DMM 601 Mailability Standards

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601.1.2

Mailability: General Standards

601 Mailability

1.0 General Standards

1.1 Determining Mail Processing Categories

There are five mail processing categories for mailpieces: letter, flat, machinable

parcel, irregular parcel, and outside parcel. USPS assigns each mailpiece to one of

these categories based on the physical dimensions and characteristics of the

mailpiece using the longest dimension as the length, regardless of the placement or

orientation of the delivery address on the piece. For example, a mailpiece that is 5

inches by 8 inches and at least 0.007 inch thick is within the range of letter-size

dimensional standards in 101 and 201. See the physical standards for processing

categories in 101 for retail (single-piece price) mail, 201 for discount letters, 301 for

discount flats, and 401 for discount parcels.

1.2 Minimum Dimensions

For mailability, the following standards apply:

a. All mailpieces must be at least 0.007 inch thick.

b. All mailpieces (except keys and identification devices) that are 1/4 inch thick or

less must be:

1. At least 3-1/2 inches high and at least 5 inches long.

2. Rectangular, with four square corners and parallel opposite sides (see

Exhibit 1.2b2), or with finished corners and parallel opposite sides under

1.2b3 or 1.2b4, unless prepared as Customized Market Mail under

705.1.0.

Overview

1.0 General Standards

2.0 Bundles

3.0 Packaging

4.0 Acceptable Mailing Containers

5.0 Handling, Content, and Extra Service Markings

6.0 Mailing Containers—Special Types of Envelopes and Packaging

7.0 Packaging Standards for Mail Processed at Network Distribution Centers

8.0 Nonmailable and Restricted Articles and Substances Generally

9.0 Perishables

10.0 Hazardous Materials

11.0 Cigarettes and Smokeless Tobacco

12.0 Other Restricted and Nonmailable Matter

13.0 Written, Printed, and Graphic Matter Generally

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Exhibit 1.2b2 Minimum Dimensions, Pieces 1/4" Thick or Less

3. Letter-size, card-type mailpieces made of cardstock and flat-size

mailpieces may have finished corners that do not exceed a radius of 0.125

inch (1/8 inch). See Exhibit 1.2b3.

Exhibit 1.2b3 Maximum Corner Radius

Minimum thickness = 0.007"

3-1/2"

Minimum size

Corner Radius Maximum 1/8"

Graphic at 100%

Place mailpiece against

template to test accuracy

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4. Except for machinable parcels described in 401.1.5.2, pieces mailed at

parcel prices may have finished corners that do not exceed a radius of 0.5

inch (1/2 inch). See Exhibit 1.2b4.

Exhibit 1.2b4 Maximum Corner Radius for Parcels

1.3 Maximum Dimensions and Weight

No mailpiece may weigh more than 70 pounds. Except for Standard Post, no

mailpiece may measure more than 108 inches in length and girth combined. For

parcels, length is the distance of the longest dimension and girth is the distance

around the thickest part.

1.4 Length and Height

Determine the processing category (see 1.1) based on the physical dimensions and

characteristics of the mailpiece, without regard to address placement. Then,

determine length and height as follows:

a. Letter-size pieces. For the purpose of determining mailability or machinability

(see 1.5), the length is the dimension parallel to the delivery address as read;

the height is the dimension perpendicular to the length.

b. Flat-size pieces. The length of a flat-size mailpiece is the longest dimension. The

height is the dimension perpendicular to the length.

c. Parcels. The length is the longest dimension.

d. Customized MarketMail pieces. See 705.1.0.

1.5 Nonmailable and Nonmachinable Placement of Address

The placement of the address on a letter-size mailpiece may render a piece

nonmailable or nonmachinable. If the length (the dimension parallel to the address)

of a letter-size mailpiece is not at least 5 inches, it is nonmailable. If the height (the

dimension perpendicular to the length) of a letter-size mailpiece is not at least 3-1/2

inches, it is nonmailable. If the aspect ratio (length divided by height) is not within 1.3

to 2.5 (inclusive), the piece is a nonmachinable letter. For example:

a. For a letter-size piece that is 4 inches by 6 inches, if the address is parallel to

the 4-inch dimension, it is 4 inches long, which is less than the minimum length

of 5 inches required in 1.2. Therefore, this piece is nonmailable.

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Mailability: General Standards

b. Following the process in 1.1, a piece that is 5 inches by 8 inches (and within

letter-size thickness dimensions) is a letter. If the address is parallel to the

8-inch dimension, the piece is 8 inches long and 5 inches high. The aspect ratio

of this piece is 1.6, so it is a mailable letter within machinable dimensions for

length and height.

c. For a letter-size piece that is 5 inches by 8 inches, if the address is parallel to

the 5-inch (shorter) dimension, the piece is 5 inches long and 8 inches high.

The aspect ratio of this piece is 0.625, which is not within 1.3 to 2.5, so it is

mailable as a nonmachinable letter.

1.6 General Mailability and Right of Refusal

Articles presented for mailing must be prepared under the general and specific

standards in this document. The USPS accepts properly packaged and marked

parcels but reserves the right to refuse nonmailable or improperly packaged articles

or substances. Additional or other standards can apply to overseas military Post

Offices and international mail.

1.7 Mailer’s Responsibility

It is the mailer’s responsibility to refrain from depositing nonmailable matter in the

mail. The mailer must comply with applicable postal laws and regulations governing

mailability and preparation for mailing, as well as nonpostal laws and regulations on

the possession, treatment, transmission, or transfer of particular matter. Information

about USPS standards is available from postmasters, business mail entry

managers, and the PCSC manager (see 608.8.0, USPS Contact Information).

2.0 Bundles

2.1 Definition of a Bundle

Mailers assemble pieces available for different presort destinations into groups. A

bundle is a group of addressed pieces secured together as a unit. The term bundle

does not apply to pieces grouped loose in trays.

2.2 Arranging Pieces in a Bundle (“Facing”)

Except as noted in 2.7, all pieces in a bundle must be “faced” (arranged with the

addresses in the same read direction), with an address visible on the top piece.

2.3 Preparing Bundles of Letters

Cards and letter-size pieces are subject to these bundling standards:

a. The maximum thickness for bundles of carrier route mail is 4 inches. The

maximum thickness for other bundles is 6 inches.

b. Mailings consisting entirely of card-size pieces (i.e., pieces not larger than 6 by

4-1/4 by 0.016 inches) must always be prepared in bundles.

c. Bundles must be prepared for: mail in all less-than-full trays, mail in 3-digit

carrier routes trays, nonmachinable letters, and nonbarcoded Periodicals

letters.

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d. For mailings consisting entirely of card-size pieces and mail in less-than-full

trays, mailers must secure bundles with rubber bands, elastic strapping, flat

plastic strapping, or string. Elastic strapping must be approved by USPS

Engineering.

e. Bundles of automation or machinable letters are not required to have an

optional endorsement line or a bundle label when placed into a correctly labeled

tray.

f. Bundles up to 1 inch thick must be secured with appropriate banding placed

once around the girth (narrow dimension). Bundles over 1 inch thick must be

secured with at least two bands, one around the length and one around the

girth.

2.4 Exception to Bundle Preparation—Full Trays

In mailings not entirely of card-size pieces, mailers need not prepare bundles when

placing mail in a full tray (when applicable for the class and shape of mail) when

none of the mail in that tray would have been more finely sorted if bundled. For

example, mail in a full ADC tray need not be bundled if it would have all been

prepared in ADC bundles to the same destination.

2.5 Securing Bundles of Flats

Bundles must be able to withstand normal transit and handling without breakage or

injury to USPS employees, and are subject to the following requirements:

a. Bundles must be secured with banding, shrinkwrap, or shrinkwrap plus one or

more bands. Banding includes plastic bands, rubber bands, twine/string, and

similar material. Use of wire or metal banding is not permitted.

b. When one band is used, it must be placed tightly around the girth (narrow

dimension).

c. Bundles over 1 inch high must be secured with at least two bands or with

shrinkwrap. When double banding is used to secure bundles, encircle the

length and girth of the bundle at least once. Additional bands may be used if

none lies within 1 inch of any bundle edge.

d. Banding tension must be sufficient to tighten and depress the edges of the

bundle. Loose banding is not allowed.

e. When twine/string is used to band bundles, the knot(s) must be secure so the

banding does not come loose during transit and processing.

f. Bundles on pallets must be secure and stable, and are subject to 2.9 and the

specific weight limits in 705.8.0.

2.6 Address Visibility for Flats and Parcels

Mailers preparing presort bundles of flats or parcels must ensure that the delivery

address information, barcoded pressure-sensitive bundle labels, optional

endorsement lines, carrier route information lines, or carrier route facing slips on the

top mailpiece in each bundle are visible and remain readable by the naked eye.

Mailers can avoid obstructing visibility by using clear, smooth strapping tightly

secured around the bundle. Clear strapping with a transparency rated = 52% when

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Mailability: General Standards

tested using ASTM D1746 - 09, Standard Test Method for Transparency of Plastic

Sheeting, methods meet readability needs. This standard does not apply to the

following:

a. Customized MarketMail.

b. Bundles placed in or on 5-digit or 5-digit scheme (L001) sacks or pallets.

c. Bundles placed in carrier route and 5-digit carrier routes sacks.

d. Bundles of mailpieces at carrier route prices entered at a destination delivery

unit (DDU).

e. Bundles of Standard Mail flats prepared in letter trays.

2.7 Counterstacking Flats or Parcels in Bundles

Bundles of pieces of saddle-stitched pieces and pieces with one edge or corner

thicker than the others may be prepared by counter-stacking under these

conditions:

a. Counter-stacking should be used only to create bundles of more uniform

thickness that are more likely to maintain their integrity during transportation

and processing.

b. All pieces must have addresses facing up and be divided into no more than four

approximately equal groups, with each group rotated 180 degrees from the

preceding and succeeding group(s); prepare as few groups as possible to

create a bundle of uniform thickness.

c. When pieces are nonuniform in thickness because they are thicker in the center

instead of along an edge or corner, counter-stacking is not likely to result in a

bundle of uniform thickness. Instead of counter-stacking such pieces, limit the

height of the bundle to 3 to 6 inches to ensure the bundle will stay together

during normal transit and handling.

