Can You Mail That? Your Guide to the USPS Prohibited Items List (2025)

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Preparing a package to send to a loved one or customer requires knowing what you can legally mail. Understanding USPS regulations regarding prohibited items is crucial for every sender. These rules ensure the safety of postal workers, the public, and the integrity of the mail system.

USPS categorizes items as Hazardous Materials, Restricted Items, and Perishable Goods. Understanding these classifications helps navigate what can and cannot be sent through the mail.

Hazardous Materials: What You Absolutely Cannot Send

Hazardous materials are items that could cause injury or damage if not handled properly during transit. The USPS strictly prohibits these items from being mailed.

Air Bags

Air bags are prohibited both domestically and internationally. The prohibition stems from the explosive components used for rapid inflation, which could accidentally activate during handling and cause injury.

Ammunition

All types of live ammunition are prohibited from being mailed, whether domestically or internationally. Federal law makes it illegal to send small arms ammunition through the U.S. Mail due to the risk of accidental detonation.

Explosives

Explosives, including fireworks and blasting caps, are strictly forbidden in both domestic and international mail. The inherent danger of accidental detonation poses a severe threat of injury, death, and property damage.

Gasoline

Gasoline cannot be mailed under any circumstances, either domestically or internationally. The significant fire hazard associated with gasoline during transportation necessitates this strict prohibition. Even items that contain fuel or fuel vapors are considered non-mailable.

Liquid Mercury

Liquid mercury is prohibited for both domestic and international mail, whether in pure form or contained within devices like antique thermometers and barometers. Mercury is toxic, and if its container breaks during shipping, it could release harmful vapors and contaminate the environment.

Marijuana

Marijuana, regardless of whether it is intended for medical or other purposes, is prohibited in both domestic and international mail. This prohibition aligns with federal regulations, which still classify marijuana as a controlled substance.

There is an exception for hemp-based products, including CBD, which are allowed domestically if they contain a THC content of 0.3 percent or less and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. These hemp products, however, cannot be sent to international or military destinations.

Summary of Prohibited Items

Restricted Items: Mailing with Caution and Compliance

While some items are strictly prohibited, others fall into the category of “restricted items.” These can be mailed, but only under specific conditions and regulations set forth by the USPS.

Aerosols

Aerosols are subject to restrictions and are prohibited in international mail. Domestically, aerosols containing flammable propellants are mailable if they are considered consumer commodities and adhere to specific packaging and quantity limitations.

Alcoholic Beverages

Alcoholic beverages are generally prohibited from being sent through the mail, with limited exceptions. If reusing a box that previously contained alcoholic beverages, all logos and labels must be removed. Internationally, the prohibition on mailing alcoholic beverages is strict.

Cigarettes and Tobacco Products

Domestically, cigarettes and smokeless tobacco can only be mailed in very limited situations, such as:

• Shipments within Alaska and Hawaii
• Business or regulatory purposes
• Small gifts between individuals
• Return of unacceptable products to the manufacturer

In these limited cases, a postal employee at a Post Office must approve the shipment and verify the recipient’s legal age. Cigars can be mailed domestically without such stringent restrictions. Internationally, cigarettes, including electronic cigarettes and vaping products, are prohibited from mailing.

Cremated Remains

Cremated remains can be mailed domestically via Priority Mail Express, provided they meet specific packaging and labeling requirements. The remains must be placed in a proper inner container and then within a sturdy outer container. All six sides of the outer packaging must be labeled with Cremated Remains Label 139, available free from The Postal Store.

For international mailing, cremated remains are permitted only via Priority Mail Express International and only when the destination country allows it, with proper customs declarations and packaging.

Dry Ice

Dry ice is permitted as a refrigerant for perishable or hazardous materials that are otherwise mailable. However, because dry ice releases carbon dioxide gas as it sublimates, packages must be designed to allow for this release. Internationally, dry ice is prohibited from being mailed.

