Help Us Keep the Mail Safe
Keeping the mail safe is a top priority at USPS®. Avoid delay in your shipments by following these simple guidelines.
Only stamped mailpieces weighing 13 oz or less can be put in a blue collection box, lobby drop, USPS self-service kiosks or any other unattended location.
If your mailpiece weighs more than 13 oz and is bearing only stamps as postage, you’ll need to take it to the retail counter of a Post Office™, Contract Postal Unit, or Approved Shipper location. If left in a mailbox, it won’t be picked up; if dropped in a collection box or lobby drop, it will be returned to you.
Don't send international mail without first checking if it can be accepted at your preferred drop-off location.
Any mailpiece, including mail destined to APO/FPO/DPO addresses, with a customs declaration form that was not completed and submitted online (e.g., using Click-N-Ship®) must be presented by the customer to an employee at a retail service counter at a Post Office™ location. In addition, any mailpiece that requires a customs declaration form and bears postage stamps must also be presented by the customer to an employee at a retail service counter at a Post Office location.
There are rules and restrictions for what can and can’t be mailed.
This list is not exhaustive, but in most cases, you can’t send…
- Alcohol – Alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, or liquor) are not considered hazardous but can’t go in the mail. If you’re reusing a box displaying alcohol brands, all logos and labels need to be completely removed.
- Perfume − Perfume containing alcohol is prohibited on air transportation, and can only be shipped domestically via surface transportation. Perfume containing alcohol is prohibited in international shipments.
- Prescription Drugs – Prescription medications can only be mailed by Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registered entities. Similar regulations may apply to over-the-counter medications.
- Firearms – Only licensed manufacturers and dealers can mail or receive handguns. And even though unloaded rifles and shotguns are mailable, mailers must comply with all applicable regulations.
Check our list for more restricted, hazardous, and perishable materials ›
There are specific rules and restrictions for sending perishable matter through the mail. In most cases, perishable matter cannot be mailed internationally.
Browse Perishable Matter in Publication 52 – Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail ›
Not sure if what you’re sending is restricted or prohibited? Just call 1-800-ASK-USPS® or your local Post Office.
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