2.8 Preparing Bundles in Sacks

In addition to the standards in 2.5 through 2.7, mailers must prepare bundles placed

in sacks as follows:

a. The maximum weight for all bundles is 20 pounds.

b. Measure bundles at the lowest point to determine the bundle height.

c. Except for multi-carrier routes bundles, a bundle that exceeds the maximum

height by less than the thickness of a single piece meets the standard.

d. Bundles of pieces with covers of “coated stock” (glossy covers) that are not

individually enclosed in an envelope or mailing wrapper are subject to these

conditions:

1. Bundles secured with rubber bands, twine, string, or only shrinkwrap must

not exceed 3 inches in height.

2. Bundles secured with shrinkwrap plus plastic straps, or with at least two

plastic straps, must not exceed 6 inches in height.

e. Bundles of pieces with covers of “uncoated stock” are subject to these

conditions:

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Mailability: General Standards

1. Bundles must not exceed 8 inches in height (recommended maximum

height is 6 inches).

2. “Uncoated stock” refers to nonglossy paper covers and also to pieces with

coated covers that are individually enclosed in an envelope, polybag, or

mailing wrapper of uncoated stock.

2.9 Preparing Bundles on Pallets

In addition to general bundling standards in 2.1, bundles on pallets must meet the

following standards:

a. Bundles must be secured with appropriate banding, shrinkwrap, or shrinkwrap

supplemented by one or more bands. Banding includes plastic bands

(recommended), rubber bands, and twine or similar material.

b. If only banding is used, banding material must be applied at least once around

the length and once around the girth; wire and metal strapping are prohibited.

Use tension sufficient to tighten and depress the edges of the bundle so that

pieces do not slip out of the banding during transit and processing.

2.10 Additional Standards for Unsacked Bundles Entered at DDU Facilities

Mailers may enter unsacked, nonpalletized bundles of Standard Mail or Bound

Printed Matter (BPM) flats or irregular parcels (BPM only) at destination delivery units

(DDUs) if all the following conditions are met:

a. The maximum weight for a bundle is 40 pounds; the maximum number of

bundles per carrier route is one bundle for each 10 pounds (or increment) of

mail for that route, as follows:

1. Mailers must make the fewest number of bundles possible, up to the

40-pound maximum, while maintaining bundle integrity. To determine the

maximum number of bundles for a route, divide the total weight of mail for

that route by 10 and round up to the next whole number.

2. Mailers may balance the weight of the bundles across the maximum

number of bundles. For example, if there are 36 pounds of mail for a

carrier route, the maximum number of bundles for that route is four, which

may be in four 9-pound bundles.

b. Mailers must enter bundles at DDUs according to the appropriate deposit and

entry standards (for example, 346 for Standard Mail flats).

2.11 Pieces with Simplified Address

For mail prepared with a simplified address, pieces must be prepared in bundles of

50 when possible. If bundles of other quantities are prepared, the actual number of

pieces must be shown on the facing slip. Bundles must be secure and stable

subject to weight limits in 705.8.0 if placed on pallets, and weight and height limits in

2.8 if placed in sacks.

2.12 Bundles with Fewer Than the Minimum Number of Pieces Required

A bundle may be prepared with fewer than the minimum number of pieces required

without loss of price eligibility under either of these conditions:

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a. A greater number of pieces would exceed the maximum physical size for a

bundle and the total number of pieces for that presort destination meets the

minimum volume standard.

b. The pieces constitute the “last bundle” for a presort destination and previously

prepared bundles met the minimum volume standard.

2.13 Labeling Bundles

Unless excepted by standard, the presort level of each bundle must be identified

either with an optional endorsement line under 708.7.0 or with a barcoded

pressure-sensitive bundle label. On letter-size mail, place the bundle label in the

lower left corner of the address side of the top piece in the bundle. On flat-size mail,

place the label anywhere on the address side of the top piece in the bundle. Bundle

labels must not be obscured by banding or shrinkwrap. The following colors and

characters apply to bundle labels as applicable (not all presort levels apply to all

classes of mail):

a. Firm (Periodicals use only), blue Label F.

b. 5-digit scheme presort level, red Label 5 SCH.

c. 5-digit presort level, red Label 5.

d. 3-digit scheme presort level, green Label 3 SCH.

e. 3-digit presort level, green Label 3.

f. ADC presort level, pink Label A.

g. Origin mixed ADC presort level, tan Label X or OEL.

h. Mixed ADC presort level, tan Label X.

2.14 Identifying Carrier Route Information

Bundles for individual carrier routes, rural routes, highway contract routes, Post

Office box sections, or general delivery units must be prepared with facing slips

under 2.15, optional endorsement lines under 708.7.0, or carrier route information

lines under 708.6.0. These standards apply to Carrier Route Periodicals, Enhanced

Carrier Route Standard Mail, Parcel Select Lightweight parcels, and Carrier Route

Bound Printed Matter mailings.

2.15 Facing Slips—Carrier Route Bundles

All facing slips used on carrier route bundles must show this information:

a. Line 1: Destination city, two-letter state abbreviation, and 5-digit ZIP Code.

b. Line 2: Content (as appropriate to the class), followed by carrier route type and

route number (e.g., “STD FLTS CR R 012”).

c. Line 3: City and two-letter state abbreviation of the origin Post Office.

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3.0 Packaging

3.1 General

Mailers must package mailpieces to withstand normal transit and handling without

breakage or deterioration of content, package breakage, injury to USPS employees,

or damage to other mail. See 3.2 through 3.8 for specific types of items. Mailers

must follow these additional standards for packaging:

a. Cushion (see 3.9) fragile items to withstand handling in processing,

transportation, and delivery.

b. Package contents so they do not shift within the mailing container.

c. Brace and cushion heavy items to prevent damage to other mailpieces.

3.2 Stationery

Stationery-type items thicker than 1 inch or heavier than 1 pound are not accepted

in letter-style envelopes. The contents of these packages must be secured by tying,

banding, or using partitions on close-fitting interior containers to prevent shifting.

3.3 Odd-Shaped Items in Paper Envelopes

Pens, pencils, key rings, bottle caps, and other similar odd-shaped items are not

permitted in letter-size or flat-size paper envelopes unless they are wrapped within

the other contents of the envelope to streamline the shape of the mailpiece and

prevent damage during postal processing. If an odd-shaped item is not properly

wrapped, it could burst through the envelope and cause injury to employees and

damage to USPS processing equipment. Odd-shaped items that are properly

wrapped within paper envelopes and sent at letter prices may be subject to the

nonmachinable surcharge under 133.1.5 or 233.4.3 for First-Class Mail letters, or

the nonmachinable prices under 243.5.5 for Standard Mail letters. Certain types of

odd-shaped items, when properly wrapped, are permitted as automation price

letter-size mail subject to the standards in 201.3.0. Flat-size automation price mail is

subject to the uniform thickness requirement in 301.3.0.

3.4 Liquids

Mailers must mark the outer container of a mailpiece containing liquid to indicate the

nature of the contents. Mailers must package and mail liquids under the following

conditions:

a. Use screw-on caps, soldering, clips, or similar means to close mailpieces

containing liquids. Do not use only friction-top closures (push-down types).

b. Liquids in steel pails and drums with positive closures, such as locking rings or

recessed spouts under screw-cap closures, may be mailed without additional

packaging.

c. Package glass and other breakable containers of liquid with a capacity of more

than 4 fluid ounces according to the following requirements:

1. Cushion the primary container with material sufficient to absorb all leakage

in case of breakage.

2. Place the primary container inside another sealed, leakproof container

(secondary container), such as a can or plastic bag.

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3. Use an outer mailing container that is strong enough to protect the

contents.

d. As an alternative to 3.4c above, mailers may use containers certified by the

International Safe Transit Association (ISTA) that passed ISTA's Test Procedure

3A. Mailers must provide their ISTA 3A Package-Product Certification Notice at

the time of mailing as verification that the mailpieces they are submitting passed

the required performance test.

3.5 Aerosols

Aerosols (containers under pressure) are hazardous materials and must be

constructed to prevent accidental discharge of the contents during postal handling.

Mailable aerosol containers must be packaged under 10.12.

3.6 Perishable, Hazardous, and Restricted Items

Mailpieces containing perishable, hazardous (including infectious substances),

biological, or restricted materials are subject to standards in 8.0 through 12.0.

3.7 High-Density Items

High-density items are solid objects (such as tools, hardware, and machine and

auto parts) whose weights are comparatively high for their volumes. Package

high-density items weighing more than 15 pounds so that the contents do not exert

more than 60 pounds per square foot on the smallest side of the mailing container.

3.8 Load Type

The following three terms describe types of loads, based on content, degree of

protection, and strength of the mailing container.

a. An easy load contains items of moderate density that either completely fill the

mailing container or are packaged in interior containers that completely fill the

mailing container. Easy load items are not easily damaged by shock,

compression, or puncture.

b. An average load contains moderately concentrated items packaged directly

into a mailing container. Mailers can prepackage average load contents by

nesting items within partitions or in separate paperboard boxes to stabilize

items to prevent shifting and damage.

c. A difficult load contains items that require a high degree of protection to prevent

shock, puncture, or distortion to the items or the mailing container. The Postal

Service does not accept in paperboard boxes, bags, or wraps difficult loads

such as fragile items; delicate instruments; and high-density, small-bulky items.

3.9 General Cushioning Standards

Loose-fill cushioning must overfill the container before closure to hold the item and

prevent its movement to an outside surface of the container. When multiple items

are inside a single mailing container, mailers must cushion items to protect them

from each other as well as from external forces. Do not package high-density heavy

items with fragile items unless extreme care is taken to separate them from each

other. Mailers must adequately stabilize heavy items within the package.

