This post may contain affiliate links.
Americans across the United States use the U.S. Mail daily and rely upon the postal service to ship numerous items for personal and business purposes. On average, the Postal Service processes 318 million mail pieces daily, 13.3 million each hour, 221,000 each minute, and 3,684 each second. However, people may not know that certain items and substances should never enter the mail system.
Many everyday items are prohibited from mailing due to their hazardous or illegal nature, which poses risks during transit or violates regulatory requirements. Some products may be shipped with special handling procedures, while others are outright banned due to their inherent dangers.
Air Bags
Airbags are crucial safety features in vehicles, and their mailing is illegal due to their explosive nature. The chemicals used in deploying an airbag during an accident make them fall under the category of hazardous materials according to the regulations at USPS. Shipping airbags must be done with very strict rules to avoid their accidental activation, which could cause serious injuries during shipment.
Only carriers certified to carry hazardous materials are permitted to transport hazardous materials, and only by packaging and labeling regulations. Mailing airbags without proper authorization violates federal regulations and may be subject to severe penalties.
Gasoline
Gasoline is a highly flammable liquid. It is against the law to send it through the United States mail system. Gasoline is considered hazardous due to its low flashpoint and volatility, creating a severe hazard in transportation. Even less than a gallon of gasoline, or any container that previously contained gasoline and has residue inside, could ignite and create a dangerous situation for workers and postal facilities.
Due to these risks, the USPS will not allow the mailing of gasoline by ground or air transportation method. Those who need to ship gas must hire authorized movers who are hazmat certified, using specific, strict packaging and labeling rules to ensure the public’s safety.
Marijuana
Marijuana, although legal in many states, continues to be illegal to mail because of federal laws and regulations. The USPS, because it is a part of the federal government, abides by these laws, which continue to classify marijuana as a Schedule I controlled substance.
Mailing marijuana might result in criminal charges as the postal inspectors check the packages for unlawful contents. A business or company has to look for some other legal way to transport marijuana without violating both state and federal laws.
Aerosols
Aerosols are significantly restricted to mail as most contain flammable or pressurized ingredients. Typical examples include spray paints, deodorants, and household cleaners, all of which have safety hazards if not handled carefully. Ground transportation allows most aerosols in limited quantities, as they present a risk in air transportation.
They must be packaged to prevent leakage or puncture, and the mailer must properly label the package as hazardous material. Mailers sending aerosols should refer to USPS Publication 52 for instructions to avoid fines or rejected shipments.
Alcoholic Beverages
Mailing alcoholic beverages is restricted to senders who have specific licenses. The only limited exceptions for mailing include industrial, medicinal, or scientific purposes and only when all legal requirements are satisfied. The USPS requires any boxes that have been previously used and bear the logo or branding of an alcohol company to have the labels and logos removed to avoid confusion.
Private carriers, such as FedEx or UPS, may permit shipping, but only if strict guidelines concerning packaging and labeling are followed. Mailers should check all requirements before sending wine, beer, or spirits.
Cigarettes, Cigars, & Tobacco
Cigarettes and smokeless tobacco have heavy restrictions, with only a few exceptions, such as gift shipments or for regulatory purposes. Mailing tobacco products domestically to states like Alaska or Hawaii is possible under narrow guidelines.
However, there are age requirements for recipients to be verified at the post office. Cigars have fewer restrictions on them, but shipping tobacco internationally or to military addresses often faces local taboos.
Cremated Remains
The United States Postal Service provides special mailing services for cremated remains, keeping the sensitivity of such items in mind. To ensure timely delivery, only Priority Mail Express can be used for this service. Packaging requires an inner sealed container and correct labeling, including an official “Cremated Remains” sticker.
To assist customers in compliance, shipping kits designed for these shipments can be provided free of charge. Other carriers generally do not accept cremated remains; hence, USPS is the carrier most trusted for these shipments.
Dry Ice
Dry ice is permitted as a refrigerant in the mail under specific packaging standards. Carbon dioxide released during sublimation must escape safely, so ventilated containers are required. While commonly used for shipping perishables like food or medical samples, dry ice is hazardous if mishandled.
Mailers must include labels indicating the presence and weight of dry ice on the package. USPS does not allow international dry ice shipping; it is restricted to domestic ground transportation only.
Firearms
Mailing firearms is highly regulated and restricted to licensed dealers and manufacturers. Handguns are largely prohibited, except under rare, specific regulatory circumstances.
Rifles and shotguns may be mailed domestically, provided that the sender and the addressee comply with state and federal law. Mailers must also package unloaded weapons separately from any accompanying ammunition.
Adhesives
Flammable adhesives are hazardous materials and have tight mailing restrictions. The mailer must know the adhesive’s flashpoint and label the package as hazardous. Consumer-grade glue in small quantities may be mailed; however, shipment is limited to ground transportation to prevent any hazard.
Some adhesives, especially industrial-grade ones, have additional approvals and special packaging. Always check with the USPS for guidelines and verify if your particular adhesive product is qualified to be sent.
Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer is a flammable hazardous material, and as such, it is subject to the USPS mailing standards. Because of its alcohol content, these materials are only mailable by surface transportation within the United States. Mailers must use the USPS Ground Advantage-approved services and package items according to HAZMAT standards.
Safety concerns exclude international shipping and APO/FPO addresses from eligibility. Reviewing product specifications and consulting postal staff are vital before shipping sanitizers.
Hemp Products
Hemp products containing CBD can be mailed, provided they contain no more than 0.3% THC and meet federal and state laws. Documentation of mailers, including lab results and licenses, must be kept for two years to prove legality in case of questions. International shipment and shipment to military addresses are still banned since laws differ.
Packaging must correspond to the legal requirements and should not include misleading claims or unclear labeling. Failure to follow strict rules may result in confiscation and possible penalties.
Lithium Batteries
Lithium batteries are usually mailed domestically but under specific conditions that avoid fire or explosions. This usually allows small-sized batteries consumers use in cameras or phones, provided they must be well packed to prevent a short circuit.
Ground transportation is required for any damaged or defective battery with clear labels that indicate restricted materials. Due to the higher risks, air carriage of such batteries is prohibited. In international mailing, extra restrictions apply, and prior approval is required in many instances.
Live Animals
Live animals, including poultry, bees, and some reptiles, can be mailed only under controlled conditions. The packaging must have proper ventilation and protect the animals from harm during transportation. USPS does not allow the mailing of warm-blooded pets and refers such shipments to other specialized carriers.
Special routes and transportation schedules must be followed to move the live cargo. Knowing the animal’s needs and understanding the USPS regulations will ensure humane compliance during mailing.
Matches
Safety matches are flammable and can be mailed domestically only by ground transportation. Strike-anywhere matches, which can be ignited by friction, are not mailable. Safety matches are mailed subject to the packaging and labeling requirements for hazardous materials.
Mailing any match is prohibited under international postal laws and regulations. The distinctions are necessary so mailers can avoid a monetary fine or the seizure of items restricted or prohibited from mailing.
Medicines & Prescription Drugs
Prescription drugs can only be mailed by authorized distributors or medical professionals registered with the DEA. Individuals cannot mail controlled substances unless returning them to a licensed entity, such as a manufacturer. Over-the-counter medications must pass federal and state safety regulations.
The USPS has packaging and labeling guidelines to minimize misuse or damage risks. Medications mailed internationally have even more legal barriers, with documentation and approval generally required.
Mercury
Liquid mercury, as a toxic substance, is outright prohibited in the mail due to its dangerous nature. Mercury-containing devices, such as thermometers and barometers, are restricted but may be mailed under specific conditions. Compact fluorescent light bulbs with small amounts of mercury vapor can be sent, provided they are properly packaged.
Mailers must refer to Publication 52 for packaging and labeling requirements for mercury items. Alternative carriers may be necessary for shipping bulk mercury or antique items containing visible liquid.
Nail Polish
Nail polish containing flammable ingredients is hazardous and must be mailed by ground. Nonflammable formulas face less restriction yet must be appropriately packed to prevent leakage. The mailer is responsible for knowing the chemical nature of the polish before mailing.
USPS regulates the safe mailing of hazardous liquids. Generally speaking, international mailing of nail polish is not acceptable; most of these rules are driven by international transportation safety standards.
Paint
Flammable and combustible paints can be mailed domestically but require compliance with packaging and labeling regulations. Water-based paints, being nonflammable, face fewer restrictions and may qualify for air transportation. Mailers must identify the paint’s flashpoint and package it in leak-proof containers.
ORM-D labeling is necessary to indicate the classification of hazardous paints. International shipping should verify destination-specific rules, as many countries impose stricter restrictions on hazardous items.
Perfumes
Perfumes with alcohol can only be sent by ground transportation domestically and cannot be sent by air transport at all. Alcohol-free perfumes have fewer restrictions, thus making them easier to send. The sender must ensure the packaging is leak-proof to avoid product leakage to the surrounding parcels.
International mailing that involves alcohol-based perfumes is not allowed due to safety issues. Proper documentation and adherence to guidelines set by the USPS on hazardous materials will facilitate the mailing of eligible products with ease.
Perishable Items
Food and other perishable items must be packaged carefully to survive shipment conditions. The USPS ships these items at the sender’s risk but advises senders to expedite delivery so they do not spoil. Shipping perishables may require extra temperature control materials, including insulation or refrigeration packs.
Perishables are often sent by ground transport to maintain freshness during shipment. To properly ship an item with the USPS, one must understand exactly what type of perishable shipping is involved.
Poisons
Poisons are highly regulated and often considered hazardous materials for mailing purposes. Some toxic materials are permissible to send, but only under specific packaging and labeling circumstances. For example, liquid poisons can be mailed domestically but must be sent with spill-proof packaging and hazard warnings.
Generally, international mailing is not acceptable with poisonous substances, as safety standards cross borders. Consulting a USPS guideline helps identify if a specific poison qualifies for mailing under restricted conditions.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights
Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights
How to Clean Your Smoker Grill Combo Like a Pro
