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USPS: Prohibited Items
USPS: Prohibited Items

Here are lists of items that are illegal to ship with the Postal Service (for both domestic and international destinations)

Updated over 5 months ago

There are some items you can’t ship with USPS—no exceptions!

Reference the USPS Postal Explorer before buying any labels

Before labels for any package that contains dangerous, hazardous, or restricted items, we suggest checking the USPS Postal Explorer to follow along with any packaging instructions.

  • Packaging Instructions: Be sure to read all the USPS rules and packing instructions in Publication 52 of the Postal Explorer if you want to ship any package that contains dangerous, hazardous, or restricted items.

    • Following the rules and instructions provided by USPS is your responsibility as the shipper. 

You’ll notice that all prohibited domestic items are also prohibited from being shipped internationally. However, some items are only prohibited internationally and not domestically (such as aerosols and dry ice). 

Prohibited Domestic Items 

  • Airbags 

  • Alcoholic Beverages 

  • Ammunition 

  • Explosives 

  • Gasoline 

  • Marijuana, including marijuana intended for medicinal use

    • An exception is marijuana seeds or hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC content and with no intent to grow 

  • Mercury (according to USPS, this includes devices containing metallic mercury such as antique thermometers, blood pressure monitors, barometers, and other similar products)

Prohibited International Items 

  • Aerosols 

  • Airbags 

  • Alcoholic Beverages 

  • Ammunition 

  • Cigarettes (these include electronic cigarettes, e-cigars, vaping products, and any components associated with these devices)

  • Dry Ice 

  • Explosives

  • Flammable Liquid

  • Fresh Fruits and Vegetables 

  • Gasoline 

  • Lighters

  • Marijuana, including seeds, and marijuana intended for medicinal use

  • Nail Polish 

  • Perfumes (containing alcohol) 

  • Poison

Disclaimer for Sending Hazardous or Dangerous Goods

As we said at the top of this article, any package containing dangerous, hazardous, or restricted goods must comply with all applicable rules and regulations in USPS Publication 52 - Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail.'

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