Firearms

The mailing of firearms is highly regulated. Domestically, only licensed manufacturers and dealers are permitted to mail or receive handguns. Unloaded rifles and shotguns are mailable by individuals, but mailers must comply with all applicable regulations.

Flammable Glues

Flammable glues may be mailed domestically if they are classified as a consumer commodity. Some types of glues may only be shipped via ground transportation. It is the sender’s responsibility to know the flashpoint and toxicity of the glue they intend to mail.

Hand Sanitizer

Due to its alcohol content and flammability, hand sanitizer must be shipped domestically via USPS Ground Advantage or Parcel Select service, available only through a local Post Office branch. It is prohibited in international mail, including to APO/FPO/DPO destinations.

Hemp Products

Hemp products, including CBD, with a THC content of 0.3 percent or less, can be sent domestically if all applicable federal, state, and local laws are followed. Senders must retain records establishing compliance for at least two years. These products cannot be mailed to international or military destinations.

Lithium Batteries

Lithium batteries are subject to specific conditions for domestic mailing. Small consumer-type primary lithium cells or batteries are allowed under certain circumstances. Pre-owned, damaged, or defective electronic devices containing lithium batteries must be sent via ground transportation only and must be marked “Restricted Electronic Device” and “Surface Transportation Only” on the outer packaging.

Internationally, shipments of lithium batteries packed with or separate from equipment, as well as damaged or recalled batteries, are prohibited.

2025 Updates for Lithium Batteries

Significant updates to the regulations for mailing hazardous materials, including lithium batteries, are effective in 2025:

• New requirements for rigid outer packaging for most hazardous materials
• For packages weighing 20 pounds or less (excluding lithium batteries in equipment under specific conditions), the outer packaging must have a rating of at least 200 lb. burst test or 32-edge crush test strength
• For packages over 20 pounds, the rating must be at least 275 lb. burst test or 44-edge crush test strength
• Padded or poly bags can now be used as outer packaging for lithium batteries installed in new or manufacturer-refurbished equipment under specific conditions
• The telephone number requirement has been removed from the lithium battery mark, with full compliance required by January 1, 2027
• A new section in Publication 52, section 349.221, now details all regulations for mailing lithium batteries

Live Animals

Live animals generally cannot be mailed, with limited exceptions for certain types like poultry, reptiles, and bees under very specific packaging requirements. Pets and other warm-blooded animals are typically prohibited.

Additionally, a new handling fee will be assessed in 2025 for mailers shipping live animals and perishable food via Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, and USPS Ground Advantage.

Matches

Safety matches must be sent via ground transportation and cannot be mailed internationally. Strike-anywhere matches, due to their high risk of accidental ignition, may not be mailed domestically.

Medicines and Prescription Drugs

Prescription medications can only be mailed by Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registered distributors. Similar regulations apply to some over-the-counter medications. Mailers are responsible for knowing the characteristics of the medications they are sending.

Mercury Vapor Devices

Mercury vapor devices, such as compact fluorescent light bulbs, which contain very small amounts of mercury vapor, are restricted but mailable domestically. However, these are prohibited internationally. Specific packaging details for these items can be found in USPS Publication 52, Section 348.22g and Packaging Instruction 8C.

Nail Polish

Flammable nail polishes may be mailed domestically if they are considered consumer commodities. Some may only be sent via ground transportation. Senders are responsible for knowing the flashpoint and toxicity of the nail polish. Internationally, nail polish is prohibited.

Paint and Paint-Related Items

Flammable or combustible paint and paint-related items are generally accepted for domestic mailing if they qualify as a consumer commodity or ORM-D (for surface transportation only), and they meet specific quantity limitations and packaging requirements. Latex or similar water-based, non-flammable/combustible paint is not restricted.

Perfumes

Perfumes containing alcohol cannot be shipped internationally or mailed domestically using air transportation. However, they can be shipped within the United States via ground transportation due to the flammability of alcohol-based perfumes.

