearm with a short stock designed to be held and fired by a single hand; includes pistols, revolvers, and firearms capable of being concealed on a person including short-barreled shotguns and short-barreled rifles", "id": "usps-firearms-handguns-including-pistols-and-revolvers", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-firearms-handguns-including-pistols-and-revolvers/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c4_009.htm", "source_quote": "Pistols, revolvers, and other firearms capable of being concealed on a person, including but not limited to, short-barreled shotguns and short-barreled rifles, are categorized as handguns." }, { "item_category": "firearms - short-barreled shotgun or rifle", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic mail", "conditions": "A shotgun with one or more barrels less than 18 inches long or a rifle with one or more barrels less than 16 inches long, or any such weapon modified to have an overall length less than 26 inches", "id": "usps-firearms-short-barreled-shotgun-or-rifle", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-firearms-short-barreled-shotgun-or-rifle/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c4_009.htm", "source_quote": "A shotgun with one or more barrels less than 18 inches long or a rifle with one or more barrels less than 16 inches long." }, { "item_category": "Fireworks (Division 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, or 1.4)", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "all mail", "conditions": "All types of fireworks are prohibited from mailing, including roman candles, skyrockets, firecrackers, and combinations", "id": "usps-fireworks-division-1-1-1-2-1-3-or-1-4", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-fireworks-division-1-1-1-2-1-3-or-1-4/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_020.htm", "source_quote": "All types of fireworks are prohibited from mailing." }, { "item_category": "Flammable liquids (Hazard Class 3) \u2014 domestic air", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "domestic mail via air transportation", "conditions": "All flammable liquids are prohibited from domestic air mail", "id": "usps-flammable-liquids-hazard-class-3-domestic-air", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-flammable-liquids-hazard-class-3-domestic-air/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_022.htm", "source_quote": "Domestic Mail via Air Transportation: Flammable liquids are prohibited." }, { "item_category": "Flammable liquids (Hazard Class 3) \u2014 international mail", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "international mail", "conditions": "All flammable liquids are prohibited from international mail", "id": "usps-flammable-liquids-hazard-class-3-international-mail", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-flammable-liquids-hazard-class-3-international-mail/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_022.htm", "source_quote": "International Mail: Flammable liquids are prohibited." }, { "item_category": "Flammable liquids with flashpoint above 20 F \u2014 domestic surface", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic mail via surface transportation only", "conditions": "Mailable if qualifies as Limited Quantity surface material and meets criteria; must follow Packaging Instruction 3A", "id": "usps-flammable-liquids-with-flashpoint-above-20-f-domestic-surface", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-flammable-liquids-with-flashpoint-above-20-f-domestic-surface/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_022.htm", "source_quote": "Other flammable liquids may be mailed if they qualify as a Limited Quantity surface material and meet the criteria in Exhibit 343.21" }, { "item_category": "Flammable liquids with flashpoint at or below 20 F \u2014 domestic surface", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "domestic mail via surface transportation", "conditions": "Flammable liquids with a flashpoint at or below 20 F (-7 C) are prohibited from domestic surface mail", "id": "usps-flammable-liquids-with-flashpoint-at-or-below-20-f-domestic-surface", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-flammable-liquids-with-flashpoint-at-or-below-20-f-domestic-surface/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_022.htm", "source_quote": "Domestic Mail via Surface Transportation: Flammable liquids with a flashpoint at or below 20° F (-7° C) are prohibited." }, { "item_category": "Flammable Nail Polishes", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic", "conditions": "Some nail polishes may only be sent by ground transportation", "id": "usps-flammable-nail-polishes", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-flammable-nail-polishes/", "source": "https://www.usps.com/ship/shipping-restrictions.htm", "source_quote": "Some nail polishes may only be sent by ground transportation." }, { "item_category": "Flammable or Combustible Paint", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic", "conditions": "provided the material can qualify as a consumer commodity material or ORM-D (for surface only), and is sent within the quantity limitations and packaging requirements", "id": "usps-flammable-or-combustible-paint", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-flammable-or-combustible-paint/", "source": "https://www.usps.com/ship/shipping-restrictions.htm", "source_quote": "Flammable or combustible paint and paint-related items are generally accepted for mailing, provided the material can qualify as a consumer commodity material or ORM-D (for surface only), and is sent within the quantity limitations and packaging requirements." }, { "item_category": "Flammable solids (Hazard Class 4) \u2014 domestic air", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "domestic mail via air transportation", "conditions": "All flammable solids are prohibited from domestic air mail", "id": "usps-flammable-solids-hazard-class-4-domestic-air", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-flammable-solids-hazard-class-4-domestic-air/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_023.htm", "source_quote": "Domestic Mail via Air Transportation: All flammable solids are prohibited." }, { "item_category": "Flammable solids (Hazard Class 4) \u2014 international mail", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "international mail", "conditions": "All flammable solids are prohibited from international mail", "id": "usps-flammable-solids-hazard-class-4-international-mail", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-flammable-solids-hazard-class-4-international-mail/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_023.htm", "source_quote": "International Mail: All flammable solids are prohibited." }, { "item_category": "Flammable solids qualifying as Limited Quantity surface materials", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic mail via surface transportation", "conditions": "Flammable solids that qualify as Limited Quantity surface materials are permitted in domestic mail via surface transportation", "id": "usps-flammable-solids-qualifying-as-limited-quantity-surface-materials", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-flammable-solids-qualifying-as-limited-quantity-surface-materials/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_023.htm", "source_quote": "Domestic Mail via Surface Transportation: Flammable solids that qualify as Limited Quantity surface materials are permitted." }, { "item_category": "Foodstuffs and soaps in pressurized containers", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic mail", "conditions": "Mailable if packaged in accordance with Packaging Instruction 2D", "id": "usps-foodstuffs-and-soaps-in-pressurized-containers", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-foodstuffs-and-soaps-in-pressurized-containers/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_021.htm", "source_quote": "Foodstuffs and Soaps: These items are mailable if packaged in accordance with Packaging Instruction 2D" }, { "item_category": "Fuel oil (NA1993)", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic mail via surface transportation", "conditions": "Mailable if qualifies as Limited Quantity surface material and meets quantity limitations and packaging requirements; Packaging Instruction 3A or 3B as applicable", "id": "usps-fuel-oil-na1993", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-fuel-oil-na1993/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_022.htm", "source_quote": "Fuel Oil (NA1993): A flammable liquid with a typical flashpoint below 100° F (38° C) is mailable if it qualifies as a Limited Quantity surface material" }, { "item_category": "Fuming and spent sulfuric acids (UN1831, UN1832)", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "all mail", "conditions": "Nonmailable corrosive", "id": "usps-fuming-and-spent-sulfuric-acids-un1831-un1832", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-fuming-and-spent-sulfuric-acids-un1831-un1832/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_027.htm", "source_quote": "Fuming and Spent Sulfuric Acids (UN1831, UN1832)." }, { "item_category": "Fuses (except safety fuses Division 1.4S)", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "all mail", "conditions": "All types of fuses except permitted safety fuses are prohibited from mailing", "id": "usps-fuses-except-safety-fuses-division-1-4s", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-fuses-except-safety-fuses-division-1-4s/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_020.htm", "source_quote": "All types of fuses (except safety fuses as permitted under 341.22 ) are prohibited from mailing." }, { "item_category": "Gases (Hazard Class 2) \u2014 international mail", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "international mail", "conditions": "All gases are prohibited from international mail", "id": "usps-gases-hazard-class-2-international-mail", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-gases-hazard-class-2-international-mail/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_021.htm", "source_quote": "International Mail: All gases are prohibited." }, { "item_category": "Gasoline", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "domestic", "conditions": "Completely forbidden in the U.S. mail", "id": "usps-gasoline", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-gasoline/", "source": "https://www.usps.com/ship/shipping-restrictions.htm", "source_quote": "hese items in the U.S. mail: Air Bags Ammunition Explosives Gasoline Liquid Mercury Marijuana (medical or otherwise); hemp/CBD is allowed, but restricted Domestically Restricted Items You can send the following items if you follow all the rules and restrictions. See a more complete list in USPS Publication 52, Hazar" }, { "item_category": "Gasoline (UN1203)", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "all mail", "conditions": "Gasoline is nonmailable under any circumstances", "id": "usps-gasoline-un1203", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-gasoline-un1203/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_022.htm", "source_quote": "20° F (-7° C) or below are prohibited from mailing. Gasoline (UN1203) is a flammable liquid that normally has a flashpoint of -50° F. Gasoline is nonmailable under any circumstances. Acetone (UN1090) normally has a flashpoint of 0° F, Benzene (UN1114) normally has a flashpoint of 12° F, and Hexane(s) (UN1208) normally have flashpoints in" }, { "item_category": "Glues", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic", "conditions": "Some glues may only be sent by ground transportation.", "id": "usps-glues", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-glues/", "source": "https://www.usps.com/ship/shipping-restrictions.htm", "source_quote": "Some glues may only be sent by ground transportation." }, { "item_category": "Hairspray", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "hazmat declaration required", "scope": "commercial package shipments", "conditions": "Listed by the Department of Transportation as posing a significant safety risk while being transported; $7.50 hazmat handling fee for Priority Mail; $50 noncompliance fee for packages not properly declared and labeled across all commercial packages including Ground Advantage (effective July 12 2026)", "id": "usps-hairspray", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-hairspray/", "source": "https://www.ecommercebytes.com/2026/07/05/new-usps-noncompliance-fee-could-take-sellers-by-surprise/", "source_quote": "Essential oils, nail polish (and nail polish remover), perfumes and colognes, hand sanitizer, inks, stains and varnishes, hairspray, and electronics with a lithium battery are among the products listed by the Department of Transportation as posing a significant safety risk while being transported." }, { "item_category": "Hairspray (aerosol)", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic US", "conditions": "Classified as flammable aerosol. Requires hazmat declaration and rigid outer packaging. Cannot be shipped in poly mailers or padded envelopes. $50 noncompliance fee if undeclared, effective July 12, 2026.", "id": "usps-hairspray-aerosol", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-hairspray-aerosol/", "source": "https://selleressentials.com/usps-hazmat-noncompliance-fee-2026/", "source_quote": "Hairspray | Flammable aerosol | UN1950" }, { "item_category": "Hand Sanitizer", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic", "conditions": "It is prohibited to send these materials by International Mail including APO/FPO/DPO (military) destinations.", "id": "usps-hand-sanitizer", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-hand-sanitizer/", "source": "https://www.usps.com/ship/shipping-restrictions.htm", "source_quote": "It is