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601.4.1

Mailability: Acceptable Containers

3.10 Tape and Tape Size

Cellophane and masking tape may not be used for closure or reinforcement of

packages but may be used to augment closures on envelopes or to cover staples.

Paper tape must be at least 60-pound basis weight kraft. The adhesives on

gummed tapes must be adequately activated before application and firmly applied

with the tape extending at least 3 inches over the adjoining side of the box. Except

for pressure-sensitive filament tape, tapes used for closure and reinforcement

should be at least 2 inches (or 48 mm metric) wide. Nonreinforced plastic tapes

must be at least as strong in the cross direction as in the machine (long) direction.

3.11 Adhesive

Adhesives used for closure on box flaps or on tapes must remain serviceable from

-20 degrees to +160 degrees Fahrenheit. When using hot-melt adhesive, apply

adhesive using one of these methods:

a. Apply hot-melt adhesive to 25% of the area where the outer flap lies over the

inner flap.

b. Apply at least four strips of hot-melt adhesive on each part of the box flap

where the outer flap overlays the inner flap as follows:

1. Use strips at least 3/16 inch wide after compression.

2. Place the strips not more than 1-1/2 inches apart, with the first strip no

more than 1/2 inch from the center seam.

3. Place all strips along the full width of the inner flap.

3.12 Banding

When banding is used for closure and reinforcement, it must encircle the length and

girth of the package at least once. If twine or cord is used for closure and

reinforcement, it must be at least 20-pound tensile strength and secured at an

intersection at least once on each side. Loose strapping and metal strapping are not

acceptable.

3.13 Staples and Steel Stitching

Mailers may use staples or steel stitching to close boxes as follows:

a. Place the staples or stitching within 1-1/4 inches from the ends of the box.

b. Space staples or steel stitches not more than 5 inches apart for easy and

average loads and not more than 2-1/2 inches apart for difficult loads. If placing

staples farther apart, apply strips of 3-inch-wide reinforced tape in the gaps

between the staples.

Tightly clinch staples to prevent protrusions. Mailers must remove and replace

inadequately clinched staples before mailing.

4.0 Acceptable Mailing Containers

4.1 Envelopes

Mailers must prepare envelopes according to the following weight limits and

conditions:

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Mailability: Acceptable Containers

a. For mailpieces weighing no more than 1 pound and measuring no more than

1 inch thick, mailers may use letter-style (flat, nonreinforced) envelopes for

stationery and similar nonrigid material.

b. For mailpieces weighing more than 1 pound up to 5 pounds or measuring more

than 1 inch thick, mailers may use envelopes if they are sturdier than

nonreinforced letter-style envelopes. Acceptable envelopes include those made

either from paper equivalent to 28-pound basis weight (or greater) or from

extra-strength materials with a Mullen strength of more than 90 pounds per

square inch.

c. Mailers may use envelopes for odd-shaped items if the mailpiece meets the

standards for the class of mail (see 3.3).

d. Envelopes for photographic film are acceptable if made from paper equivalent

to 24-pound basis weight or greater.

4.2 Boxes

Boxes are acceptable, subject to these standards:

a. Paperboard boxes may be used for easy and average loads to 10 pounds.

b. Metal-stayed paperboard boxes may be used for easy and average loads to

20 pounds.

c. Solid and corrugated fiberboard boxes may be used according to the limits in

the following chart, unless otherwise specified. The first maximum reached

governs the grade of the box used.

d. Wood, metal, or plastic boxes may be used for all types of loads, assuming

adequate construction.

e. The size of the box must be adequate to contain the items and provide enough

space for cushioning material.

f. Good, rigid, used boxes with all flaps intact are acceptable.

g. Boxes with difficult loads to out-of-town destinations must be reinforced with

banding about every 8 inches in each direction around the package.

4.3 Fiberboard Tubes and Similar Long Containers

Mailers may use fiberboard tubes and similar lengthy containers for mailing if the

containers meet the following requirements:

MAXIMUM WEIGHT OF

BOX AND CONTENT (pounds)

MAXIMUM LENGTH

AND GIRTH (inches) BOX GRADE

Easy or

Average Load

Difficult

Load

20 — 67 125

40 20 100 175

65 45 108 200

70 65 108 275

— 70 108 350

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a. The length must not exceed 10 times the girth.

b. When using friction slide closures as end caps, reinforce closures by encircling

all seams with tape. Crimped or taped end closures are acceptable only for

lightweight rolled items (such as posters or charts).

c. The strength of the tube ends must be at least equal to the tube sidewall

strength, unless the contents are lightweight rolled items.

d. Sidewall strength of tubes must be equal to solid fiberboard that is:

1. At least 1/16 inch thick for tubes less than 18 inches long.

2. At least 3/32 inch thick for tubes 18 to 32 inches long.

3. At least 5/32 inch thick for tubes more than 32 inches long.

4.4 Paper Bags and Wraps

For easy loads of up to 5 pounds, paper bags and wraps are acceptable when at

least of a 50-pound basis weight (the strength of an average large grocery bag) and

the items are immune from impact or pressure damage. A combination of plies

adding up to or exceeding 50-pound basis weight is not acceptable. For easy and

average loads of up to 20 pounds, reinforced bags or bags with a minimum of

70-pound basis weight are acceptable. Nonreinforced loose-fill padded bags are

not acceptable as exterior containers, unless the exterior ply is at least 60-pound

basis weight.

4.5 Plastic Bags

Plastic bags must be at least 2 mil thick polyethylene or equivalent for easy loads up

to 5 pounds; 4 mil thick for easy loads up to 10 pounds.

4.6 Plastic Film

Heat-shrinkable plastic film—either irradiated polyethylene, linear low-density

polyolefin, or copolymer—may be used as packaging for mailpieces under the

following conditions only:

a. Film must be at least 3/4 (0.75) mil thick for an easy load up to 5 pounds.

b. Film must be at least 1-1/4 (1.25) mil thick for an average load up to 5 pounds.

c. Film must be at least 1-1/2 (1.5) mil thick for an average load parcel up to

10 pounds, only when mailers prepare the parcels on 5-digit/scheme, merged

5-digit/scheme, or finer level pallets.

d. When requested, mailers must provide written certification that these types of

film are being used.

4.7 Cloth Bags

Cloth bags are acceptable for easy and average loads of up to 10 pounds, if the

seams of the bags equal the strength of the basic material.

4.8 Difficult Load

The USPS does not accept bags, bales, or wraps with difficult loads. The contents

in bags, bales, and wraps must be compressed when possible.

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Mailability: Content and Extra Service Markings

4.9 Bales

Bales are acceptable within postal weight limits, if adequately compressed and

reinforced to contain the material.

4.10 Cans and Drums

Mailers may mail items in cans and drums with positive closures (such as clips).

Friction closures alone are not acceptable. Mailers must shield protruding devices,

such as locking rings, with padding material to prevent injury to USPS employees

and damage to equipment or other mail.

5.0 Handling, Content, and Extra Service Markings

5.1 Handling, Content, and Extra Service

Certain markings may be used to identify handling, content, and extra service.

Unauthorized markings not designating price, class, address, handling, content, or

extra service are not permitted. Extraneous information, which can be confused

with ZIP Codes, may not be placed next to or directly under the last line of the

delivery address. Any obsolete marking on a container to be reused for mailing must

be obliterated. The following markings must be placed in an area below the postage

and above the addressee’s name in the delivery address and to the right of the

return address:

a. Handling markings such as “Fragile” must be applied only to packages

containing delicate items such as glass and electrical appliances.

b. Content markings such as “Perishable” must be applied to any package

containing items or substances that can degrade or decompose rapidly such

as meat, produce, plants, or certain chemical and hazardous materials

samples. Restricted and hazardous articles must be marked and labeled under

applicable standards. A container improperly identified by content is not

acceptable for mailing (e.g., a box marked “Art Supplies” that contains

flammable liquid or a box marked “Bleach” that contains clothing).

c. Extra service markings such as “Return Receipt Requested” must use the

wording or label required by the applicable extra service standards.

5.2 Method

The mailer must mark the package using material that is not readily water soluble or

easily smeared or rubbed off. The marking must be readable at a distance of

30 inches. Marking methods or surfaces must permit application and retention of

adhesive stamps, postage meter impressions, and postal endorsements made with

hand stamp, ballpoint pen, or Number 2 pencil. Any address label or envelope must

be firmly affixed to the mailing container, with no more than an 1/8-inch separation

between the ends of the label or envelope and the container.

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Mailability: Special Mailing Containers

6.0 Mailing Containers—Special Types of Envelopes and

Packaging

6.1 Priority Mail Express and Priority Mail Packaging

Priority Mail Express and Priority Mail packaging provided by the USPS must be

used only for Priority Mail Express or Priority Mail, as applicable. Regardless of how

the packaging is reconfigured or how markings may be obliterated, any matter

mailed in USPS-provided Priority Mail Express or Priority Mail packaging is charged

the appropriate Priority Mail Express or Priority Mail price.

6.2 Critical Mail Envelopes

Critical Mail letter-size and flat-size envelopes are provided by USPS and must be

used only for Critical Mail. Use of these envelopes is restricted to eligible matter and

postage payment methods (see 224.1.1 and 324.1.1). Matter mailed in

USPS-produced Critical Mail envelopes that do not meet the criteria for Critical Mail

are charged the appropriate Priority Mail Commercial Plus Flat Rate Envelope prices

(volume thresholds apply).

6.3 Green Diamond Border Envelope

An envelope or card bearing a green diamond border must be used only for

First-Class Mail. Any envelope or card bearing a green diamond border is charged

the appropriate First-Class Mail price, regardless of mail content or of requested

class or service. When printed on letter-size mail, the border must not enter the OCR

read area or barcode clear zone unless a delivery point barcode appears in the

address block as described in 202.5.6.