Summary of Restricted Items

Perishable Goods: Sending with Care

Perishable items, such as live animals, food, and plants, can generally be mailed domestically but are sent at the mailer’s own risk. The USPS emphasizes the importance of proper packaging to ensure these items arrive before they deteriorate.

A new handling fee will be applied in 2025 for shipping live animals and perishable food via certain services. Fresh fruits and vegetables are prohibited from international mailing.

Senders need to carefully consider the nature of perishable items and take all necessary precautions to package them appropriately for transit.

The Price of Non-Compliance

Attempting to mail prohibited items through the USPS can lead to serious consequences:

• Civil penalty of at least $250 and up to $100,000 for each violation
• Responsibility for covering the costs of any cleanup and damages
• Potential criminal penalties
• Seizure of packages by postal authorities

These penalties underscore the importance of understanding and adhering to the USPS regulations to ensure the safety and security of the mail system.

What’s New for 2025? Key Updates to the Prohibited Items List

Several key updates to the USPS mailing standards for hazardous materials will take effect in 2025:

New Packaging Requirements

Effective January 27, 2025, new rigid outer packaging requirements apply for most hazardous materials and dangerous goods:

• Packages ≤ 20 pounds: Outer packaging with a burst test rating of at least 200 lb. or edge crush test (ECT) strength of at least 32
• Packages > 20 pounds: 275 lb. burst test or ECT 44 rating
• Exceptions for lithium batteries installed in new or manufacturer-refurbished equipment

Changes to Toxic Materials Regulations

• Removal of quantity restrictions for nonregulated liquid and solid toxic materials (pesticides, insecticides, herbicides)
• Items must still be contained within compliant outer packaging
• Liquids must follow conditions in section 451.3a

Lithium Battery Marking Updates

• Removal of telephone number requirement from lithium battery mark
• Full compliance with new marking required by January 1, 2027

International Mail Updates

• New requirement for rigid outer packaging for shipments containing dangerous goods
• Updates to USPS Packaging Instructions 9D and 9E regarding padded and poly bags for batteries

New Fee

A new fee for handling live animals and perishable food will be effective January 19, 2025, for specific mail services.

Mailing with Confidence: Resources for Safe Shipping

To ensure you are mailing items safely and in compliance with USPS regulations, several resources are available:

• Official USPS website
• USPS Publication 52, Hazardous, Restricted, & Perishable Mail
• Domestically Restricted Items section on the USPS website
• Publication 139 for cremated remains shipping instructions
• HAZMAT Shipping Safety tutorial on the USPS website

When in doubt, visit your local Post Office. Postal employees can provide guidance and ensure your package is correctly labeled.

Clearing the Confusion: Common Misconceptions

Several common misconceptions exist regarding what can and cannot be mailed through the USPS:

1. All liquids are prohibited – Non-flammable and non-hazardous liquids are generally mailable if properly packaged to prevent leaks. Even flammable liquids like perfume can be sent domestically via ground transportation under specific conditions.
2. Cremated remains cannot be mailed – USPS is the only shipping company that ships cremated remains domestically, but they must be sent via Priority Mail Express and packaged according to specific guidelines.
3. Hemp and CBD products are always prohibited – While marijuana remains prohibited, hemp-based products with a THC content of 0.3 percent or less are allowed for domestic mailing under certain conditions.
4. Household items are always safe to mail – Many common household products are classified as hazardous materials and have specific restrictions.
5. Domestic and international shipping rules are the same – International shipping often has stricter prohibitions, and regulations can also vary depending on the destination country.
6. All firearms cannot be mailed – While highly regulated, unloaded rifles and shotguns can be mailed domestically under specific conditions; however, handguns have much stricter rules.

Our articles make government information more accessible. Please consult a qualified professional for financial, legal, or health advice specific to your circumstances.