prohibited to send these materials by International Mail including APO/FPO/DPO (military) destinations.", "disagreements": [ { "field": "item_category", "versions": [ { "value": "Hand Sanitizer", "source": "https://www.usps.com/ship/shipping-restrictions.htm", "source_quote": "It is prohibited to send these materials by International Mail including APO/FPO/DPO (military) destinations.", "as_of": "2026-08-03" }, { "value": "Hand sanitizer", "source": "https://selleressentials.com/usps-hazmat-noncompliance-fee-2026/", "source_quote": "Hand sanitizer | Flammable liquid (alcohols) | UN1987", "as_of": "2026-08-04" }, { "value": "Hand sanitizer", "source": "https://www.ecommercebytes.com/2026/07/05/new-usps-noncompliance-fee-could-take-sellers-by-surprise/", "source_quote": "Essential oils, nail polish (and nail polish remover), perfumes and colognes, hand sanitizer, inks, stains and varnishes, hairspray, and electronics with a lithium battery are among the products listed by the Department of Transportation as posing a significant safety risk while being transported.", "as_of": "2026-08-04" } ] }, { "field": "restriction_type", "versions": [ { "value": "restricted", "source": "https://www.usps.com/ship/shipping-restrictions.htm", "source_quote": "It is prohibited to send these materials by International Mail including APO/FPO/DPO (military) destinations.", "as_of": "2026-08-03" }, { "value": "restricted", "source": "https://selleressentials.com/usps-hazmat-noncompliance-fee-2026/", "source_quote": "Hand sanitizer | Flammable liquid (alcohols) | UN1987", "as_of": "2026-08-04" }, { "value": "hazmat declaration required", "source": "https://www.ecommercebytes.com/2026/07/05/new-usps-noncompliance-fee-could-take-sellers-by-surprise/", "source_quote": "Essential oils, nail polish (and nail polish remover), perfumes and colognes, hand sanitizer, inks, stains and varnishes, hairspray, and electronics with a lithium battery are among the products listed by the Department of Transportation as posing a significant safety risk while being transported.", "as_of": "2026-08-04" } ] }, { "field": "scope", "versions": [ { "value": "domestic", "source": "https://www.usps.com/ship/shipping-restrictions.htm", "source_quote": "It is prohibited to send these materials by International Mail including APO/FPO/DPO (military) destinations.", "as_of": "2026-08-03" }, { "value": "domestic US", "source": "https://selleressentials.com/usps-hazmat-noncompliance-fee-2026/", "source_quote": "Hand sanitizer | Flammable liquid (alcohols) | UN1987", "as_of": "2026-08-04" }, { "value": "commercial package shipments", "source": "https://www.ecommercebytes.com/2026/07/05/new-usps-noncompliance-fee-could-take-sellers-by-surprise/", "source_quote": "Essential oils, nail polish (and nail polish remover), perfumes and colognes, hand sanitizer, inks, stains and varnishes, hairspray, and electronics with a lithium battery are among the products listed by the Department of Transportation as posing a significant safety risk while being transported.", "as_of": "2026-08-04" } ] }, { "field": "conditions", "versions": [ { "value": "It is prohibited to send these materials by International Mail including APO/FPO/DPO (military) destinations.", "source": "https://www.usps.com/ship/shipping-restrictions.htm", "source_quote": "It is prohibited to send these materials by International Mail including APO/FPO/DPO (military) destinations.", "as_of": "2026-08-03" }, { "value": "Classified as flammable liquid (alcohols). Requires hazmat declaration and compliant packaging. $50 noncompliance fee if undeclared, effective July 12, 2026.", "source": "https://selleressentials.com/usps-hazmat-noncompliance-fee-2026/", "source_quote": "Hand sanitizer | Flammable liquid (alcohols) | UN1987", "as_of": "2026-08-04" }, { "value": "Listed by the Department of Transportation as posing a significant safety risk while being transported; $7.50 hazmat handling fee for Priority Mail; $50 noncompliance fee for packages not properly declared and labeled across all commercial packages including Ground Advantage (effective July 12 2026)", "source": "https://www.ecommercebytes.com/2026/07/05/new-usps-noncompliance-fee-could-take-sellers-by-surprise/", "source_quote": "Essential oils, nail polish (and nail polish remover), perfumes and colognes, hand sanitizer, inks, stains and varnishes, hairspray, and electronics with a lithium battery are among the products listed by the Department of Transportation as posing a significant safety risk while being transported.", "as_of": "2026-08-04" } ] } ] }, { "item_category": "handguns - authorized military and law enforcement", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "allowed", "scope": "domestic mail - to authorized military and law enforcement persons", "conditions": "May be mailed by licensed firearm manufacturers, dealers, importers, or authorized government agents only upon filing required affidavit or certificate, addressed to military officers, national guard officers, law enforcement officers, authorized Postal Service employees, or federal enforcement officers for official duties", "id": "usps-handguns-authorized-military-and-law-enforcement", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-handguns-authorized-military-and-law-enforcement/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c4_010.htm", "source_quote": "handguns may be mailed by licensed firearm manufacturers, dealers, importers, or authorized agents of federal, state, territory, or district governments, only upon filing the required affidavit or certificate" }, { "item_category": "handguns - between licensed FFL dealers", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "allowed", "scope": "domestic mail - between licensed firearm manufacturers, dealers, and importers", "conditions": "Handguns may be mailed between licensed firearm manufacturers, dealers, and importers in customary trade shipments or for repairing or replacing parts", "id": "usps-handguns-between-licensed-ffl-dealers", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-handguns-between-licensed-ffl-dealers/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c4_010.htm", "source_quote": "Handguns may be mailed between licensed firearm manufacturers, dealers, and importers in customary trade shipments, or for repairing or replacing parts." }, { "item_category": "handguns - general prohibition", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "domestic mail - general public", "conditions": "Handguns and other firearms capable of being concealed on the person are nonmailable unless mailed between authorized parties with required affidavit or statement", "id": "usps-handguns-general-prohibition", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-handguns-general-prohibition/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c4_010.htm", "source_quote": "Handguns, and other firearms capable of being concealed on the person, are nonmailable unless mailed between the parties listed in 432" }, { "item_category": "Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT)", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic", "conditions": "Some HAZMAT can only be sent by ground transportation\u2014it can\u2019t go on airplanes.", "id": "usps-hazardous-materials-hazmat", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-hazardous-materials-hazmat/", "source": "https://www.usps.com/ship/shipping-restrictions.htm", "source_quote": "Some HAZMAT can only be sent by ground transportation\u2014it can\u2019t go on airplanes." }, { "item_category": "hemp and hemp-based products including CBD", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic mail only - prohibited in international mail", "conditions": "Hemp and hemp-based products with THC concentration not exceeding 0.3 percent are permitted domestically only when mailer complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws; prohibited in all international mail including APO/FPO/DPO", "id": "usps-hemp-and-hemp-based-products-including-cbd", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-hemp-and-hemp-based-products-including-cbd/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c4_020.htm", "source_quote": "Hemp and hemp-based products, including cannabidiol (CBD) with the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentration of such hemp (or its derivatives) not exceeding a 0.3 percent limit are permitted to be mailed domestically" }, { "item_category": "Hemp Products (including CBD)", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic", "conditions": "You cannot send hemp and hemp-derived products to international or military destinations.", "id": "usps-hemp-products-including-cbd", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-hemp-products-including-cbd/", "source": "https://www.usps.com/ship/shipping-restrictions.htm", "source_quote": "You cannot send hemp and hemp-derived products to international or military destinations." }, { "item_category": "honeybees", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "continental United States - surface transportation only", "conditions": "Must be free of disease; acceptable to mail only via surface transportation; mailpieces must be plainly marked with 'Live Bees' and 'Surface Only' or 'Surface Mail Only'", "id": "usps-honeybees", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-honeybees/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c5_009.htm", "source_quote": "Honeybees: Acceptable to mail only via surface transportation (except for queen honeybees; refer to b.). Mailpieces must be plainly marked on the address side with \"Live Bees\" and \"Surface Only\" or \"Surface Mail Only.\"" }, { "item_category": "Hydrochloric acid (UN1789)", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic mail via air or surface transportation", "conditions": "Acceptable only in solutions not exceeding 10% acid that qualify as Limited Quantity air or surface; Packaging Instruction 8A must be followed", "id": "usps-hydrochloric-acid-un1789", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-hydrochloric-acid-un1789/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_027.htm", "source_quote": "Hydrochloric Acid (UN1789): Acceptable only in solutions not exceeding 10 percent acid that qualify as Limited Quantity air or Limited Quantity surface material." }, { "item_category": "Hydrofluoric acid (UN1790)", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "all mail", "conditions": "Nonmailable corrosive", "id": "usps-hydrofluoric-acid-un1790", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-hydrofluoric-acid-un1790/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_027.htm", "source_quote": "Hydrofluoric Acid (UN1790)." }, { "item_category": "Hydrogen peroxide solution (8% or less)", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "all domestic mail", "conditions": "Regulated as hazardous material but must be prepared according to DMM 601.3.4", "id": "usps-hydrogen-peroxide-solution-8-or-less", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-hydrogen-peroxide-solution-8-or-less/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_024.htm", "source_quote": "Hydrogen Peroxide . Division 5.1 hydrogen peroxide solutions with an 8 percent or less hydrogen peroxide content is regulated as hazardous material but must be prepared according to DMM 601.3.4." }, { "item_category": "Hydrogen peroxide solution (more than 20%)", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "all mail", "conditions": "Nonmailable Division 5.1 oxidizing substance", "id": "usps-hydrogen-peroxide-solution-more-than-20", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-hydrogen-peroxide-solution-more-than-20/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_024.htm", "source_quote": "Hydrogen peroxide solution (more than 20 percent)." }, { "item_category": "Hydrogen peroxide solution (more than 8% but no more than 20%)", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic mail", "conditions": "Permitted if can qualify as Limited Quantity air or Limited Quantity surface", "id": "usps-hydrogen-peroxide-solution-more-than-8-but-no-more-than-20", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-hydrogen-peroxide-solution-more-than-8-but-no-more-than-20/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_024.htm", "source_quote": "Solutions of hydrogen peroxide more than 8 percent but no more than 20 percent are permitted if they can qualify as Limited Quantity air or Limited Quantity surface." }, { "item_category": "Inks (flammable or combustible liquid)", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic mail via surface transportation", "conditions": "Mailable if qualify as Limited Quantity surface material and meet requirements; primary receptacles must be cushioned with absorbent material; follow Packaging Instruction 3A or 3B as applicable", "id": "usps-inks-flammable-or-combustible-liquid", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-inks-flammable-or-combustible-liquid/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_022.htm", "source_quote": "Inks: Classified as flammable or combustible liquids. Defined as colored liquids used for writing, drawing, and printing, and often composed of pigments such as carbon black suspended in a drying oil. They are mailable if they qualify as Limited Quantity surface material" }, { "item_category": "Inks, stains and varnishes", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "hazmat declaration required", "scope": "commercial package shipments", "conditions": "Listed by the Department of Transportation as posing a significant safety risk while being transported; $7.50 hazmat handling fee for Priority Mail; $50 noncompliance fee for packages not properly declared and labeled across all commercial packages including Ground Advantage (effective July 12 2026)", "id": "usps-inks-stains-and-varnishes", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-inks-stains-and-varnishes/", "source": "https://www.ecommercebytes.com/2026/07/05/new-usps-noncompliance-fee-could-take-sellers-by-surprise/", "source_quote": "Essential oils, nail polish (and nail polish remover), perfumes and colognes, hand sanitizer, inks, stains and varnishes, hairspray, and electronics with a lithium battery are among the products listed by the Department of Transportation as posing a significant safety risk while being transported." }, { "item_category": "intoxicating liquors", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "all domestic mail", "conditions": "Beverages with alcohol content of 0.5 percent or more by weight are taxable per Chapter 51 of the IRS Code and subject to mailability rules", "id": "usps-intoxicating-liquors", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-intoxicating-liquors/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c4_005.htm", "source_quote": "beverages with an alcohol content of 0.5 percent or more by weight and are taxable per Chapter 51 of the United States (U.S.) Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Code" }, { "item_category": "intoxicating liquors - denatured flammable or combustible", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic mail", "conditions": "If denaturing agents such as sodium bisulfate (a corrosive) or mercuric chloride (a poison) are used, substance must meet mailability requirements for Class 8 corrosive or Division 6.1 toxic substance; flammable or combustible contents must meet Class 3 requirements", "id": "usps-intoxicating-liquors-denatured-flammable-or-combustible", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-intoxicating-liquors-denatured-flammable-or-combustible/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c4_006.htm", "source_quote": "if denaturing agents are used, such as sodium bisulfate (a corrosive) or mercuric chloride (a poison), the substances must meet the mailability requirements for Class 8 corrosive material or a Division 6.1 toxic substance" }, { "item_category": "intoxicating liquors - exempt federal/state agency mailings", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "allowed", "scope": "between federal or state agency employees for official use", "conditions": "Intoxicating liquor is exempt from the prohibition when mailed between federal or state agency employees for official use such as testing purposes", "id": "usps-intoxicating-liquors-exempt-federal-state-agency-mailings", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-intoxicating-liquors-exempt-federal-state-agency-mailings/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c4_006.htm", "source_quote": "Intoxicating liquor is exempt from the prohibition and may be mailed between federal or state agency employees for official use (e.g., for testing purposes)." }, { "item_category": "intoxicating liquors - products not categorized as taxable alcoholic beverages", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "allowed", "scope": "domestic mail", "conditions": "Product must comply with IRS and FDA regulations, not be classified as a taxable alcoholic beverage, not be poisonous, and not be flammable; examples include cold remedies, cooking wine, and mouthwash", "id": "usps-intoxicating-liquors-products-not-categorized-as-taxable-alcoholic-beverages", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-intoxicating-liquors-products-not-categorized-as-taxable-alcoholic-beverages/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c4_006.htm", "source_quote": "Examples of these mailable products include cold remedies, cooking wine, and mouthwash." }, { "item_category": "Irritating materials \u2014 all types", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "all mail", "conditions": "All irritating materials are nonmailable", "id": "usps-irritating-materials-all-types", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-irritating-materials-all-types/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_025.htm", "source_quote": "Irritating Materials: All irritating materials are nonmailable." }, { "item_category": "Items containing lithium batteries", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "hazmat declaration required", "scope": "seller shipments (Etsy)", "conditions": "May have special shipping requirements under USPS hazardous materials rules; $50 noncompliance fee for undeclared or improperly prepared hazardous materials effective July 12 2026", "id": "usps-items-containing-lithium-batteries", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-items-containing-lithium-batteries/", "source": "https://www.valueaddedresource.net/poshmark-cover-usps-hazardous-non-compliance-fee/", "source_quote": "Some items, such as certain candles, perfumes, aerosols, nail polish, or items containing lithium batteries, may have special shipping requirements." }, { "item_category": "knives and sharp instruments - general", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "all domestic mail", "conditions": "Sharp instruments include all sharp-pointed or sharp-edged implements such as knives, tools, ice picks, razor blades, stilettos, or similar devices", "id": "usps-knives-and-sharp-instruments-general", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-knives-and-sharp-instruments-general/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c4_014.htm", "source_quote": "Sharp instruments include all sharp-pointed or sharp-edged implements, such as knives, tools, ice picks, razor blades, stilettos, or similar devices." }, { "item_category": "Laptop / phone batteries", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic US", "conditions": "Lithium batteries packed with equipment require hazmat declaration. Must carry lithium battery mark (Class 9). $50 noncompliance fee if undeclared, effective July 12, 2026.", "id": "usps-laptop-phone-batteries", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-laptop-phone-batteries/", "source": "https://selleressentials.com/usps-hazmat-noncompliance-fee-2026/", "source_quote": "Laptop / phone batteries | Lithium battery | UN3481" }, { "item_category": "Latex paint and water-based paint (non-flammable, non-combustible)", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "allowed", "scope": "all mail", "conditions": "Unrestricted and not regulated as a hazardous material; package per DMM 601", "id": "usps-latex-paint-and-water-based-paint-non-flammable-non-combustible", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-latex-paint-and-water-based-paint-non-flammable-non-combustible/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_022.htm", "source_quote": "Latex paint and water-based paint that are non-flammable and non-combustible are unrestricted and not regulated as a hazardous material." }, { "item_category": "Lighter fluid", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic mail via surface transportation only", "conditions": "Permitted only via surface transportation if fluid qualifies as Limited Quantity surface material and is within quantity limitations and packaging requirements; Packaging Instruction 3A must be followed", "id": "usps-lighter-fluid", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-lighter-fluid/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_022.htm", "source_quote": "Lighter Fluid: Considered a flammable liquid and typically has a flashpoint between 20° F (-7° C) and 55° F (13° C). It is permitted only in domestic mail via surface transportation" }, { "item_category": "Lighters / lighter refills", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic US", "conditions": "Classified as flammable gas. Requires hazmat declaration. $50 noncompliance fee if undeclared, effective July 12, 2026.", "id": "usps-lighters-lighter-refills", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-lighters-lighter-refills/", "source": "https://selleressentials.com/usps-hazmat-noncompliance-fee-2026/", "source_quote": "Lighters / lighter refills | Flammable gas | UN1057" }, { "item_category": "Lighters with ignition elements containing liquid fuel or flammable gas", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic mail via surface transportation only", "conditions": "Mailable via surface transportation only with DOT certification, PCSC director written authorization, specific packaging and labeling; shipping paper not required", "id": "usps-lighters-with-ignition-elements-containing-liquid-fuel-or-flammable-gas", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-lighters-with-ignition-elements-containing-liquid-fuel-or-flammable-gas/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_022.htm", "source_quote": "Lighters with ignition elements and containing liquid fuel are classified as a Class 3 flammable liquid; those containing flammable gas are Division 2.1. Mailing is permitted only for domestic surface transportation only" }, { "item_category": "Liquid Mercury", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "US Mail", "conditions": "you must find another carrier", "id": "usps-liquid-mercury", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-liquid-mercury/", "source": "https://www.usps.com/ship/shipping-restrictions.htm", "source_quote": "Liquid mercury in any amount (and devices containing a visible amount of mercury) is prohibited from the US Mail, so you must find another carrier." }, { "item_category": "Liquid with flashpoint above 200 F (93 C)", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "allowed", "scope": "all mail", "conditions": "Not regulated as hazardous material; mailable subject to general packaging requirements in DMM 601 provided it has no characteristics of another hazard class", "id": "usps-liquid-with-flashpoint-above-200-f-93-c", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-liquid-with-flashpoint-above-200-f-93-c/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_022.htm", "source_quote": "A liquid with a flashpoint above 200° F (93° C) is not regulated as a hazardous material and may be mailed subject to the general packaging requirements in DMM 601" }, { "item_category": "Lithium Batteries", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "ground only", "conditions": "These devices must be marked on the outer packaging with the text, \" Restricted Electronic Device \" and \" Surface Transportation Only .\"", "id": "usps-lithium-batteries", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-lithium-batteries/", "source": "https://www.usps.com/ship/shipping-restrictions.htm", "source_quote": "These devices must be marked on the outer packaging with the text, \" Restricted Electronic Device \" and \" Surface Transportation Only .\"" }, { "item_category": "Lithium-ion (rechargeable) batteries without equipment (individual batteries)", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "domestic mail via air transportation (except intra-Alaska)", "conditions": "Individual lithium-ion batteries without equipment are prohibited from domestic air transportation except intra-Alaska; mailable via surface only up to 5 lbs with proper markings", "id": "usps-lithium-ion-rechargeable-batteries-without-equipment-individual-batteries", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-lithium-ion-rechargeable-batteries-without-equipment-individual-batteries/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_028.htm", "source_quote": "Lithium-ion or Lithium Polymer Batteries 5, 6" }, { "item_category": "Lithium metal (non-rechargeable) batteries without equipment (individual batteries)", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "domestic mail via air transportation", "conditions": "Individual lithium metal batteries without equipment are prohibited from domestic air transportation; mailable via surface only in sealed packaging up to 5 lbs with proper markings", "id": "usps-lithium-metal-non-rechargeable-batteries-without-equipment-individual-batteries", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-lithium-metal-non-rechargeable-batteries-without-equipment-individual-batteries/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_028.htm", "source_quote": "Without the equipment they operate (individual batteries in originally sealed packaging)" }, { "item_category": "Live Animals", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic", "conditions": "Shipments of live animals, including poultry, reptiles, and bees, have very specific packaging requirements.", "id": "usps-live-animals", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-live-animals/", "source": "https://www.usps.com/ship/shipping-restrictions.htm", "source_quote": "Shipments of live animals, including poultry, reptiles, and bees, have very specific packaging requirements." }, { "item_category": "live day-old poultry - mailable types", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "allowed", "scope": "domestic mail", "conditions": "Mailable types include chickens, ducks, emus, geese, guinea birds, partridges, pheasants (April through August only), quail, turkeys; all other types of live day-old poultry are nonmailable; must be no more than 24 hours old", "id": "usps-live-day-old-poultry-mailable-types", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-live-day-old-poultry-mailable-types/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c5_009.htm", "source_quote": "The following types of live, day-old poultry are acceptable for mailing when properly packaged:" }, { "item_category": "live day-old poultry vaccinated with Newcastle disease (live virus)", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "all domestic mail", "conditions": "Day-old poultry vaccinated with Newcastle disease (live virus) is