6.4 Window Envelope

For all letter-size and flat-size mail in window envelopes, every character in the

delivery address, including any postal barcode, marking, or endorsement, must be

completely visible through the window throughout the full range of movement of the

insert bearing the delivery address. Any window envelope used for letter-size or

flat-size mail claimed at automation prices or for letter-size mail claimed at Enhanced

Carrier Route high density or saturation prices must also meet the barcoding

standards for letters and flats in 708.4.0. Any window envelope used for letter-size

or flat-size mail must meet the following additional standards:

a. The address and any barcode visible through the window must be printed on

white paper or paper of a very light color.

b. A clear space of at least 1/8 inch is required between the address block, which

includes any optional endorsement line, and the top, bottom, and left and right

edges of the address window, and must remain when the insert is moved to its

full limits in each direction within the envelope to ensure efficient processing and

delivery. See 202.5.6 (letters) or 302.5.3 (flats) for barcode clearances when the

address block contains a barcode. For nonautomation price mail, the bottom

edge of the address window must not extend more than 1/8 inch into the

barcode clear zone as defined in 202.5.1. Any letter-size envelope containing a

window that intrudes into the barcode clear zone is not eligible for

NCOALinkMPE system processing options for the Move Update standard.

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c. Window cover material, if used over the address window, must be made of a

nontinted clear or transparent material (e.g., cellophane or polystyrene) and

must permit the address, as viewed through the window material, to meet the

print contrast ratio (PRC) standards in 708.4.0 to ensure efficient processing

and delivery. Glassine may be used for window cover material. All edges of the

window cover material must be glued securely to the envelope. The bottom

edge of an address window must be at least 1/2 inch from the bottom edge of

the envelope.

d. For letter-size mail, the delivery address window must be parallel with the

longest edge of the envelope. For flat-size mail, the address window may be

parallel with any edge of the envelope.

e. For Registered Mail, the opening on a window envelope must be covered as

described in 503.1.4.8.

6.5 Reusable Mailpiece

[1-27-13] A reusable mailpiece is an envelope, self-mailer, or similar mailpiece

designed for two-way mailing. The recipient removes part of the original mailpiece or

refolds the piece to cover the delivery address of the recipient and reveal the delivery

address of the originator (sender) for return. Except for reusable mailpieces that

originate as permit imprint mailings, the piece must meet these standards:

a. Basic Design. The piece must be designed and constructed to allow the

recipient to reconfigure the piece to remove or obscure the address, barcode,

postage, and any marking or endorsement applied to the piece when it was

originally mailed so that these elements are not mistaken by the USPS as

applying to the returned piece. The instructions on the piece must ensure that

the recipient can prepare the piece correctly for remailing. If a reusable

mailpiece does not meet the applicable standards, the piece must be

re-enveloped and new postage affixed before distribution by the originator.

b. Distribution. When the piece is mailed by the originator, the piece must show

only one complete delivery address and, if used, the corresponding barcode;

the appropriate postage; and any required marking or endorsement. The

originator’s address and barcode for returning the piece and any postage,

marking, endorsement, and facing identification mark (FIM) provided for that

purpose must be obscured so that they are not mistaken by USPS employees

or postal mail processing equipment as applying to the originating piece.

c. Return. When the piece is reconfigured for return from the recipient to the

originator, the piece must show only one complete delivery address and, if

used, the corresponding barcode; the appropriate postage; and any required

marking, endorsement, and FIM. If a reusable mailpiece does not meet the

applicable standards, the piece must be re-enveloped and new postage affixed

before return by the recipient.

6.6 Alternative Reusable Mailpieces That Originate as Permit Imprint Mailings

6.6.1 Basic Design

The piece must be designed and constructed so that the recipient may reconfigure

or modify it to remove or obscure the address that applied to the piece when it was

originally mailed. The instructions on the piece must ensure that the recipient can

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prepare the piece correctly for remailing. If a reusable piece does not meet the

applicable standards, the piece must be re-enveloped and new postage affixed

before distribution by the originator.

6.6.2 Distribution

When reusable mailpieces are originally mailed, postage must be paid with permit

imprint and a complete address and corresponding barcode must be located in the

address block. Reusable pieces must be entered at a postal facility as part of a

permit imprint mailing. On mailpieces other than window envelopes, the address

block for return of the piece (including the delivery address and a corresponding

barcode) will be located on the reverse side. If included, prepaid reply postage must

be located or obscured so that it is not mistaken by postal mail processing

equipment or employees as applying to the originating piece.

6.6.3 Return

When the piece is reconfigured for return from the recipient to the originator, only

one complete address with a corresponding barcode located in the address block

and a FIM must be visible on the piece. If a reusable mailpiece does not meet the

applicable standards, the piece must be re-enveloped and new postage affixed

before return by the recipient.

6.6.4 Two-Way Indicia

When the permit imprint indicia for Standard Mail or First-Class Mail is printed on a

reusable window envelope intended to be returned as Business Reply Mail (BRM),

the imprint “NO POSTAGE NECESSARY IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES” must

be printed on the envelope directly below the permit imprint indicia. See

Exhibit 601.6.6.4 below. These additional conditions apply:

a. The permit imprint indicia must be located in the upper right corner of the

address side of the mailpiece.

b. The horizontal bars must be printed directly below the “NO POSTAGE

NECESSARY” imprint and must not extend below the delivery line of the

address.

c. The other BRM elements as described in 505.1.8, with the exception of the

Facing Identification Mark (FIM), must appear on the insert in the envelope

window. The FIM C must be printed on the envelope under 708.9.0.

d. The outgoing First-Class Mail portion with two-way indicia must be endorsed

“Return Service Requested,” except for mailpieces participating in Address

Change Service (ACS). First-Class Mail letters participating in ACS must be

endorsed “Change Service Requested” for traditional ACS. Mailpieces with

Intelligent Mail barcodes and requesting OneCode ACS must have the printed

endorsement “Electronic Service Requested,” but the embedded request must

be for “Change Service Requested” (option 1) only. Endorsements must not

appear directly below or to the left of the postage area, and must not be visible

when the mailpiece is configured for reply purposes (see 507.4.2 and

Exhibit 507.1.5.1).

e. Standard Mail with two-way indicia should not be forwarded, and must not be

endorsed “Address Service Requested” or “Forwarding Service Requested.”

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Mailability: Packaging Standards for BMCs

Exhibit 6.6.4 Outgoing and Return Two-Way Indicia Examples

7.0 Packaging Standards for Mail Processed at Network

Distribution Centers

7.1 High-Density Items

High-density items (see 3.7) weighing from 20 to 45 pounds must be packaged in

fiberboard boxes constructed of a minimum 200-pound test board or equivalent

wood, metal, or plastic containers. Plastic, metal, and similar hard containers must

be packaged, treated, or otherwise prepared so that their coefficient of friction or

ability to slide on a smooth, hard surface is similar to that of a domestic-class

fiberboard box of the same approximate size and weight. Closure must be done by

staples, heat-shrinking, adhesives, or tape. Boxes without inner packing or

containing loose material must be reinforced or banded with reinforced paper or

plastic tape, pressure-sensitive filament tape, or firmly applied nonmetallic banding.

Internal blocking and bracing, including the use of interior containers, cut forms,

partitions, dunnage, and liners, must be used as required so that packages are

Outgoing

Return

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Mailability: Packaging Standards for BMCs

capable of maintaining their integrity without damage to the contents if dropped

once on one of their smallest sides on a solid surface from a height of 3 feet. These

items from 45 to 70 pounds must be similarly packaged, closed, and reinforced,

except that exterior containers must be a minimum of 275-pound test fiberboard or

equivalent.

7.2 Books

Books and similarly produced printed matter (such as catalogs) fastened together

along one edge between hardback, paperback, or self-covers, that are more than

one inch thick or one pound must not be accepted in letter-style non-reinforced flat

envelopes or without packaging. Envelopes meeting the standards in 4.1b, or other

appropriate packaging materials in 4.0, must be used. Void spaces within multiple

book containers must be filled with dunnage or otherwise stabilized to prevent

shifting or damage to the contents or container. Shipments of books and similarly

produced printed matter are packaged according to these weight categories:

a. Up to five pounds, sealing must be by multiple friction closures, completely

clinched staples, heat-sealing, adhesives, tape, or nonmetallic banding.

Although shrinkwrap is not acceptable as the only packaging for hardback

books and similarly produced printed matter exceeding one pound or one inch

thick, it may be used on the exterior of otherwise acceptable containers.

Shrinkwrap (under 4.6) may be used as the only method of packaging for

paperback books and similarly produced printed matter up to three pounds.

b. From 5 to 10 pounds, closure must be by tape, nonmetallic banding, or

adhesives. Reinforced tape or nonmetallic banding is adequate for both closure

and reinforcement. Nonmetallic banding must be firmly applied to the point that

the straps must be tightened until they depress the carton at the edges.

c. From 10 to 25 pounds, reinforced tape or nonmetallic banding is adequate for

closure and reinforcement. Nonmetallic banding must be firmly applied to the

point that the straps tighten until they depress the carton at the edges.

d. From 25 to 50 pounds, hardbound books and similarly produced printed matter

must be packaged in 275-pound test fiberboard boxes and paperback books

and similarly produced printed matter must be packaged in 200-pound test

fiberboard boxes.

e. From 50 to 70 pounds, hardbound books and similarly produced printed matter

must be packaged in 350-pound test fiberboard boxes and paperback books

and similarly produced printed matter must be packaged in 275-pound test

fiberboard boxes.

7.3 Soft Goods

Boxes containing soft goods (e.g., textiles, clothing, sheets, blankets, pillows and

pillowcases, draperies, cloth, and any wearing apparel) weighing up to 5 pounds

must be filled to capacity. Soft goods between the weight range of 5 to 20 pounds

must be packaged in material with a minimum 70-pound outer ply basis weight.

