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The safety and security of the mail is our top priority. The Aviation Mail Security and Hazardous Materials Programs provide a safe environment for our customers, employees, and the traveling public. For more information, see frequently asked questions.
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Aviation Mail Security Program
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Due to heightened security, all mailpieces weighing over 13 ounces bearing only postage stamps as postage must be presented to an employee at a retail service counter at a Post Office. Mailpieces weighing over 13 ounces bearing only postage stamps as postage deposited in collection boxes, lobby drops, or left on counters, in lobbies, or on postal docks will be returned to the sender. Mailpieces weighing over 13 ounces bearing only postage stamps as postage that are left in customer mailboxes will not be picked up by the carrier. Instead, the carrier will return the mailpiece to the customer's mailbox.
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What is a Hazardous Material?
Hazardous materials come in a wide variety of forms and can be chemical, biological, radioactive, or a combination thereof. If a material or substance can cause harm to someone or something, it can be considered a hazardous material.
The Postal Service’s definition of a hazardous material includes many common household and consumer products. These items may not be hazardous during normal use or storage in your home but can present a significant hazard when placed in the mail due to vibration, temperature changes, and variations in atmospheric pressure.
Some examples of commonly-used items restricted or considered hazardous under USPS regulations include:
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Perfumes |
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Nail polish |
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Flea collars or flea sprays |
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Aerosols |
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Bleach |
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Pool chemicals |
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Paints |
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Matches |
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Batteries |
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Fuels or gasoline |
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Airbags |
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Dry ice |
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Mercury thermometers |
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Cleaning supplies |
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Items previously containing fuel |
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Glues |
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Fireworks |
Other items, such as alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, liquor), are not considered hazardous but are prohibited and boxes displaying such markings are also prohibited.
If you are unsure whether a material is considered hazardous or is prohibited, please contact 1-800-ASK-USPS or your local Business Mail Entry Unit.
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Resources to Help Determine Mailability
1. Poster of the most relevant information on hazardous materials:
Poster 138 - (PDF) | (HTML)
2. The mailing standards of the United States Postal Service:
Domestic Mail Manual 601.8
3. Information on what may be mailed and how items must be packaged and labeled:
Publication 52, Hazardous, Restricted and Perishable Mail - (PDF) | (HTML)
4. Notice on hazardous materials found in all USPS retail locations:
Notice 107, Let’s Keep the Mail Safe – (PDF) | (HTML)
5. Notice on hazardous materials available from USPS letter carriers:
Notice 128, The Safety of the Mail is Everyone’s Responsibility – (PDF) | (HTML)
6. Post Office lobby poster:
Poster 37, It's What's Inside and How It's Packed – (PDF) | (HTML)
7. USPS workplace poster:
Poster 298, Department of Transportation Hazardous Materials Warning Labels and Markings – (PDF) | (HTML)
Download Adobe Acrobat Reader
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Hazardous Materials Program
Mailers are responsible for the following:
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Ensuring no hazardous material is mailed unless it is permitted under Postal Service mailing standards described in the Domestic Mail Manual 601.10. |
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Knowing the physical characteristics of the hazardous materials they wish to mail. |
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Making sure all Postal Service regulations are followed regarding the packaging, markings, labeling, and declaration of hazardous materials placed in the mail. |
Reused packaging and boxes are only acceptable when all markings and labels are removed or completely marked out so they cannot be read. Regardless of what is actually inside your package, markings or labels for hazardous or restricted materials may prevent your package from being delivered. For more information, see Domestic Mail Manual 601.5.1.b.
Failure to comply with any USPS requirements may result in the delay or non-delivery of your item.
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