nonmailable", "id": "usps-live-day-old-poultry-vaccinated-with-newcastle-disease-live-virus", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-live-day-old-poultry-vaccinated-with-newcastle-disease-live-virus/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c5_009.htm", "source_quote": "Day-old poultry vaccinated with Newcastle disease (live virus) also is nonmailable." }, { "item_category": "live scorpions", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "continental United States only - surface transportation only", "conditions": "Scorpions are mailable only when sent for the purposes of medical research or the manufacturing of antivenin; must be sent by surface transportation within continental United States; must be properly packaged in double container system", "id": "usps-live-scorpions", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-live-scorpions/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c5_009.htm", "source_quote": "scorpions are mailable only when sent for the purposes of medical research or the manufacturing of antivenin. Scorpions are nonmailable under any other circumstances." }, { "item_category": "Low-risk radioactive material (UN2910) \u2014 limited quantity excepted package", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic mail via surface transportation", "conditions": "Mailable if activity does not exceed limits in Exhibit 347.22; classified as limited quantity excepted package per 49 CFR 172.101; must follow Packaging Instruction 7A", "id": "usps-low-risk-radioactive-material-un2910-limited-quantity-excepted-package", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-low-risk-radioactive-material-un2910-limited-quantity-excepted-package/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_026.htm", "source_quote": "UN2910: Low-risk radioactive material classified as \"limited quantity\" and \"excepted package\" under 49 CFR § 172.101." }, { "item_category": "Magnetized materials \u2014 domestic surface transportation", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "allowed", "scope": "domestic mail via surface transportation", "conditions": "Magnetized materials are not regulated as hazardous when transported via surface transportation", "id": "usps-magnetized-materials-domestic-surface-transportation", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-magnetized-materials-domestic-surface-transportation/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_028.htm", "source_quote": "Domestic Mail via Surface Transportation: Magnetized materials are not regulated as hazardous when transported via surface transportation." }, { "item_category": "Magnetized materials with field strength exceeding 0.00525 gauss at 15 feet", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "all domestic and international air transportation", "conditions": "Prohibited from air transportation under any circumstances", "id": "usps-magnetized-materials-with-field-strength-exceeding-0-00525-gauss-at-15-feet", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-magnetized-materials-with-field-strength-exceeding-0-00525-gauss-at-15-feet/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_028.htm", "source_quote": "Materials with a field strength over 0.00525 gauss at 15 feet are nonmailable in domestic and international air transportation under any circumstances." }, { "item_category": "Marijuana", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "domestic", "conditions": "Medical or otherwise prohibited; hemp/CBD is allowed but restricted", "id": "usps-marijuana", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-marijuana/", "source": "https://www.usps.com/ship/shipping-restrictions.htm", "source_quote": "Marijuana (medical or otherwise); hemp/CBD is allowed, but restricted" }, { "item_category": "Medicines & Prescription Drugs", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic", "conditions": "Prescription medications may only be mailed by Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registered distributors.", "id": "usps-medicines-prescription-drugs", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-medicines-prescription-drugs/", "source": "https://www.usps.com/ship/shipping-restrictions.htm", "source_quote": "Prescription medications may only be mailed by Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registered distributors." }, { "item_category": "Mercury", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "US Mail", "conditions": "Liquid mercury in any amount (and devices containing a visible amount of mercury) is prohibited from the US Mail, so you must find another carrier.", "id": "usps-mercury", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-mercury/", "source": "https://www.usps.com/ship/shipping-restrictions.htm", "source_quote": "Liquid mercury in any amount (and devices containing a visible amount of mercury) is prohibited from the US Mail, so you must find another carrier." }, { "item_category": "Mercury and mercury-containing devices (UN2809)", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "all mail", "conditions": "Nonmailable; includes metallic mercury and thermometers, barometers, sphygmomanometers containing metallic mercury", "id": "usps-mercury-and-mercury-containing-devices-un2809", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-mercury-and-mercury-containing-devices-un2809/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_027.htm", "source_quote": "Mercury and Mercury-Containing Devices (UN2809): Includes metallic mercury and items such as thermometers, barometers, and sphygmomanometers (i.e., blood pressure meters) that contain metallic mercury." }, { "item_category": "Mercury Vapor Devices", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic", "conditions": "These items are restricted, but mailable", "id": "usps-mercury-vapor-devices", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-mercury-vapor-devices/", "source": "https://www.usps.com/ship/shipping-restrictions.htm", "source_quote": "Some consumer devices, like compact fluorescent light bulbs, contain tiny amounts of mercury vapor. These items are restricted, but mailable." }, { "item_category": "Metal mercury (mercury thermometers, barometers, blood pressure monitors)", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "all mail", "conditions": "USPS never allows metal mercury to be mailed", "id": "usps-metal-mercury-mercury-thermometers-barometers-blood-pressure-monitors", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-metal-mercury-mercury-thermometers-barometers-blood-pressure-monitors/", "source": "https://www.ecommercebytes.com/2026/07/05/new-usps-noncompliance-fee-could-take-sellers-by-surprise/", "source_quote": "Note the USPS never allows explosives or metal mercury (such as mercury thermometers, mercury barometers, mercury blood pressure monitors) to be mailed." }, { "item_category": "Miscellaneous hazardous materials (Hazard Class 9) \u2014 international mail", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "international mail", "conditions": "All miscellaneous hazardous materials are prohibited internationally except certain magnetized materials and small consumer-type lithium batteries installed in their equipment", "id": "usps-miscellaneous-hazardous-materials-hazard-class-9-international-mail", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-miscellaneous-hazardous-materials-hazard-class-9-international-mail/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_028.htm", "source_quote": "International Mail: All miscellaneous hazardous materials are prohibited, except for certain magnetized materials as permitted in 349.242 (a) and IMM 136.1g, and small consumer-type lithium batteries (installed in the equipment they operate)" }, { "item_category": "Model fuel for glow-plug engines", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic mail via surface transportation only", "conditions": "Mailable only if qualifies as Limited Quantity surface material and meets quantity limitations and packaging requirements; Packaging Instruction 3A must be followed", "id": "usps-model-fuel-for-glow-plug-engines", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-model-fuel-for-glow-plug-engines/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_022.htm", "source_quote": "Model Fuel (for Glow-Plug Engines): A flammable liquid with a flashpoint ranging from 65° F to 75° F. It is mailable only if it qualifies as a Limited Quantity surface material" }, { "item_category": "Nail Polish", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic", "conditions": "Flammable nail polishes may be mailed domestically if they are a consumer commodity; some may only be sent by ground", "id": "usps-nail-polish", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-nail-polish/", "source": "https://www.usps.com/ship/shipping-restrictions.htm", "source_quote": "If the nail polish you want to mail is flammable, you are responsible for knowing its flashpoint and toxicity. Flammable nail polishes may be mailed domestically if they are a consumer commodity. Some nail polishes may only be sent by ground transportation.", "disagreements": [ { "field": "item_category", "versions": [ { "value": "Nail Polish", "source": "https://www.usps.com/ship/shipping-restrictions.htm", "source_quote": "If the nail polish you want to mail is flammable, you are responsible for knowing its flashpoint and toxicity. Flammable nail polishes may be mailed domestically if they are a consumer commodity. Some nail polishes may only be sent by ground transportation.", "as_of": "2026-08-03" }, { "value": "Nail polish", "source": "https://selleressentials.com/usps-hazmat-noncompliance-fee-2026/", "source_quote": "Nail polish | Flammable liquid | UN1263", "as_of": "2026-08-04" }, { "value": "Nail polish", "source": "https://blog.poshmark.com/2026/07/09/59935/", "source_quote": "regulated contents (perfume, nail polish, aerosol sprays, electronics with lithium-ion batteries)", "as_of": "2026-08-04" }, { "value": "Nail polish", "source": "https://www.valueaddedresource.net/poshmark-cover-usps-hazardous-non-compliance-fee/", "source_quote": "Some items, such as certain candles, perfumes, aerosols, nail polish, or items containing lithium batteries, may have special shipping requirements.", "as_of": "2026-08-04" } ] }, { "field": "restriction_type", "versions": [ { "value": "restricted", "source": "https://www.usps.com/ship/shipping-restrictions.htm", "source_quote": "If the nail polish you want to mail is flammable, you are responsible for knowing its flashpoint and toxicity. Flammable nail polishes may be mailed domestically if they are a consumer commodity. Some nail polishes may only be sent by ground transportation.", "as_of": "2026-08-03" }, { "value": "restricted", "source": "https://selleressentials.com/usps-hazmat-noncompliance-fee-2026/", "source_quote": "Nail polish | Flammable liquid | UN1263", "as_of": "2026-08-04" }, { "value": "hazmat declaration required", "source": "https://blog.poshmark.com/2026/07/09/59935/", "source_quote": "regulated contents (perfume, nail polish, aerosol sprays, electronics with lithium-ion batteries)", "as_of": "2026-08-04" }, { "value": "hazmat declaration required", "source": "https://www.valueaddedresource.net/poshmark-cover-usps-hazardous-non-compliance-fee/", "source_quote": "Some items, such as certain candles, perfumes, aerosols, nail polish, or items containing lithium batteries, may have special shipping requirements.", "as_of": "2026-08-04" } ] }, { "field": "scope", "versions": [ { "value": "domestic", "source": "https://www.usps.com/ship/shipping-restrictions.htm", "source_quote": "If the nail polish you want to mail is flammable, you are responsible for knowing its flashpoint and toxicity. Flammable nail polishes may be mailed domestically if they are a consumer commodity. Some nail polishes may only be sent by ground transportation.", "as_of": "2026-08-03" }, { "value": "domestic US", "source": "https://selleressentials.com/usps-hazmat-noncompliance-fee-2026/", "source_quote": "Nail polish | Flammable liquid | UN1263", "as_of": "2026-08-04" }, { "value": "online marketplace seller shipments (Poshmark)", "source": "https://blog.poshmark.com/2026/07/09/59935/", "source_quote": "regulated contents (perfume, nail polish, aerosol sprays, electronics with lithium-ion batteries)", "as_of": "2026-08-04" }, { "value": "seller shipments (Etsy)", "source": "https://www.valueaddedresource.net/poshmark-cover-usps-hazardous-non-compliance-fee/", "source_quote": "Some items, such as certain candles, perfumes, aerosols, nail polish, or items containing lithium batteries, may have special shipping requirements.", "as_of": "2026-08-04" } ] }, { "field": "conditions", "versions": [ { "value": "Flammable nail polishes may be mailed domestically if they are a consumer commodity; some may only be sent by ground", "source": "https://www.usps.com/ship/shipping-restrictions.htm", "source_quote": "If the nail polish you want to mail is flammable, you are responsible for knowing its flashpoint and toxicity. Flammable nail polishes may be mailed domestically if they are a consumer commodity. Some nail polishes may only be sent by ground transportation.", "as_of": "2026-08-03" }, { "value": "Classified as flammable liquid. Requires hazmat declaration and compliant packaging. $50 noncompliance fee if undeclared, effective July 12, 2026.", "source": "https://selleressentials.com/usps-hazmat-noncompliance-fee-2026/", "source_quote": "Nail polish | Flammable liquid | UN1263", "as_of": "2026-08-04" }, { "value": "Subject to USPS hazmat requirements and Poshmark Terms of Service; $50 USPS noncompliance fee applies if improperly declared/labeled; Poshmark absorbs $45 of fee after August 1 2026, seller pays $5", "source": "https://blog.poshmark.com/2026/07/09/59935/", "source_quote": "regulated contents (perfume, nail polish, aerosol sprays, electronics with lithium-ion batteries)", "as_of": "2026-08-04" }, { "value": "May have special shipping