Closure of bags must be by completely clinched staples, heat-sealing, adhesives,

sewing, or tape. Improperly clinched staples must be removed. Shrinkwrapping is

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not acceptable as the only packaging. Fiberboard containers must be made of at

least 200-pound test board for soft goods weighing from 20 to 45 pounds and at

least 275-pound test board for soft goods weighing from 45 to 70 pounds.

7.4 Sound Recordings

Shipments of recordings (e.g., records and cassette tapes in paper sleeves,

paperboard, or chipboard shells) weighing up to 10 pounds must be packed in

70-pound basis weight envelopes for weights up to 3 pounds, or outer corrugated,

fiberboard containers for weights up to 10 pounds. When shipments weigh from 20

to 40 pounds, multiple shell containers must be packaged in 175-pound test

fiberboard containers or equivalent and closed and reinforced by adhesives, kraft

paper tape, equivalent plastic tape, or staples. When shipments weigh from 40 to

65 pounds, multiple shell containers up to 65 pounds must be packaged in

200-pound test fiberboard containers or equivalent and closed and reinforced as

described for 20- to 40-pound containers, except that containers must be

reinforced about every 8 inches around the package. Shipments weighing more

than 65 pounds must be packaged in 275-pound test fiberboard containers or

equivalent.

7.5 Magnetic Tapes

Shipments of multiple magnetic tapes and cartridges up to 5 pounds must be

packed in outer fiberboard containers or chipboard containers (minimum 0.022 mil).

Closure must be by multiple friction closures, completely clinched staples,

heat-shrinking or adhesives, or by tape. Paper tape must be a minimum of

60-pound basis weight kraft. Shrinkwrapping is acceptable on the exterior of

otherwise acceptable boxes of multiple tape shipments. Standards for shipments

weighing from 5 to 20 pounds are similar, except that closure must be only by the

use of adhesives, tape, or staples. Standards are also similar for shipments

weighing from 20 to 40 pounds, except that the contents must be placed in

175-pound test containers that are banded or reinforced at two points with

reinforced paper or plastic tape, pressure-sensitive filament tape, or firmly applied

nonmetallic banding. Shipments from 40 to 65 pounds must be similarly packaged,

except that fiberboard containers of at least 200-pound test board or equivalent

must be used. Shipments weighing more than 65 pounds must be packaged in

275-pound test fiberboard containers or equivalent.

8.0 Nonmailable and Restricted Articles and Substances

Generally

8.1 Nonmailable Matter—General

Certain potentially undesirable, harmful, or dangerous matter is nonmailable by

statute or regulation. The standards for nonmailable articles and substances and the

special conditions under which certain of these articles and substances may be

mailed are in 8.0 through 10.0 and 12.0. The standards in 13.0, Written, Printed,

and Graphic Matter Generally, 508.9.0, Pandering Advertisements, and 508.10.0,

Sexually Oriented Advertisements, apply to nonmailable matter in written, printed, or

graphic form and contain the rules on advising mailers of matter covered in 8.0

through 13.0, 508.9.0, and 508.10.0. The standards in 8.0 through 10.0 and 12.0

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apply to the military postal system, its employees, and undelivered mail that is or has

been in the official custody of this system and its employees. References to

Inspection Service apply to the Postal Inspection Service and authorized employees,

not military investigative services.

8.2 Basic Premise

The basic premise of the postal mailability statutes is that anything “which may kill or

injure another, or injure the mails or other property...” is nonmailable. Several

statutory exceptions to this rule permit mailings of otherwise nonmailable matter

under specified conditions. Statutory exceptions apply to live scorpions, poisonous

drugs and medicines, poisons for scientific use, switchblade knives, firearms, motor

vehicle master keys, locksmithing devices, and abortive and contraceptive devices.

The statutes also provide that the USPS may, by regulation, permit the mailing,

under required conditions of preparation and packing, of potentially harmful matter

not “outwardly or of [its] own force dangerous or injurious to life, health, or property.”

The standards in 8.0 summarize the statutory prohibitions and exceptions. The

mailability standards that apply to perishable, hazardous, and restricted matter are

detailed in 9.0, 10.0, and 12.0, respectively. Publication 52, Hazardous, Restricted,

and Perishable Mail, contains additional clarification and further describes the

conditions of preparation and packaging under which the USPS accepts for mailing

potentially harmful matter that is otherwise nonmailable. Publication 52 also contains

detailed information on the mailability of specific hazardous materials.

8.3 Other Nonmailable Matter

Matter is nonmailable also when it cannot be delivered because of an illegible,

incorrect, or insufficient address, or when it does not meet USPS standards for mail

preparation, classification, postage prices, size, or weight.

8.4 Restricted Matter—General

Restricted matter is an article or substance prohibited or limited by Title 18, U.S.

Code (liquors, abortive and contraceptive devices, odd-shaped items in envelopes,

motor vehicle master keys, and locksmithing devices). It also includes matter not

otherwise described in 8.0 through 10.0 and 12.0 that is restricted by 18 USC

1716(a) because it may, under conditions encountered in the mail, be injurious to life,

health, or property (obnoxious odors, liquids, powders, and battery-powered

devices).

8.5 Harmful Matter—General

Except as provided in this document, any article, composition, or material is

nonmailable if it can kill or injure another or injure the mail or other property. Harmful

matter includes, but is not limited to:

a. All types and classes of poisons, including controlled substances.

b. All poisonous animals except scorpions mailed for medical research purposes

or for the manufacture of antivenom; all poisonous insects; all poisonous

reptiles; and all types of snakes, turtles, and spiders.

c. All disease germs or scabs.

d. All explosives, flammable material, infernal machines, and mechanical,

chemical, or other devices or compositions that may ignite or explode.

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8.6 Hazardous Materials

Harmful matter also includes regulated hazardous materials as defined in 10.0 that

are likely to harm USPS employees or to destroy, deface, or otherwise damage mail

or postal equipment. This includes materials such as caustic poisons (acids and

alkalies), oxidizers, or highly flammable liquids, gases, or solids; or materials that are

likely, under conditions incident to transportation, to cause fires through friction,

absorption of moisture, or spontaneous chemical changes or from retained heat

from manufacturing or processing, including explosives or containers previously

used for shipping high explosives with a liquid ingredient (such as dynamite),

ammunition, fireworks, radioactive materials, matches, or articles emitting

obnoxious odors.

8.7 Marking of Restricted Articles or Substances

8.7.1 Content

Except for firearms and switchblade knives, controlled substances, radioactive

materials, and motor vehicle master keys and locksmithing devices, the identity of

the content of anything mailed under 8.0 through 10.0 and 12.0 must be plainly and

durably marked on the address side of each mailpiece as a condition of mailing.

When the content is a hazardous material as defined in 49 CFR, each mailpiece

must be marked as required in 10.0.

8.7.2 Addressing

For any matter mailed under the provisions in 8.0 through 10.0 and 12.0, the

recipient’s name and address must be affixed or applied directly to the mailpiece

using a material or method that is not water-soluble and not easily smeared or

rubbed off. Except for diagnostic specimen mailpieces using a business reply mail

format and nonregulated materials, a return address that includes the sender’s

name and address must appear on all matter mailed under 8.0 through 10.0 and

12.0. The return address, when required, must be applied using a material or

method that is not water-soluble and not easily smeared or rubbed off.

8.7.3 Warning Label

Except for controlled substances mailed under 12.0, any label or other marking

required by federal law or the regulation of any federal agency must be securely

affixed or applied to the address side of each mailpiece. See 10.0 for the warning

label requirements that apply to the mailing of hazardous materials.

8.8 Mailer Responsibility

The mailer must comply with applicable postal laws and regulations governing

mailability and preparation for mailing, as well as nonpostal laws and regulations on

the shipment of particular matter.

8.9 Statutory System

18 USC 2510, et seq., constitutes a statutory system of regulating interception of

wire, oral, or electronic communications. Any person contemplating the mailing of a

device primarily useful for surreptitiously effecting such interception should consider

the provisions of 18 USC 2510, et seq., particularly section 2512. This statute

makes it a crime, except as otherwise provided in 18 USC 2510, et seq., for a

person intentionally to send through the mail any device whose design that person

knows, or has reason to know, renders the device primarily useful for surreptitious

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interception of wire, oral, or electronic communications. The statute does not

declare that such a device in itself constitutes nonmailable matter but, as indicated,

provides criminal penalties for the act of intentionally mailing it.

8.10 Other Laws and Regulations

Particular matter may be mailable under postal statutes and regulations, but

customers may have responsibilities under nonpostal statutes and regulations

concerned with possession, treatment, transmission, or transfer of such matter

(e.g., 49 CFR 100-185 (Department of Transportation Regulations); the

Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 (Public Law

91-513), 21 USC 801, et seq.; and the Gun Control Act of 1968 (Public Law

90-618), 18 USC 921, et seq.).

8.11 Refusal of Nonmailable Matter

USPS employees may refuse an article for mailing if the content of the article is

described by the mailer or otherwise revealed to be nonmailable.

8.12 Authorizing Mailability

A postmaster may decide whether articles and substances other than written,

printed, or graphic matter are nonmailable and, where appropriate, is authorized to

refuse to accept for mailing such matter determined to be nonmailable. The mailer

may seek a review of the postmaster’s decision by the PCSC. The mailer may file a

written appeal of the PCSC ruling with the USPS Recorder, Judicial Officer, with a

copy or description of the determination or ruling. The rules of procedure for the

determination of such appeals are in 39 CFR 953.

8.13 Protecting Employees

A postmaster may take any step reasonable and necessary to protect USPS

employees and equipment from potentially dangerous or injurious materials or

substances found in the mail.

8.14 Applicability to Military Postal System

8.0 through 10.0 and 12.0 applies to the military postal system, its personnel, and

undelivered mail that is or has been in the official custody of that system and its

personnel. References to the Inspection Service refer to the Postal Inspection

Service and its authorized employees, not to military investigative services.

9.0 Perishables

9.1 Time Factor

Mailable perishable matter may be sent through the mail only if it can reach its

destination in good condition in the normal transit time between the mailing and

address points. Mailable perishable foods that do not rapidly decay or generate

obnoxious odors in the mail may be sent at the mailer’s risk.

