Sending International Mail & Packages

USPS Restricted & Prohibited Items

Check the USPS International Shipping Prohibitions and Restrictions lists and review USPS Publication 52 for specific guidelines on what you may and may not mail.

International Shipping Restrictions

USPS Publication 52, Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail

Destination Country Requirements

Your international shipment must comply with U.S. laws and regulations and the laws and regulations of the destination country. Find and select a country to see its individual mailing conditions.

Individual Country Listings

Standard Envelopes

Items meeting one or more of the following are considered nonmachinable and subject to a surcharge.

• Envelope has clasps or similar stiff closures.
• Envelope contains items causing thickness to be uneven.
• Address is written parallel to the short side of the envelope.
• Envelope is too rigid.
• The aspect ratio of the envelope (length divided by height) is less than 1.3 or more than 2.5.
• Is polybagged, polywrapped, enclosed in any plastic material, or has an exterior surface made of a material that is not paper.
• Envelopes more than 4 ¼ inches high or 6 inches long and the thickness is less than 0.009 inches.
• Is a self-mailer or booklet not prepared according to standards.

Large envelopes that do not meet the above standards must pay parcel prices. For Priority Mail International Flat Rate^® Envelopes, the weight limit is 4 lbs.

Packing Boxes

Pack your box to protect your contents and to make sure the box arrives intact.

• Use a sturdy box with enough room to add cushioning for fragile items and to prevent items from shifting.
• Tape your box so that it closes flat on all sides and reinforce the flaps with 2-inch wide packing tape.
• If you're reusing a box, make sure all old logos, shipping labels, and addresses are covered or blacked out.

Weight Limits for Packages

Shipments sent in Priority Mail International® Small Flat Rate Priced Boxes can weigh up to 4 lbs.

• Shipments sent in Priority Mail International Medium and Large Flat Rate Boxes can weigh up to 20 lbs.
• Packages shipped via First-Class Package International Service® must weigh 4 lbs or less and have a value of $400 or less.

Order Shipping Supplies

International Address & Label Formats

• Print complete and correct addresses clearly in capital letters.
• Use a pen or permanent marker.
• Do not use commas or periods.
• Mark the package "Fragile" or "Perishable" when appropriate.
• If you're reusing a box, make sure all other addresses are covered or blacked out.
• Include sufficient postage to avoid charges for additional postage due or delivery delay.

How to Address International Mail & Packages

APO/FPO/DPO Addresses

To prevent mail from entering foreign mail networks, do not include city or country names in APO/FPO/DPO shipping addresses. Make sure you include the unit and box numbers for APO/FPO/DPO shipping addresses (if assigned).

Military Address Examples

There are several things to consider when choosing a shipping service.

• Package contents
• Destination
• Delivery Speed
• Shape, size, and weight
• USPS Tracking^®
• Special handling and insurance
• Delivery confirmation receipts

See All International Mail Services

Availability of Services Based on Country

The International Mail Manual will let you know which services can be used when shipping to a particular country.

Individual Country Listings

International Insurance & Extra Services

Add insurance or other extra services depending on the mail service you choose. Ordinary items that are breakable or fragile do not need special handling if they are packed with the right cushioning and marked clearly with the word, "FRAGILE." You may add Registered Mail^® to your delivery to further protect valuable or irreplaceable items.

International Insurance & Extra Services

Online Customs Forms

When you print your international postage with Click-N-Ship^®, our tool automatically creates the necessary customs form for you.

Print a Label

If you are not using Click-N-Ship and just need to fill out a customs form, our online tool will walk you through the process.

Create a Customs Form

Military & Diplomatic Mail

Don't forget you will need a customs form for sending shipments to military bases and embassies outside of the United States, despite paying only domestic prices.

Learn about Military & Diplomatic Mail

Postage Payment Tips

Underpayment can result in the recipient being charged for postage due and may delay delivery. Avoid underpayment by:

• Rounding up on weights. USPS rounds up to either the lb or oz. For example, if your package weighs 3 lbs 5 oz, it would be charged at the 4 lb-rate. This applies to all mail classes.
• Verifying the mail class. For example, First-Class Mail can only be used for packages 10 oz and under.
• Checking the dimensions. Dimensional weight may apply to your package, so always enter a package's dimensions to ensure you are accurately charged.
• Using the correct package label. Make sure the label you're using matches the packaging.

Calculate a Price

Dropping Off Mail & Packages

• If your mailpiece weighs 10 oz or less and has the correct postage, give it to your carrier or drop it off in a blue collection box or a Post Office lobby drop.
• If you have a mailpiece with a customs form that was not completed and submitted online or any mail item that requires a customs form and bears postage, you must take it to a Post Office retail counter to mail it. If you put it in your mailbox, the carrier will leave it there. If you drop it in a blue collection box or lobby drop, it will be returned to you.

Post Offices & Drop-Off Locations

Schedule a Package Pickup

Your letter carrier can pick up your international packages if you've completed the shipping label and customs from and paid for the postage online. Here are the international services eligible for pickup:

• Global Express Guaranteed^®
• Priority Mail Express International^®
• Priority Mail International^®
• First-Class Package International Service^®

Free Package Pickup

Package Pickup during regular mail delivery is free regardless of the number of items scheduled for pickup. USPS usually picks up your package on the next delivery day or another designated day.

Pickup on Demand^®

If you want your packages picked up at a specific time, for a fee, the Post Office will pick up your shipment within a scheduled 2-hour period.

Schedule a Pickup