requirements under USPS hazardous materials rules; $50 noncompliance fee for undeclared or improperly prepared hazardous materials effective July 12 2026", "source": "https://www.valueaddedresource.net/poshmark-cover-usps-hazardous-non-compliance-fee/", "source_quote": "Some items, such as certain candles, perfumes, aerosols, nail polish, or items containing lithium batteries, may have special shipping requirements.", "as_of": "2026-08-04" } ] } ] }, { "item_category": "Nail polish and nail polish remover", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "hazmat declaration required", "scope": "commercial package shipments", "conditions": "Listed by the Department of Transportation as posing a significant safety risk while being transported; $7.50 hazmat handling fee for Priority Mail; $50 noncompliance fee for packages not properly declared and labeled across all commercial packages including Ground Advantage (effective July 12 2026)", "id": "usps-nail-polish-and-nail-polish-remover", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-nail-polish-and-nail-polish-remover/", "source": "https://www.ecommercebytes.com/2026/07/05/new-usps-noncompliance-fee-could-take-sellers-by-surprise/", "source_quote": "Essential oils, nail polish (and nail polish remover), perfumes and colognes, hand sanitizer, inks, stains and varnishes, hairspray, and electronics with a lithium battery are among the products listed by the Department of Transportation as posing a significant safety risk while being transported." }, { "item_category": "Nail polish remover", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic US", "conditions": "Classified as flammable liquid (acetone). Requires hazmat declaration and compliant packaging. $50 noncompliance fee if undeclared, effective July 12, 2026.", "id": "usps-nail-polish-remover", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-nail-polish-remover/", "source": "https://selleressentials.com/usps-hazmat-noncompliance-fee-2026/", "source_quote": "Nail polish remover | Flammable liquid (acetone) | UN1090" }, { "item_category": "Nitric acid (UN2031, UN2032)", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "all mail", "conditions": "Nonmailable corrosive", "id": "usps-nitric-acid-un2031-un2032", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-nitric-acid-un2031-un2032/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_027.htm", "source_quote": "Nitric Acid (UN2031, UN2032)." }, { "item_category": "nonhazardous liquids", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "allowed", "scope": "domestic mail", "conditions": "Liquids that are nonhazardous are mailable provided they are properly packaged", "id": "usps-nonhazardous-liquids", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-nonhazardous-liquids/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c4_018.htm", "source_quote": "Liquids that are nonhazardous (i.e., not regulated as hazardous materials) are mailable provided they are properly packaged as specified in 451.3" }, { "item_category": "nonnarcotic prescription medicines", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic mail", "conditions": "Only a pharmacist, medical practitioner, or other authorized dispenser may mail nonnarcotic prescription medications to patients under their care", "id": "usps-nonnarcotic-prescription-medicines", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-nonnarcotic-prescription-medicines/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c4_020.htm", "source_quote": "Only a pharmacists, medical practitioners, or other authorized dispensers may mail nonnarcotic prescription medications to patients under their care." }, { "item_category": "nonprescription medicines (OTC drugs)", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "allowed", "scope": "domestic mail", "conditions": "OTC drugs that do not contain controlled substances are mailable; mailer must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws", "id": "usps-nonprescription-medicines-otc-drugs", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-nonprescription-medicines-otc-drugs/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c4_020.htm", "source_quote": "Over-the-Counter (OTC) Drugs: Medicines that can be obtained without a prescription, such as patent medicines, aspirin, antiseptics, cold remedies, diet pills, and cosmetic medicines that do not contain a controlled substance and are not poisonous drugs or medicines." }, { "item_category": "Nonspillable wet batteries (UN2800)", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "all mail", "conditions": "Acceptable if completely sealed to prevent liquid corrosive from spilling; must follow Packaging Instruction 8B", "id": "usps-nonspillable-wet-batteries-un2800", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-nonspillable-wet-batteries-un2800/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_027.htm", "source_quote": "Nonspillable Wet Batteries (UN2800): Acceptable if completely sealed to prevent the liquid corrosive from spilling during handling" }, { "item_category": "odor-producing materials", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "all domestic mail", "conditions": "Any matter that is a source of an obnoxious odor is nonmailable", "id": "usps-odor-producing-materials", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-odor-producing-materials/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c4_018.htm", "source_quote": "Any matter that is a source of an obnoxious odor is nonmailable." }, { "item_category": "Organic peroxides (Division 5.2) not qualifying as Limited Quantity", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "all mail", "conditions": "Organic peroxides are nonmailable unless they qualify as Limited Quantity air or Limited Quantity surface", "id": "usps-organic-peroxides-division-5-2-not-qualifying-as-limited-quantity", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-organic-peroxides-division-5-2-not-qualifying-as-limited-quantity/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_024.htm", "source_quote": "Division 5.2, Organic Peroxides: Organic peroxides are nonmailable unless they qualify as Limited Quantity air or Limited Quantity surface." }, { "item_category": "Oxidizing substances and organic peroxides (Hazard Class 5) \u2014 international mail", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "international mail", "conditions": "All oxidizing substances and organic peroxides are prohibited from international mail", "id": "usps-oxidizing-substances-and-organic-peroxides-hazard-class-5-international-mail", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-oxidizing-substances-and-organic-peroxides-hazard-class-5-international-mail/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_024.htm", "source_quote": "International Mail: All oxidizing substances and organic peroxides are prohibited." }, { "item_category": "Oxidizing substances or organic peroxides qualifying as Limited Quantity", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic mail via air or surface transportation", "conditions": "Permitted if qualify as Limited Quantity air or Limited Quantity surface materials", "id": "usps-oxidizing-substances-or-organic-peroxides-qualifying-as-limited-quantity", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-oxidizing-substances-or-organic-peroxides-qualifying-as-limited-quantity/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_024.htm", "source_quote": "Domestic Mail via Air or Surface Transportation: Oxidizing substances or organic peroxides that qualify as Limited Quantity air or Limited Quantity surface are permitted." }, { "item_category": "Oxygen, Compressed (UN1072) \u2014 Division 2.2 nonflammable gas", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic mail", "conditions": "Mailable if qualifies as Limited Quantity material; must follow applicable packaging instructions", "id": "usps-oxygen-compressed-un1072-division-2-2-nonflammable-gas", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-oxygen-compressed-un1072-division-2-2-nonflammable-gas/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_021.htm", "source_quote": "Oxygen, Compressed (UN1072): Division 2.2 nonflammable gas. Compressed oxygen is mailable if it qualifies as a Limited Quantity material" }, { "item_category": "Oxygen, Refrigerated Liquid (UN1073)", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "all mail", "conditions": "Prohibited from mailing under any circumstances", "id": "usps-oxygen-refrigerated-liquid-un1073", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-oxygen-refrigerated-liquid-un1073/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_021.htm", "source_quote": "Oxygen, Refrigerated Liquid (UN1073): (Also known as liquid oxygen) is prohibited from mailing under any circumstances." }, { "item_category": "Packages with old hazmat markings or stickers (reused boxes)", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "hazmat noncompliance fee risk", "scope": "online marketplace seller shipments (Poshmark)", "conditions": "Reused boxes with old hazmat labels will be flagged even if item inside is not hazardous; seller must remove or fully cover any existing hazmat markings before shipping", "id": "usps-packages-with-old-hazmat-markings-or-stickers-reused-boxes", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-packages-with-old-hazmat-markings-or-stickers-reused-boxes/", "source": "https://blog.poshmark.com/2026/07/09/59935/", "source_quote": "reused boxes with old markings \u2014 even if your item is harmless, a box with an old hazmat sticker will be flagged" }, { "item_category": "Paint", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic", "conditions": "Flammable or combustible paint accepted if it qualifies as a consumer commodity; water-based paint is not regulated as hazardous", "id": "usps-paint", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-paint/", "source": "https://www.usps.com/ship/shipping-restrictions.htm", "source_quote": "Flammable or combustible paint and paint-related items are generally accepted for mailing, provided the material can qualify as a consumer commodity material or ORM-D (for surface only), and is sent within the quantity limitations and packaging requirements. Latex Paint or a similar water-based paint product that is not flammable or combustible is not regulated as a hazardous material, and therefore, is not restricted." }, { "item_category": "Paint and related items (UN1263) \u2014 lacquer, varnish, shellac, etc.", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic mail via surface transportation", "conditions": "Mailable if qualify as Limited Quantity surface material and meet quantity limitations and packaging requirements; Packaging Instruction 3A or 3B as applicable", "id": "usps-paint-and-related-items-un1263-lacquer-varnish-shellac-etc", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-paint-and-related-items-un1263-lacquer-varnish-shellac-etc/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_022.htm", "source_quote": "Paint and Related Items (UN1263): A flammable or combustible liquid, which includes items such as lacquer, paint-thinning or paint-drying compounds, shellac, varnish, liquid aluminum, liquid bronze, liquid gold, liquid wood filler, and liquid lacquer base. They are mailable if they qualify as Limited Quantity surface material" }, { "item_category": "Paint thinner", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic US", "conditions": "Classified as flammable liquid. Requires hazmat declaration. $50 noncompliance fee if undeclared, effective July 12, 2026.", "id": "usps-paint-thinner", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-paint-thinner/", "source": "https://selleressentials.com/usps-hazmat-noncompliance-fee-2026/", "source_quote": "Paint thinner | Flammable liquid | UN1263" }, { "item_category": "Perchloric acid", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "all mail", "conditions": "Nonmailable Division 5.1 oxidizing substance", "id": "usps-perchloric-acid", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-perchloric-acid/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_024.htm", "source_quote": "Perchloric acid." }, { "item_category": "Perfume", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "hazmat declaration required", "scope": "online marketplace seller shipments (Poshmark)", "conditions": "Subject to USPS hazmat requirements and Poshmark Terms of Service; $50 USPS noncompliance fee applies if improperly declared/labeled; Poshmark absorbs $45 of fee after August 1 2026, seller pays $5", "id": "usps-perfume", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-perfume/", "source": "https://blog.poshmark.com/2026/07/09/59935/", "source_quote": "regulated contents (perfume, nail polish, aerosol sprays, electronics with lithium-ion batteries)" }, { "item_category": "Perfume / cologne", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic US", "conditions": "Classified as flammable liquid due to alcohol content. Requires hazmat declaration and compliant packaging. $50 noncompliance fee if undeclared, effective July 12, 2026.", "id": "usps-perfume-cologne", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-perfume-cologne/", "source": "https://selleressentials.com/usps-hazmat-noncompliance-fee-2026/", "source_quote": "Perfume / cologne | Flammable liquid (alcohol) | UN1266" }, { "item_category": "Perfume containing alcohol", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic", "conditions": "may not be shipped internationally or mailed domestically using air transportation", "id": "usps-perfume-containing-alcohol", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-perfume-containing-alcohol/", "source": "https://www.usps.com/ship/shipping-restrictions.htm", "source_quote": "Perfume containing alcohol may not be shipped internationally