9.2 Preparation of Perishables

9.2.1 Container

Any container used to mail perishable matter must be constructed to protect and

securely contain the contents.

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9.2.2 Produce

Fruits and vegetables are not mailable unless presented in dry condition.

9.2.3 Water Ice

Water ice used as a refrigerant must be packed under 3.4 as though it were a liquid.

9.2.4 Dry Ice

A parcel containing dry ice (carbon dioxide solid) must be packed in a container that

allows the release of carbon dioxide gas. If a fiberboard box is used, enough

insulation is necessary to prevent condensation and wetting of the mailing carton.

9.3 Live Animals

9.3.1 Prohibition on Animals Intended for Use in an Animal Fighting

Venture

An animal is nonmailable if such animal is being mailed for the purpose of having it

participate in an animal fighting venture (7 U.S.C. 2156). This standard applies

regardless of whether such venture is permitted under the laws of the state in which

it is conducted. Violators can be subject to the criminal penalties in 18 U.S.C. 49.

See 12.20 for the prohibition on mailing sharp instruments intended for use in an

animal fighting venture and 13.5.7 for restrictions on mailing written, printed, or

graphic matter related to animal fighting ventures. For this standard:

a. the term animal means any live bird, or any live mammal (e.g., dog), except

human;

b. the term animal fighting venture means any event, in or affecting interstate or

foreign commerce, that involves a fight conducted or to be conducted between

at least two animals for purposes of sport, wagering, or entertainment

(excluding any activity whose primary purpose involves using one or more

animals in hunting other animals); and

c. the term state means any state of the United States, the District of Columbia,

the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or any U.S. territory or possession.

9.3.2 Day-Old Poultry

Day-old poultry vaccinated with Newcastle disease (live virus) is nonmailable. Live

day-old chickens, ducks, emus, geese, guinea fowl, partridges, pheasants

(pheasants may be mailed only from April through August), quail, and turkeys are

acceptable in the mail only if:

a. They are not more than 24 hours old and are presented for mailing in the

original unopened hatchery box from the hatchery of origin.

b. The date and hour of hatching is noted on the box by a representative of the

hatchery who has personal knowledge thereof. (For COD shipments made by a

hatchery for the account of others, the name or initials and address of the

hatchery or the Post Office box number and address of the hatchery must be

prominently shown for this standard.)

c. The box is properly ventilated, of proper construction and strength to bear safe

transmission in the mail, and not stacked more than 10 units high.

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d. They are mailed early enough in the week to avoid receipt at the office of

address, in case of missed connections, on a Sunday, on a national holiday, or

on the afternoon before a Sunday or holiday.

e. They can be delivered to the addressee within 72 hours of the time of hatching,

whether the addressee resides in town or on a rural route or highway contract

route.

f. The shipment bears special handling postage in addition to regular postage,

unless sent at the First-Class Mail or Priority Mail prices.

g. When live, day-old poultry is to be transported by aircraft, all provisions of the

airline tariffs are met and air carriers have equipment available to safely deliver

shipments within the specified time limits, allowing for delays en route in air and

ground transportation.

h. Day-old poultry, originally shipped by air express or air cargo and then

presented for mailing, must be in good condition and prepared as specified in

9.3.2a. through 9.3.2e.

i. Boxes of day-old poultry of about identical size, securely fastened together to

prevent separation in transit, may be accepted for mailing as a single parcel, if

such parcel is not more than 100 inches in length and girth combined.

9.3.3 Small Cold-Blooded Animals

Small, harmless, cold-blooded animals (except snakes and turtles) that do not

require food or water or attention during handling in the mail and that do not create

sanitary problems or obnoxious odors are mailable (e.g., baby alligators and

caimans not more than 20 inches long, bloodworms, earthworms, mealworms,

salamanders, leeches, lizards, snails, and tadpoles).

9.3.4 Adult Fowl

Disease-free adult fowl may be mailed domestically when shipped under applicable

law in accordance with 1.7. Adult chickens, turkeys, guinea fowl, doves, pigeons,

pheasants, partridges, and quail as well as ducks, geese, and swans are mailable as

follows:

a. The mailer must send adult fowl by Priority Mail Express in secure containers

approved by the manager, Product Classification (see 608.8.0 for address).

b. The number of birds per parcel must follow the container manufacturer limits

and each bird must weigh more than 6 ounces.

c. A mailing container must be used that is constructed by a USPS-approved

manufacturer listed on the RIBBS website at http://ribbs.usps.gov.

d. Indemnity may be paid only for articles that are lost, damaged, or missing

contents, and not for death of the birds in transit if there is no visible damage to

the mailing container.

e. Postage refunds may not be available if the Priority Mail Express shipment was

delivered or delivery was attempted within three days of the date of mailing as

shown in the “Date In” box on Label 11.

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Mailability: Perishables

9.3.5 Warm-Blooded Animals

Warm-blooded animals, except the specified birds under specific conditions in this

section, are not mailable (e.g., hamsters, mice, rats, guinea pigs, rabbits, cats,

dogs, squirrels, parakeets, and canaries).

9.3.6 Mailed to the Pacific Islands

Animals mailed to the Republic of Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and

the Federated States of Micronesia require a permit issued by the government of

the destination country.

9.3.7 Bees

Bees are acceptable in the continental surface mail when shipped under federal and

state regulations to ensure that they are free of disease. Packages of honeybees

must bear special handling postage, except those sent at a First-Class Mail price.

Only queen honeybees may be shipped via air transportation. Each queen

honeybee shipped via air transportation may be accompanied by up to eight

attendant honeybees.

9.3.8 Other Insects

Other live, nonpoisonous, and nondisease-conveying insects, including flies of the

family Drosophilidae, may be sent through the mail when properly prepared for

mailing and when shipped under regulations of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Such insects mailed to the Republic of Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands,

and the Federated States of Micronesia are also subject to the regulations of the

destination country.

9.3.9 Live Scorpions

Live scorpions that are to be used for medical research or the manufacture of

antivenin are accepted only in the continental surface mail when packaged in a

double mailing container, both parts of which are closed or fastened to prevent

escape of the scorpions. The inner container must be of material that cannot be

punctured by the scorpions and must be plainly marked “Live Scorpions.”

Cushioning material must be used when necessary to prevent shifting of the inner

container. The outer container must be strong enough to prevent crushing of the

package or exposure of the contents during normal handling in the mail. The outer

container must be plainly marked “Live Scorpions.”

9.3.10 Packaging

Any mailing container used for mailable animals must be made of at least

275-pound test, double wall, corrugated, weather-resistant fiberboard (W5c) or

equivalent and must be adequately ventilated. The container must be constructed

to prevent escape of the animals while in the mail and to preclude the container and

its contents from being crushed in normal handling. The outside of the container

must include a return address and a description of the contents. A container

marked “If Undeliverable, Abandon” is not accepted.

9.3.11 Acceptance

The USPS does not accept any shipment of animals that the USPS reasonably

believes cannot reach its destination in a viable condition. Such a determination is

based on factors including the expected temperatures (weather conditions) while

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Mailability: Perishables

the shipment is in the mail; the types of vehicles on which the shipment is to be

transported; the expected transit time; and the types of packaging used for

protection against suffocation, crushing, and handling.

9.3.12 Disposal

Any parcel of live animals that cannot be delivered to the addressee or returned to

the sender within 72 hours (for live day-old poultry) or within the delivery period

marked on the parcel (for other animals) is immediately disposed of under the

relevant standards. A parcel not marked with the delivery period is disposed of

immediately if it reasonably appears that the animals cannot be returned to the

sender in a viable condition.

9.4 Dead Wild Animals

The dead bodies, or parts thereof, of any wild animals, wild birds, or eggs are

acceptable for mailing only when they are lawfully killed or taken, and their shipment

is not prohibited by law of the United States or of the state, territory, district, or

foreign country or subdivision thereof in which killed or taken or offered for shipment.

Mailing of fresh game is also subject to these standards.

9.5 Furs, Hides, Skins, And Pelts

A parcel containing the fur, hide, skin, or pelt of a wild animal is mailable only if the

matter is properly dried or cured and has no offensive odor, and only if the parcel is

plainly marked, labeled, or tagged on the outside with the names and addresses of

the shipper and addressee. The parcel must bear any endorsement required by

state laws. Hides and pelts must be wrapped when necessary to prevent damage to

other mail.

9.6 Mailing Plants

9.6.1 Mailability

In general, plants and plant products are mailable within the United States and its

territories and possessions, subject to certain prohibitions imposed under U.S.

agriculture and conservation statutes. To the extent specified below, when such

prohibitions make shipment of plants or plant products unlawful, those articles

constitute nonmailable matter. More detailed information is in Publication 14,

Prohibitions and Restrictions on Mailing Animals, Plants, and Related Matter.

9.6.2 Nonmailable Quarantined Matter

Under 39 USC 3014(b), any plant, plant product, or other article capable of carrying

a dangerous plant disease or insect infestation is nonmailable from a quarantined

area, if shipping such item by common carrier is prohibited by a U.S. Department of

Agriculture (USDA) quarantine issued under 7 USC 161, except, any such item is

mailable from a quarantined area if:

a. Its movement by common carrier is allowed under conditions prescribed in the

quarantine notice or in other USDA regulations, issued under 7 USC 161,

governing its inspection, disinfection, certification, and other conditions for its

movement.

b. Its movement by mail complies with all such conditions.

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9.6.3 Additional Quarantined Matter

Any plant, article, or matter, the importation or interstate shipment of which is

prohibited under the Act of August 20, 1912 (37 Stat. 315, chapter 308; 7 USC 151

et seq.), commonly known as the Plant Quarantine Act, is made nonmailable by 39

USC 3015(c).

9.6.4 Illegally Taken Plants

Any plant, the conveyance of which is prohibited under section 3 of the Lacey Act

Amendments of 1981 (16 USC 3372), is made nonmailable by 39 USC 3015(d).

