
For example, the USPS restricts shipping the following items to military members deployed in the Middle East: The above restrictions apply when shipping items to everyone, but there may be additional restrictions on shipments sent to military and diplomatic post offices overseas. Mailing Restrictions When Shipping to Military APO and FPO Addresses Quantity per mail piece and per mailing, frequency of mailing, and post office(s) of mailing.Explanation of any local, state, or federal regulations that apply to shipping such matter.Special precautions necessary to permit handling without harm to Postal Service employees or damage to property.
Detailed description of the restricted or perishable matter. When contacting the US Postal System about shipping a restricted item, be sure to have the following information handy: It is out of the scope of this article to list each banned item, but we did our best to give you some great resources so you can research any questionable items you may have.ĭo you have a question? If an item is questionable, or you wish to determine if the item can be shipped, then use the USPS website to find more information, visit the post office in person, see section 215 Requests for Rulings of the Postal Code, or contact the Pricing and Classification Service Center (PCSC). Domestic Mailing Standards, section 10.0 Hazardous Materials.Īs you can see from these lists, there are quite a few items which are banned or restricted, including items which are explosive, flammable, corrosive, combustible, are under pressure, liquids, perishable, oxidizers, poisonous, radioactive, drugs (including many prescription drugs, unless authorized), alcohol, tobacco, sharp items, produce, live animals, some batteries, and more. QSG 601 Basic Standards for All Mailing Services – Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Materials. Publication 52 – Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail. The best resource for locating which items may be banned or restricted by the USPS is their website, specifically on the following pages: Then we will look in more depth at some of the restrictions that are in place for military members serving overseas. Let’s start off by looking at the items on the restricted mailing list, regardless of to whom, or where, the item is being shipped. This is a guide you definitely want to read before putting together a care package for your favorite troop overseas.Īs always, be sure to send your package early so it arrives on time! USPS Military Mailing Restrictions
With increased security, many items are now inspected and scanned via X-Ray before they are shipped, and if your package contains hazardous materials, it may not reach it’s destination. It’s important to know which items can be shipped via the US Postal System before you send the time and money packaging the item and paying for shipping.