or mailed domestically using air transportation." }, { "item_category": "Perfumes", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic, ground only", "conditions": "Perfume containing alcohol may not be shipped internationally or by air; may be shipped domestically by ground transportation", "id": "usps-perfumes", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-perfumes/", "source": "https://www.usps.com/ship/shipping-restrictions.htm", "source_quote": "Perfume containing alcohol may not be shipped internationally or mailed domestically using air transportation. Perfume containing alcohol, however, may be shipped within the United States by ground transportation.", "disagreements": [ { "field": "restriction_type", "versions": [ { "value": "restricted", "source": "https://www.usps.com/ship/shipping-restrictions.htm", "source_quote": "Perfume containing alcohol may not be shipped internationally or mailed domestically using air transportation. Perfume containing alcohol, however, may be shipped within the United States by ground transportation.", "as_of": "2026-08-03" }, { "value": "hazmat declaration required", "source": "https://www.valueaddedresource.net/poshmark-cover-usps-hazardous-non-compliance-fee/", "source_quote": "Some items, such as certain candles, perfumes, aerosols, nail polish, or items containing lithium batteries, may have special shipping requirements.", "as_of": "2026-08-04" } ] }, { "field": "scope", "versions": [ { "value": "domestic, ground only", "source": "https://www.usps.com/ship/shipping-restrictions.htm", "source_quote": "Perfume containing alcohol may not be shipped internationally or mailed domestically using air transportation. Perfume containing alcohol, however, may be shipped within the United States by ground transportation.", "as_of": "2026-08-03" }, { "value": "seller shipments (Etsy)", "source": "https://www.valueaddedresource.net/poshmark-cover-usps-hazardous-non-compliance-fee/", "source_quote": "Some items, such as certain candles, perfumes, aerosols, nail polish, or items containing lithium batteries, may have special shipping requirements.", "as_of": "2026-08-04" } ] }, { "field": "conditions", "versions": [ { "value": "Perfume containing alcohol may not be shipped internationally or by air; may be shipped domestically by ground transportation", "source": "https://www.usps.com/ship/shipping-restrictions.htm", "source_quote": "Perfume containing alcohol may not be shipped internationally or mailed domestically using air transportation. Perfume containing alcohol, however, may be shipped within the United States by ground transportation.", "as_of": "2026-08-03" }, { "value": "May have special shipping requirements under USPS hazardous materials rules; $50 noncompliance fee for undeclared or improperly prepared hazardous materials effective July 12 2026", "source": "https://www.valueaddedresource.net/poshmark-cover-usps-hazardous-non-compliance-fee/", "source_quote": "Some items, such as certain candles, perfumes, aerosols, nail polish, or items containing lithium batteries, may have special shipping requirements.", "as_of": "2026-08-04" } ] } ] }, { "item_category": "Perfumes and colognes", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "hazmat declaration required", "scope": "commercial package shipments", "conditions": "Listed by the Department of Transportation as posing a significant safety risk while being transported; $7.50 hazmat handling fee for Priority Mail; $50 noncompliance fee for packages not properly declared and labeled across all commercial packages including Ground Advantage (effective July 12 2026)", "id": "usps-perfumes-and-colognes", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-perfumes-and-colognes/", "source": "https://www.ecommercebytes.com/2026/07/05/new-usps-noncompliance-fee-could-take-sellers-by-surprise/", "source_quote": "Essential oils, nail polish (and nail polish remover), perfumes and colognes, hand sanitizer, inks, stains and varnishes, hairspray, and electronics with a lithium battery are among the products listed by the Department of Transportation as posing a significant safety risk while being transported." }, { "item_category": "Perishable Items", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic", "conditions": "must be specially packaged and mailed so that they arrive before they begin to deteriorate", "id": "usps-perishable-items", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-perishable-items/", "source": "https://www.usps.com/ship/shipping-restrictions.htm", "source_quote": "Perishable items are materials that can deteriorate in the mail, such as live animals, food, and plants. Permissible perishable items are sent at the mailer\u2019s own risk. These items must be specially packaged and mailed so that they arrive before they begin to deteriorate." }, { "item_category": "Pesticides, insecticides, herbicides with oral LD50 greater than 300 mg/kg (nonregulated)", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "all domestic mail", "conditions": "Mailable but must be packaged in rigid outer packaging per 339.4 and able to withstand normal transit; liquids must also follow 451.3(a)", "id": "usps-pesticides-insecticides-herbicides-with-oral-ld50-greater-than-300-mg-kg-nonregu", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-pesticides-insecticides-herbicides-with-oral-ld50-greater-than-300-mg-kg-nonregu/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_025.htm", "source_quote": "Liquids and solids such as pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, and irritating material ( 346.11 (b) ), that do not meet the classification criteria of a hazardous material per 49 CFR § 172.101 with an oral LD50 value greater than 300 mg/kg are mailable but must be packaged in rigid outer packaging" }, { "item_category": "Photographic mixtures \u2014 corrosive liquid solutions", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic mail via air or surface transportation", "conditions": "Acceptable if qualifies as Limited Quantity air or surface; Packaging Instruction 8A must be followed; may be co-packed with non-hazardous dry chemicals", "id": "usps-photographic-mixtures-corrosive-liquid-solutions", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-photographic-mixtures-corrosive-liquid-solutions/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_027.htm", "source_quote": "Photographic Mixtures: Acceptable if the corrosive liquid solutions for preparing photographic processing mixtures can qualify as a Limited Quantity air or Limited Quantity surface material." }, { "item_category": "Poisonous drugs and medicines", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic mail", "conditions": "Mailable only from manufacturers or dealers to licensed professionals (physicians, surgeons, dentists, pharmacists, etc.) per 18 U.S.C. 1716", "id": "usps-poisonous-drugs-and-medicines", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-poisonous-drugs-and-medicines/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_025.htm", "source_quote": "Poisonous Drugs and Medicines: Poisonous drugs and medicines may be sent only from manufacturers or dealers to licensed professionals, including physicians, surgeons, dentists, pharmacists, druggists, cosmetologists, barbers, and veterinarians" }, { "item_category": "Poisons", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic", "conditions": "Some poisons may be sent by air and ground transport, others only by ground", "id": "usps-poisons", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-poisons/", "source": "https://www.usps.com/ship/shipping-restrictions.htm", "source_quote": "Some poisons may be sent by air and ground transport, others only by ground." }, { "item_category": "Pool shock / chlorine tabs", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic US", "conditions": "Classified as oxidizer. Requires hazmat declaration. $50 noncompliance fee if undeclared, effective July 12, 2026.", "id": "usps-pool-shock-chlorine-tabs", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-pool-shock-chlorine-tabs/", "source": "https://selleressentials.com/usps-hazmat-noncompliance-fee-2026/", "source_quote": "Pool shock / chlorine tabs | Oxidizer | UN1748" }, { "item_category": "Portable chargers / power banks", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic US", "conditions": "Standalone lithium batteries require hazmat declaration at label creation. Must carry lithium battery mark (Class 9). $50 noncompliance fee if undeclared, effective July 12, 2026.", "id": "usps-portable-chargers-power-banks", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-portable-chargers-power-banks/", "source": "https://selleressentials.com/usps-hazmat-noncompliance-fee-2026/", "source_quote": "Portable chargers / power banks | Lithium battery (standalone) | UN3480" }, { "item_category": "Potassium peroxide", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "all mail", "conditions": "Nonmailable Division 5.1 oxidizing substance", "id": "usps-potassium-peroxide", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-potassium-peroxide/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_024.htm", "source_quote": "Potassium peroxide." }, { "item_category": "powders - dry materials that could cause damage", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "all domestic mail", "conditions": "Powders must be packed in sift-proof containers or other containers that are sealed in durable sift-proof outer containers", "id": "usps-powders-dry-materials-that-could-cause-damage", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-powders-dry-materials-that-could-cause-damage/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c4_018.htm", "source_quote": "Powders must be packed in sift-proof containers or other containers that are sealed in durable sift-proof outer containers." }, { "item_category": "prescription medications containing controlled substances", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "allowed", "scope": "domestic mail - from authorized dispensers", "conditions": "Prescription medicines containing mailable narcotic drugs (controlled substances) may be mailed only by drug manufacturers or their registered agents, pharmacies, medical practitioners, or other authorized dispensers, as permitted by 21 CFR Section 1307.11", "id": "usps-prescription-medications-containing-controlled-substances", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-prescription-medications-containing-controlled-substances/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c4_020.htm", "source_quote": "Prescription medicines containing mailable narcotic drugs (controlled substances), when mailed by drug manufacturers or their registered agents, pharmacies, medical practitioners, or other authorized dispensers" }, { "item_category": "Propane \u2014 Division 2.1 flammable gas", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic mail via surface transportation only", "conditions": "Mailable via surface transportation as Limited Quantity material only; air transportation is prohibited", "id": "usps-propane-division-2-1-flammable-gas", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-propane-division-2-1-flammable-gas/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_021.htm", "source_quote": "Propane: Division 2.1 flammable gas. Propane is mailable via surface transportation as a Limited Quantity material only. Air transportation is prohibited." }, { "item_category": "queen honeybees", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic mail - air or surface transportation", "conditions": "May be shipped via air or surface transportation; each mailpiece shipped via air is limited to one queen and eight or fewer attendant honeybees; must be plainly marked 'Live Queen Bees'", "id": "usps-queen-honeybees", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-queen-honeybees/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c5_009.htm", "source_quote": "Queen Honeybees: May be shipped via air or surface transportation. Each mailpiece shipped via air transportation is limited to one queen and eight or less attendant honeybees." }, { "item_category": "Radioactive instruments and articles (UN2911) \u2014 clocks, electronic tubes", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic mail via surface transportation", "conditions": "Mailable if activity does not exceed limits in Exhibit 347.22; classified as excepted package for simplified handling per 49 CFR 172.101; must follow Packaging Instruction 7A", "id": "usps-radioactive-instruments-and-articles-un2911-clocks-electronic-tubes", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-radioactive-instruments-and-articles-un2911-clocks-electronic-tubes/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_026.htm", "source_quote": "UN2911: Low-risk items like clocks, electronic tubes, or similar devices with radioactive materials in gas or solid form, classified as \"excepted package\" for simplified handling under 49 CFR § 172.101." }, { "item_category": "Radioactive materials bearing Class 7 labels \u2014 international mail", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "international mail", "conditions": "Radioactive materials bearing or required to bear a Class 7 Radioactive White-I, Yellow-II, or Yellow-III label are prohibited; eligible shipments may only go via First-Class Package International Service with Registered Mail", "id": "usps-radioactive-materials-bearing-class-7-labels-international-mail", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-radioactive-materials-bearing-class-7-labels-international-mail/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_026.htm", "source_quote": "International Mail: Radioactive materials bearing or required to bear a Class 7 Radioactive White-I, Radioactive Yellow-II, or Radioactive Yellow-III hazardous materials