9.6.5 Criminal Penalties

18 USC 1716B provides criminal penalties for mailing anything nonmailable under

39 USC 3014(b), unless the item is excepted under USPS regulations. 18 USC

1716D provides criminal penalties for mailing anything nonmailable under 39 USC

3015(c) and (d).

9.6.6 USDA Notices and Regulations

USDA quarantine notices, issued under 7 USC 161, are published in the

Federal Register and codified in 7 CFR (e.g., 7 CFR 301 and 318). Details on these

and other USDA regulations may be obtained by writing to the USDA Animal and

Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ)

Programs (see 608.8.0 for address).

9.7 Nonmailable Plant Pests, Injurious Animals, and Illegally Taken Fish or

Wildlife

9.7.1 Nonmailable Matter

More detailed information is in Publication 14. Under the respective provisions of 39

USC 3015(a), (b), and (d), the following items are nonmailable:

a. Any injurious animal, the importation or interstate shipment of which is

prohibited under 18 USC 42.

b. Any plant pest, the movement of which is prohibited under section 103 or 104

of the Federal Plant Pest Act (7 USC 150bb or 150cc).

c. Any fish or wildlife, the conveyance of which is prohibited under section 3 of the

Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 (16 USC 3372).

9.7.2 Criminal Penalties

18 USC 1716D provides criminal penalties for mailing anything nonmailable under

39 USC 3015(a), (b), or (d).

10.0 Hazardous Materials

10.1 Definitions

[1-27-13] The following definitions apply:

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Mailability: Hazardous Materials

a. Hazardous material is any article or substance designated by the U.S.

Department of Transportation (DOT) as being capable of posing an

unreasonable risk to health, safety, and property during transportation. In

international commerce, hazardous materials are known as “dangerous goods.”

b. Limited quantity is the maximum amount of a specific hazardous material that is

exempted from the labeling or packaging requirements in 49 CFR. Not every

hazardous material is eligible to be shipped as a limited quantity. Almost all

limited quantity materials are nonmailable.

c. ORM-D (Other Regulated Material) material is a limited quantity of a hazardous

material that presents a limited hazard during transportation due to its form,

quantity, and packaging. Not all hazardous materials permitted to be shipped

as a limited quantity can qualify as an ORM-D material. The ORM-D category is

only applicable for materials intended for ground transportation. Effective

January 1, 2015, the ORM-D category will be eliminated for materials intended

for surface transportation. After this date, the mailability of materials previously

fitting the description of ORM-D must be evaluated based on its eligibility under

the applicable consumer commodity or mailable limited quantity categories.

d. Consumer commodity is a hazardous material that is packaged and distributed

in a quantity and form intended or suitable for retail sale and designed for

consumption by individuals for their personal care or household use purposes.

This term can also include certain drugs or medicines. Not all hazardous

material permitted to be shipped as a limited quantity can qualify as a consumer

commodity. The consumer commodity category will not apply to materials,

intended for air transportation, in hazard classes 4, 5, and 8, and portions of

hazard Class 9.

e. Mailable Limited Quantity is a hazardous material in hazard Classes 4, 5, 8 or

portions of 9 that presents a limited hazard during transportation (specifically air

transport), and is mailable in USPS air networks under certain conditions and in

limited quantities.

f. Air transportation requirements, for the purposes of 10.0 only, apply to all

mailable hazardous materials sent at the First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, or Priority

Mail Express prices. All mailable hazardous materials sent at those prices must

meet the requirements that apply to air transportation. Mailable hazardous

materials sent at any of those prices may or may not be transported via air

depending on the distance between the point of origination and the point of

destination, and the ability of the USPS to obtain an air carrier between those

points.

g. Surface transportation requirements, for the purposes of 10.0 only, apply to all

mailable hazardous materials sent at the Standard Mail or Package Services

prices. All mailable hazardous materials sent at the Standard Mail or Package

Services prices must meet the requirements that apply to surface

transportation.

h. Primary receptacle is the container (e.g., tube, vial, bottle) that holds the

hazardous material.

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i. Secondary container is the packaging component into which the primary

receptacle(s) and any required absorbent and cushioning material is securely

placed. The packaging of certain mailable hazardous materials does not require

the use of a secondary container.

j. Outer shipping container is the exterior packaging component into which a

primary receptacle, along with any required absorbent and cushioning material,

and the secondary container (if required) are securely placed. The outer

shipping container bears the addressing information along with all required

markings.

10.2 U.S. Department of Transportation Regulations of Hazardous Material

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulates the surface and air carriage

of hazardous materials within the United States via any means of transportation. The

DOT regulations for the transport of hazardous materials are codified in Title 49,

Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR) 100–185. USPS mailing standards for

hazardous materials generally adhere to 49 CFR, but also include many additional

limitations and prohibitions.

10.3 USPS Standards for Hazardous Material

[1-27-13] The USPS standards generally restrict the mailing of hazardous materials

to ORM-D (permitted for surface transportation only until January 1, 2015), and

consumer commodity or mailable limited quantity materials that meet USPS

quantity limitations and packaging requirements. All exceptions are subject to the

standards in 10.0. Detailed information on the mailability of specific hazardous

materials is contained in Publication 52, Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail.

10.4 Hazard Class

[1-27-13] Every hazardous material is assigned to one of nine hazard classes

identified in 49 CFR 172.101 and 173. Some hazard classes are further separated

into divisions based on their physical or chemical properties. For postal purposes,

Exhibit 10.4 generally summarizes the mailability of hazardous materials by hazard

class.

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601.10.4

Mailability: Hazardous Materials

Exhibit 10.4 DOT Hazard Classes and Mailability Summary

CLASS

HAZARD CLASS NAME

AND DIVISION

TRANSPORTATION METHOD

Domestic

Mail Air Transportation

Domestic

Mail Surface

Transportation International Mail

1 Explosives

Division -

1.1 Mass Explosive Hazard

1.2 Projection Hazard

1.3 Fire Hazard and/or Minor Blast/Minor

Projection Hazard

1.4 Minor Blast Hazard

1.5 Very Insensitive With Mass Explosion

Hazard

1.6 Extremely Insensitive With No Mass

Explosion Hazard

Prohibited Prohibited except with

written permission as

allowed in 10.11.2

Prohibited

2 Gases

Division -

2.1 Flammable Gases

2.2 Nonflammable, Nontoxic Gases

2.3 Toxic Gases

Division 2.1 and 2.3:

Prohibited.

Division 2.2: Only mailable

air-eligible Consumer

Commodity materials

per10.12.2

Divisions 2.1 and 2.2:

Only ORM-D material per

10.12.2.

Division 2.3: Prohibited

Prohibited

3 Flammable and Combustible Liquids

Flammable

liquids: Prohibited.

Combustibles: Only

mailable air-eligible

Consumer Commodity

materials per10.13.3

Flammable liquids:

Only ORM-D material per

10.13.2.

Combustibles: Only

ORM-D material per

10.13.3

Prohibited

4 Flammable Solids

Division -

4.1 Flammable Solids

4.2 Spontaneously Combustible

4.3 Dangerous When Wet

Prohibited Only ORM-D material per

10.14.2

Prohibited

5 Oxidizing Substances,

Organic Peroxides

Division -

5.1 Oxidizing Substances

5.2 Organic Peroxides

Only air-eligible Mailable

Limited Quantity materials

per 10.15.2

Only ORM-D material per

10.15.2

Prohibited

6 Toxic Substances and Infectious

Substances

Division -

6.1 Toxic Substances

6.2 Infectious Substances

Division 6.1: Only mailable

air-eligible Consumer

Commodity materials per

10.16.2.

Division 6.2: Only per 10.17

Division 6.1: Only ORM-D

material per 10.16.2.

Division 6.2: Only per

10.17

Division 6.1:

Prohibited.

Division 6.2:

Only

mailable per IMM 135

7 Radioactive Materials

Prohibited Only in limits per

Publication 52

Only mailable in limits

per IMM 135

8Corrosives

Only Mailable Limited

Quantity materials per

10.19.2

Only ORM-D material per

10.19.2

Prohibited

9 Miscellaneous Hazardous Materials

ID8000 materials

UN3077, UN3082, UN3334, or UN3335

materials

Only mailable air-eligible

Consumer Commodity

materials per 10.20

Only ORM-D material per

10.20

Prohibited, except

magnetized materials

per IMM 136

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601.10.5

Mailability: Hazardous Materials

10.5 Mailer Responsibility for Mailing Hazardous Materials

Full responsibility rests with the mailer to comply with all postal and nonpostal laws

and regulations regarding the mailing of hazardous materials. Anyone who mails, or

causes to be mailed, a nonmailable or improperly packaged hazardous material can

be subject to legal penalties, including but not limited to those specified in 18 USC.

10.6 Mailability Rulings for Hazardous Materials

Generally, the acceptability for mailing chemicals and other types of hazardous

materials depends on container fluid/vapor capacities, the ability of the complete

mailpiece to contain the material, and the method of absorbing and containing the

product in case of accidental leakage of the primary receptacle. To determine

mailability of a specific material, a mailer must submit a material safety data sheet

(MSDS) and the following information to the Pricing and Classification Service

Center (PCSC):

a. Name of material, hazard class, and assigned United Nations (UN) or North

America (NA) identification number.

b. Chemical composition by percentage of ingredient.

c. Flashpoint.

d. Toxic properties.

e. Irritant action when inhaled, swallowed, or contacted by eyes or skin.

f. Special precautions necessary to permit handling without harm to USPS

employees or damage to property or other mail.

g. Explanation of warning labels and shipping papers required by state or federal

regulations.

h. Proposed packaging method, including the addressing and required markings.

i. Proposed number of pieces to be mailed, class of mail, and Post Office(s) of

mailing.