warning label" }, { "item_category": "Radioactive materials bearing Class 7 labels or Fissile label \u2014 domestic surface", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "domestic mail via surface transportation", "conditions": "Radioactive materials bearing or required to bear Radioactive White-I, Yellow-II, Yellow-III, or Fissile label are prohibited from domestic surface mail", "id": "usps-radioactive-materials-bearing-class-7-labels-or-fissile-label-domestic-surface", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-radioactive-materials-bearing-class-7-labels-or-fissile-label-domestic-surface/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_026.htm", "source_quote": "Domestic Mail via Surface Transportation: Radioactive materials bearing or required to bear a Class 7 Radioactive White-I, Radioactive Yellow-II, Radioactive Yellow-III hazardous materials warning label, or the Fissile label" }, { "item_category": "Radioactive materials (Hazard Class 7) \u2014 domestic air", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "domestic mail via air transportation", "conditions": "All radioactive materials are prohibited from domestic air mail", "id": "usps-radioactive-materials-hazard-class-7-domestic-air", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-radioactive-materials-hazard-class-7-domestic-air/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_026.htm", "source_quote": "Domestic Mail via Air Transportation: All radioactive materials are prohibited." }, { "item_category": "Regulated magnetized materials \u2014 international mail", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "international mail", "conditions": "Regulated magnetized materials are prohibited from international mail; only non-regulated materials with field strength below 0.002 gauss at 7 feet may be mailed internationally", "id": "usps-regulated-magnetized-materials-international-mail", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-regulated-magnetized-materials-international-mail/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_028.htm", "source_quote": "International Mail: Only non-regulated magnetized materials with a magnetic field strength below 0.002 gauss at a distance of 7 feet may be mailed internationally. Regulated magnetized materials are prohibited" }, { "item_category": "rifles and shotguns - unloaded, intrastate", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "allowed", "scope": "domestic mail - intrastate shipments", "conditions": "Subject to state regulations; mailpiece must display Return Service Requested endorsement and be shipped using tracking and signature capture service", "id": "usps-rifles-and-shotguns-unloaded-intrastate", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-rifles-and-shotguns-unloaded-intrastate/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c4_010.htm", "source_quote": "unloaded rifles and shotguns are mailable. Mailers must comply with the rules and regulations per 27 CFR, Part 478, as well as state and local laws." }, { "item_category": "Safety Fuses (UN0105, Division 1.4S)", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic surface transportation only", "conditions": "Mailable only with prior written approval from director, Product Classification; must be prepared per Packaging Instruction 1B; shipping paper required", "id": "usps-safety-fuses-un0105-division-1-4s", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-safety-fuses-un0105-division-1-4s/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_020.htm", "source_quote": "Safety Fuses (UN0105): Consists of a black powder core over-spun with yarns, waterproofing compounds, and/or tapes. Safety fuses identified as UN0105 and classified as Division 1.4S are mailable only when prior written approval has been granted by the director, Product Classification" }, { "item_category": "Safety Matches", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "international", "conditions": "Safety matches must be sent via ground transportation and cannot be mailed internationally.", "id": "usps-safety-matches", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-safety-matches/", "source": "https://www.usps.com/ship/shipping-restrictions.htm", "source_quote": "Safety matches must be sent via ground transportation and cannot be mailed internationally." }, { "item_category": "Safety matches (book, card, or strike-on-box)", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic mail via surface transportation only", "conditions": "Permitted only in domestic mail via surface transportation; must follow Packaging Instruction 4B; mailpieces marked 'Surface Only' or 'Surface Mail Only'", "id": "usps-safety-matches-book-card-or-strike-on-box", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-safety-matches-book-card-or-strike-on-box/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_023.htm", "source_quote": "Safety matches: Book, card, or strike-on-box safety matches are permitted only in domestic mail via surface transportation." }, { "item_category": "Sharps and regulated medical waste containing Category B infectious substance (UN3291)", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic mail via USPS Ground Advantage only", "conditions": "Permitted via USPS Returns Service via USPS Ground Advantage only; vendor must obtain prior authorization; strict packaging, testing, labeling requirements apply", "id": "usps-sharps-and-regulated-medical-waste-containing-category-b-infectious-substance-un", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-sharps-and-regulated-medical-waste-containing-category-b-infectious-substance-un/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_025.htm", "source_quote": "Regulated medical waste and sharps medical waste as defined in 346.12 ( f ) and 346.12 ( g ) and containing materials classified as Category B infectious substances must be marked UN3291 and are permitted for mailing only using USPS Returns Service (refer to DMM 505.3) via USPS Ground Advantage service." }, { "item_category": "short-barreled rifles or shotguns - concealable", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "all domestic mail", "conditions": "Short-barreled rifles or shotguns that can be concealed on the person are nonmailable", "id": "usps-short-barreled-rifles-or-shotguns-concealable", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-short-barreled-rifles-or-shotguns-concealable/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c4_010.htm", "source_quote": "Short-barreled rifles or shotguns that can be concealed on the person are nonmailable." }, { "item_category": "Shotgun hulls, empty casings, nonmetallic shotgun hulls, or casings without primers", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "allowed", "scope": "all domestic mail", "conditions": "Not classified as explosives or hazardous materials under 49 CFR; mailable subject to applicable mailing rules", "id": "usps-shotgun-hulls-empty-casings-nonmetallic-shotgun-hulls-or-casings-without-primers", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-shotgun-hulls-empty-casings-nonmetallic-shotgun-hulls-or-casings-without-primers/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_020.htm", "source_quote": "Shotgun Hulls, Empty Casings, Nonmetallic Shotgun Hulls, or Casings Without Primers: These articles are not classified as explosives or hazardous materials under 49 CFR and, therefore, are mailable" }, { "item_category": "Small Arms Ammunition regulated as Class 1 explosive", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "all mail", "conditions": "Ammunition regulated as Class 1 explosive fired from pistol, revolver, rifle, or shotgun; associated primers, blank cartridges, and propellant powder are prohibited", "id": "usps-small-arms-ammunition-regulated-as-class-1-explosive", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-small-arms-ammunition-regulated-as-class-1-explosive/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_020.htm", "source_quote": "Ammunition that is regulated as a Class 1 explosive and designed to be fired from a pistol, revolver, rifle, or shotgun, as well as associated primers and blank cartridges (including those designed for tools) and propellant powder for use in any firearm, is prohibited from mailing." }, { "item_category": "Small consumer-type lithium-ion batteries in equipment (up to 20 Wh per cell, 100 Wh per battery)", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic mail via air and surface transportation", "conditions": "Mailable via air and surface; cells not to exceed 20 Wh, batteries not to exceed 100 Wh; up to 8 cells or 2 batteries per mailpiece; must display DOT-approved lithium battery mark", "id": "usps-small-consumer-type-lithium-ion-batteries-in-equipment-up-to-20-wh-per-cell-100-", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-small-consumer-type-lithium-ion-batteries-in-equipment-up-to-20-wh-per-cell-100-/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_028.htm", "source_quote": "Small consumer-type lithium-ion cells and batteries (also called secondary lithium cells or batteries), such as those used to power cell phones and laptop computers, are only mailable domestically under the following conditions." }, { "item_category": "Small consumer-type lithium metal batteries in equipment (up to 1g per cell, 2g per battery)", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic mail via air and surface transportation", "conditions": "Mailable via air and surface; cells not to exceed 1g lithium, batteries not to exceed 2g lithium; up to 8 cells or 2 batteries per mailpiece; must display DOT-approved lithium battery mark", "id": "usps-small-consumer-type-lithium-metal-batteries-in-equipment-up-to-1g-per-cell-2g-pe", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-small-consumer-type-lithium-metal-batteries-in-equipment-up-to-1g-per-cell-2g-pe/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_028.htm", "source_quote": "Small consumer-type lithium metal cells or batteries (also called primary lithium cells or batteries), such as those used to power cameras or flashlights, are mailable domestically under the following conditions." }, { "item_category": "small harmless cold-blooded animals (except snakes, turtles, turtle eggs)", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "allowed", "scope": "domestic mail", "conditions": "Mailable only when they meet specific requirements including ability to reach destination in good condition, not requiring food or water (except fish), not creating sanitary problems or obnoxious odors; includes baby alligators, chameleons, frogs, lizards, newts, salamanders, tadpoles, goldfish, tropical fish, worms, leeches, snails, and nonpoisonous insects", "id": "usps-small-harmless-cold-blooded-animals-except-snakes-turtles-turtle-eggs", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-small-harmless-cold-blooded-animals-except-snakes-turtles-turtle-eggs/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c5_009.htm", "source_quote": "Small, harmless, cold-blooded animals, except for snakes, turtles, and turtle eggs, are mailable only when they meet requirements specified in Exhibit 526.6" }, { "item_category": "smokeless tobacco", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "all domestic mail", "conditions": "Any finely cut, ground, powdered, or leaf tobacco intended to be placed in the oral or nasal cavity or otherwise consumed without combustion", "id": "usps-smokeless-tobacco", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-smokeless-tobacco/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c4_026.htm", "source_quote": "Smokeless Tobacco: Any finely cut, ground, powdered, or leaf tobacco intended to be placed in the oral or nasal cavity or otherwise consumed without combustion." }, { "item_category": "snakes, turtles, and poisonous reptiles", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "all domestic mail", "conditions": "All snakes, turtles, and poisonous reptiles are nonmailable", "id": "usps-snakes-turtles-and-poisonous-reptiles", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-snakes-turtles-and-poisonous-reptiles/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c5_008.htm", "source_quote": "All snakes, turtles, and poisonous reptiles are nonmailable." }, { "item_category": "Sodium chlorite", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "all mail", "conditions": "Nonmailable Division 5.1 oxidizing substance", "id": "usps-sodium-chlorite", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-sodium-chlorite/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_024.htm", "source_quote": "Sodium chlorite." }, { "item_category": "Spray paint (aerosol)", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic US", "conditions": "Classified as flammable aerosol. Requires hazmat declaration and rigid outer packaging. $50 noncompliance fee if undeclared, effective July 12, 2026.", "id": "usps-spray-paint-aerosol", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-spray-paint-aerosol/", "source": "https://selleressentials.com/usps-hazmat-noncompliance-fee-2026/", "source_quote": "Spray paint | Flammable aerosol | UN1950" }, { "item_category": "Strike-Anywhere Matches", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "domestic", "conditions": "Strike-anywhere matches may not be mailed domestically.", "id": "usps-strike-anywhere-matches", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-strike-anywhere-matches/", "source": "https://www.usps.com/ship/shipping-restrictions.htm", "source_quote": "Strike-anywhere matches may not be mailed domestically.", "disagreements": [ { "field": "item_category", "versions": [ { "value": "Strike-Anywhere Matches", "source": "https://www.usps.com/ship/shipping-restrictions.htm", "source_quote": "Strike-anywhere matches may not be mailed domestically.", "as_of": "2026-08-03" }, { "value": "Strike-anywhere matches", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_023.htm", "source_quote": "Strike-anywhere matches and safety matches are examples of flammable solids. All flammable solids are prohibited in domestic air transportation and in international mail.", "as_of": "2026-08-04" } ] }, { "field": "scope", "versions": [ { "value": "domestic", "source": "https://www.usps.com/ship/shipping-restrictions.htm", "source_quote": "Strike-anywhere matches may not be mailed domestically.", "as_of": "2026-08-03" }, { "value": "all mail", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_023.htm", "source_quote": "Strike-anywhere matches and safety matches are examples of flammable solids. All flammable solids are prohibited in domestic air transportation and in international mail.", "as_of": "2026-08-04" } ] }, { "field": "conditions", "versions": [ { "value": "Strike-anywhere matches may not be mailed domestically.", "source": "https://www.usps.com/ship/shipping-restrictions.htm", "source_quote": "Strike-anywhere matches may not be mailed domestically.", "as_of": "2026-08-03" }, { "value": "Strike-anywhere matches are nonmailable flammable solids", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_023.htm", "source_quote": "Strike-anywhere matches and safety matches are examples of flammable solids. All flammable solids are prohibited in domestic air transportation and in international mail.", "as_of": "2026-08-04" } ] } ] }, { "item_category": "Strong magnets (rare-earth, magnetic phone mounts, certain speakers, magnetic toys)", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic US", "conditions": "Classified as hazardous due to magnetic field strength. Requires hazmat declaration. $50 noncompliance fee if undeclared, effective July 12, 2026.", "id": "usps-strong-magnets-rare-earth-magnetic-phone-mounts-certain-speakers-magnetic-toys", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-strong-magnets-rare-earth-magnetic-phone-mounts-certain-speakers-magnetic-toys/", "source": "https://selleressentials.com/usps-hazmat-noncompliance-fee-2026/", "source_quote": "Strong magnets \u2014 rare-earth magnets, magnetic phone mounts, certain speakers, magnetic toys" }, { "item_category": "Sulfuric acid (UN2796)", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic mail via air or surface transportation", "conditions": "Acceptable only in solutions of 25% or less acid that qualify as Limited Quantity air or surface; Packaging Instruction 8A must be followed", "id": "usps-sulfuric-acid-un2796", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-sulfuric-acid-un2796/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_027.htm", "source_quote": "Sulfuric Acid (UN2796): Acceptable only in solutions of 25 percent or less acid that can qualify as a Limited Quantity air or Limited Quantity surface material." }, { "item_category": "switchblade knife", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "all domestic mail", "conditions": "A switchblade knife features a blade that opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button or other device on the handle, or through inertia, gravity, or both; mailable only to specific government and manufacturer recipients", "id": "usps-switchblade-knife", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-switchblade-knife/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c4_014.htm", "source_quote": "A switchblade knife features a blade that opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button or other device on the handle, or through inertia, gravity, or both." }, { "item_category": "switchblade knife - manufacturer or dealer to authorized recipients", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "allowed", "scope": "domestic mail - from authorized manufacturers or dealers to authorized recipients", "conditions": "Authorized manufacturers or bona fide dealers may mail switchblade knives to government procurement officials or authorized recipients in connection with official procurement or resale", "id": "usps-switchblade-knife-manufacturer-or-dealer-to-authorized-recipients", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-switchblade-knife-manufacturer-or-dealer-to-authorized-recipients/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c4_015.htm", "source_quote": "Authorized manufacturers or bona fide dealers may mail switchblade knives to addresses within one of the categories listed above in connection with official procurement or resale." }, { "item_category": "switchblade knife - to government procurement officials", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "allowed", "scope": "domestic mail - to government supply or procurement officials only", "conditions": "Mailable only to designated government officers or employees ordering or procuring switchblade knives in connection with government activities, including federal civilian and armed forces, National Guard, Air National Guard, militia, and municipal government supply or procurement officers", "id": "usps-switchblade-knife-to-government-procurement-officials", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-switchblade-knife-to-government-procurement-officials/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c4_015.htm", "source_quote": "Government Supply or Procurement Officials: Designated officers or employees ordering, procuring, or purchasing switchblade knives in connection with the activities of their respective governments or organizations" }, { "item_category": "Tear gas", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "all mail", "conditions": "Nonmailable irritating material; exceptions may exist for those containing oleoresin capsicum", "id": "usps-tear-gas", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-tear-gas/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_025.htm", "source_quote": "Tear gas (UN1700, NA1693, and UN1693), except for those containing oleoresin capsicum." }, { "item_category": "Tetranitromethane", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "all mail", "conditions": "Nonmailable Division 5.1 oxidizing substance", "id": "usps-tetranitromethane", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-tetranitromethane/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_024.htm", "source_quote": "Tetranitromethane." }, { "item_category": "Toxic gases (Division 2.3)", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "all mail", "conditions": "All Division 2.3 toxic gases are prohibited from mailing", "id": "usps-toxic-gases-division-2-3", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-toxic-gases-division-2-3/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_021.htm", "source_quote": "Toxic Gases: All Division 2.3 toxic gases are prohibited from mailing." }, { "item_category": "Toxic substances with LD50 oral toxicity greater than 5 mg/kg but no more than 50 mg/kg", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic mail", "conditions": "Mailable only when sent between authorized parties (manufacturers, dealers, bona fide research labs, or government employees for official use); for domestic air a Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods is required", "id": "usps-toxic-substances-with-ld50-oral-toxicity-greater-than-5-mg-kg-but-no-more-than-5", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-toxic-substances-with-ld50-oral-toxicity-greater-than-5-mg-kg-but-no-more-than-5/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_025.htm", "source_quote": "Toxic Substances with LD 50 Oral Toxicity of 50 mg/kg or Less: Division 6.1 toxic substances having LD 50 for oral toxicity greater than 5 mg/kg but less than or equal to 50 mg/kg are mailable only when sent between authorized parties under specified conditions" }, { "item_category": "Toy Propellant Devices (UN0454 or NA0323, Division 1.4S)", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic mail via surface transportation only", "conditions": "Mailable via surface transportation with prior written permission from director, Product Classification; must meet strict requirements on size, design, and packaging; shipping paper required", "id": "usps-toy-propellant-devices-un0454-or-na0323-division-1-4s", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-toy-propellant-devices-un0454-or-na0323-division-1-4s/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_020.htm", "source_quote": "Toy Propellant Devices (e.g., model rocket motors or igniters) (UN0454 or NA0323): Classified as Division 1.4S, these devices may be mailed via surface transportation with prior written permission from the director, Product Classification" }, { "item_category": "Used, damaged, or defective electronic devices", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "international mail and domestic air transportation", "conditions": "Prohibited from international mail and domestic air transportation; exceptions for new devices in original packaging or manufacturer-certified new/refurbished devices; surface transport must mark with 'Restricted Electronic Device' and 'Surface Transportation Only'", "id": "usps-used-damaged-or-defective-electronic-devices", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-used-damaged-or-defective-electronic-devices/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_028.htm", "source_quote": "Used, Damaged, or Defective Electronic Devices: Used, damaged, or defective electronic devices in international mail or domestic air transportation, except for new devices in original packaging or manufacturer-certified new or refurbished devices." }, { "item_category": "Used health care products (not suspected to contain Category A)", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic mail via Priority Mail or Priority Mail Express only", "conditions": "Mailable with Priority Mail or Priority Mail Express when being returned to manufacturer or manufacturer's designee; must meet specific packaging requirements", "id": "usps-used-health-care-products-not-suspected-to-contain-category-a", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-used-health-care-products-not-suspected-to-contain-category-a/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_025.htm", "source_quote": "a used health care product not suspected to contain an infectious material, or that is known or suspected to contain a Category B infectious substance and is being returned to the manufacturer or manufacturer‘s designee, is mailable with Priority Mail or Priority Mail Express" }, { "item_category": "Used healthcare products containing Category A infectious substance", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "all mail", "conditions": "Used healthcare products containing a Category A infectious substance are nonmailable", "id": "usps-used-healthcare-products-containing-category-a-infectious-substance", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-used-healthcare-products-containing-category-a-infectious-substance/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_025.htm", "source_quote": "Used Healthcare Products: Used healthcare products containing a Category A infectious substance." }, { "item_category": "warm-blooded animals (cats, dogs, guinea pigs, hamsters, mice, rabbits, rats, squirrels)", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "all domestic mail", "conditions": "Warm-blooded animals, except for adult birds and specified day-old birds, are not mailable; nonmailable list includes cats or kittens, dogs or puppies, guinea pigs, hamsters, mice, rabbits, rats, squirrels and flying squirrels", "id": "usps-warm-blooded-animals-cats-dogs-guinea-pigs-hamsters-mice-rabbits-rats-squirrels", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-warm-blooded-animals-cats-dogs-guinea-pigs-hamsters-mice-rabbits-rats-squirrels/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c5_008.htm", "source_quote": "Warm-blooded animals, except for adult birds and specified day-old birds under the specific conditions in this section, are not mailable." }, { "item_category": "Waxes and polishes (flammable or combustible liquid)", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic mail via surface transportation", "conditions": "Mailable if qualify as Limited Quantity surface materials and meet conditions; Packaging Instruction 3A or 3B as applicable", "id": "usps-waxes-and-polishes-flammable-or-combustible-liquid", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-waxes-and-polishes-flammable-or-combustible-liquid/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_022.htm", "source_quote": "Waxes and Polishes: Considered flammable or combustible liquids with varying flashpoints. It is mailable if they qualify as Limited Quantity surface materials" }, { "item_category": "Wireless earbuds", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "restricted", "scope": "domestic US", "conditions": "Requires hazmat declaration at label creation (Service Type Code), DOT Class 9 hazard label (lithium battery mark), and rigid outer packaging. Cannot be shipped via air modes without proper declaration. $50 noncompliance fee if undeclared, effective July 12, 2026.", "id": "usps-wireless-earbuds", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-wireless-earbuds/", "source": "https://selleressentials.com/usps-hazmat-noncompliance-fee-2026/", "source_quote": "Wireless earbuds | Lithium battery (packed with equipment) | UN3481" }, { "item_category": "Zinc ammonium nitrate", "carrier": "USPS", "restriction_type": "prohibited", "scope": "all mail", "conditions": "Nonmailable Division 5.1 oxidizing substance", "id": "usps-zinc-ammonium-nitrate", "url": "https://referencesource.org/shipping-restrictions-by-class/usps-zinc-ammonium-nitrate/", "source": "https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_024.htm", "source_quote": "Zinc ammonium nitrate." } ] }