10.7 Warning Labels for Hazardous Materials

[1-27-13] With few exceptions as noted in these standards, most hazardous

materials acceptable for mailing fall within the current Other Regulated Materials

(ORM-D) regulations of 49 CFR 173.144 for materials intended for surface

transportation, and the consumer commodity or mailable limited quantity categories

for materials intended for air transportation. Mailpieces containing mailable

hazardous materials intended for transportation by air are required to bear an

approved DOT square-on-point marking under 10.8b and may also be required to

bear a specific DOT hazardous material warning label (if required for the hazard

class shipped). Mailpieces containing mailable hazardous materials must be marked

as required in 10.8 and must bear DOT handling labels (e.g., orientation arrows,

magnetized materials) when applicable. Effective January 1, 2015, the ORM-D

category will be eliminated for materials intended for surface transportation, and

mailpieces containing hazardous materials intended for surface transportation will

be required to be marked using the appropriate DOT square-on-point marking. Also

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601.10.8

Mailability: Hazardous Materials

after this date, the mailability of materials previously fitting the description of ORM-D

must be evaluated based on its eligibility under the applicable consumer commodity

or mailable limited quantity categories.

10.8 Package Markings for Hazardous Materials

[1-27-13] Unless otherwise noted, each mailpiece containing a mailable hazardous

material must be plainly and durably marked on the address side with the required

shipping name and UN identification number. Mailpieces containing mailable

air-eligible hazardous materials intended for air transportation must bear a DOT

limited quantity square-on-point marking under 10.8b. Mailpieces containing

mailable hazardous materials intended for surface transportation may be entered

and marked under the ORM-D category before January 1, 2015. After this date, all

parcels containing mailable hazardous materials must bear the appropriate DOT

square-on-point marking and other associated markings when required. The

following also applies:

a. The use of DOT limited quantity square-on-point markings are required for

mailpieces intended for air transportation and optional (until January 1, 2015) for

mailpieces intended for surface transportation (see

Exhibit 10.8b ). The plain

square-on-point marking is used for shipments sent by surface transportation,

and the square-on-point marking including the symbol “Y” superimposed in the

center is used for shipments sent by air transportation. The following also

applies:

1. Markings must be durable, legible and readily visible.

2. The marking must be applied on at least one side or one end of the outer

packaging. The border forming the square-on-point must be at least 2 mm

(0.08 inch) in width and the minimum dimension of each side must be 100

mm (3.94 inches), unless the package size requires a reduced size

marking of no less than 50 mm (1.97 inches) on each side.

3. For surface transportation, the top and bottom portions of the

square-on-point and the border forming the square-on-point must be

black and the center must be white or of a suitable contrasting

background. Surface shipments containing qualifying ORM-D materials

and bearing the square-on-point limited quantity marking are not required

to be marked with the shipping name and identification number.

4. For transportation by aircraft, the top and bottom portions of the

square-on-point and the border forming the square-on-point must be

black and the center must be white or of a suitable contrasting

background. The symbol ‘‘Y’’ must be black and located in the center of

the square-on-point and be clearly visible. Mailpieces intended for

transport by air must also be marked with the proper shipping name,

identification number, and must also display the appropriate DOT

hazardous material warning label (only when required for the hazard class

shipped) in accordance with Publication 52.

b. The UN identification number is not required on mailpieces containing ORM-D

materials and intended for surface transportation. A mailable ORM-D material

must be marked on the address side with “ORM-D” (or marked under 10.8a)

immediately following, or below the proper shipping name. The proper shipping

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601.10.9

Mailability: Hazardous Materials

name for a mailable ORM-D material is “consumer commodity.” The

designation “ORM-D” must be placed within a rectangle that is approximately

6.3 mm (1/4 inch) larger on each side than the applicable designation.

Mailpieces containing ORM-D materials sent as Standard Mail, Standard Post,

Parcel Select, or Package Services must also be marked on the address side

as “Surface Only” or “Surface Mail Only.”

Exhibit 10.8b DOT Square-On-Point Markings

10.9 Shipping Papers for Hazardous Materials

[1-27-13] A shipper’s declaration for dangerous goods (shipping paper) prepared

under 49 CFR 172.200 through 172.205 is required for certain types of hazardous

materials when mailed. The shipping paper must be completed and signed in

triplicate by the mailer. It must be affixed to the outside of the mailpiece within an

envelope or similar carrier that can be easily opened and resealed to allow viewing

of the document. Shipping papers are required as follows:

a. Air transportation requirements. Except for nonregulated materials sent under

10.17.3 or 10.17.8 and diagnostic specimens sent under 10.17.5, mailpieces

containing mailable hazardous materials sent as Priority Mail Express, Priority

Mail, First-Class Mail, or First-Class Package Service, must include a shipping

paper.

b. Surface transportation requirements. Except for nonregulated materials sent

under 10.17.3 or 10.17.8 and mailable ORM-D materials, mailpieces containing

mailable hazardous materials sent as Standard Mail, Standard Post, Parcel

Select, or Package Services, must include a shipping paper.

10.10 Air Transportation Prohibitions for Hazardous Materials

[1-27-13] All mailable hazardous materials sent as Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail,

First-Class Mail, or First-Class Package Service, must meet the requirements for air

transportation. The following types of hazardous materials are always prohibited on

air transportation regardless of class of mail:

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Mailability: Hazardous Materials

a. Anything susceptible to damage or that can become harmful because of

changes in temperature or atmospheric pressures unless protected against the

effects of such changes.

b. Magnetic materials that have a field strength sufficient to cause a compass

deviation at a distance of 15 feet (4.6 meters) or more from any point on the

outer packaging.

c. Flammable materials (gases, liquids, and solids).

d. Radioactive materials.

e. Materials excluded from air shipment by DOT regulations (49 CFR 100-185) or

of the applicable state (country) or air carrier operator variations. Certain

restricted articles, as described in 49 CFR 100-185 and the operator variations

of the air carriers, may be accepted for air transportation if properly packaged.

These articles must be labeled and bear a shipper's declaration in triplicate, as

required by 49 CFR 172.204, or must be marked according to the air carrier's

operator variations. Refer to the technical instruction of the International Civil

Aviation Organization (ICAO) for air carrier operator variations.

10.11 Explosives (Hazard Class 1)

10.11.1 Definition

An explosive is any substance, article, or device that is designed to function by

explosion (i.e., an extremely rapid release of gas and heat) or that, by chemical

reaction within itself, is able to function in a similar manner even if not designed to

function by explosion, unless the substance or article is otherwise classed under the

provisions in 49 CFR. Hazard class 1 has six divisions as shown in Exhibit 10.4. No

further explanation of the six divisions is provided in these standards because

explosives are prohibited in the mail except as permitted in 10.11.2.

10.11.2 Mailability

Explosives are prohibited in international mail. Explosives are prohibited in the

domestic mail via air transportation. For domestic surface transportation, explosives

are prohibited except for certain Division 1.4S toy propellant devices and safety

fuses specifically approved by the manager, Product Classification (see 608.8.0 for

address) before mailing. A mailable explosive must meet the packaging and marking

requirements provided with the manager’s approval. A shipping paper is required.

10.12 Gases (Hazard Class 2)

10.12.1 Definition

Hazard class 2 consists of three divisions:

a. Division 2.1, Flammable Gases. A material that is a gas at 68°F (20°C) or less

and 14.7 psi (101.3 kPa) of pressure. Flammable gases also include materials

that have a boiling point of 68°F (20°C) or less at 14.7 psi (101.3 kPa) and that

are ignitable at 14.7 psi (101.3 kPa) when in a mixture of 13% or less by volume

with air or that have a flammable range at 14.7 psi (101.3 kPa) with air of at

least 12% regardless of the lower limit. These conditions must be established in

accordance with ASTM E681-85, Standard Test Method for Concentration

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Mailability: Hazardous Materials

Limits of Flammability of Chemicals, or other approved equivalent method. The

flammability of aerosols must be determined using the tests specified in 49 CFR

173.306(i).

b. Division 2.2, Nonflammable, Nontoxic Gases. A material that does not meet the

definition of Division 2.1 or 2.3 and exerts in its packaging an absolute pressure

of 40.6 psi (280 kPa) or greater at 68°F (20°C).

c. Division 2.3, Toxic Gases. A material that is poisonous by inhalation and is a

gas at 68°F (20°C) or less and a pressure of 14.7 psi (101.3 kPa) or a material

that has a boiling point of 68°F (20°C) or less at 14.7 psi (101.3 kPa).

10.12.2 Mailability

[1-27-13] Gases are prohibited in international mail. Toxic gases in Division 2.3 are

prohibited in domestic mail. Flammable gases in Division 2.1 are prohibited in

domestic mail via air transportation but are permitted via surface transportation if

the material can qualify as an ORM-D material (or after January 1, 2015, a

consumer commodity material) and meet the standards in 10.12.3 and 10.12.4.

Mailable nonflammable gases in Division 2.2 are generally permitted in the domestic

mail via air or surface transportation if the material can qualify as an ORM-D material

when intended for surface transportation, or as a consumer commodity material

when intended for air transportation, and also meet the standards in 10.12.3 and

10.12.4.

10.12.3 Container

An other-than-metal primary receptacle containing a mailable gas may be

acceptable if the water capacity of the primary receptacle is 4 fluid ounces (7.22

cubic inches) or less per mailpiece and the primary receptacle meets 49 CFR

requirements. Mailable nonflammable and flammable compressed gases are

acceptable in metal primary receptacles that have a water capacity up to

33.8 fluid ounces (1 liter or 61.0 cubic inches), depending on their internal pressure.

A DOT 2P container must be used as the primary receptacle if the internal pressure

is from 140 to 160 psi at 130°F (55°C). A DOT 2Q container must be used as the

primary receptacle if the pressure is from 161 to 180 psi at 130°F (55°C). A

container with an internal pressure over 180 psi at 130°F (55°C) is prohibited from

mailing. Mailable flammable compressed gases are restricted to 33.8 fluid ounces

(1 liter) per mailpiece. Mailable nonflammable compressed gases are permitted in

individual 33.8 fluid ounce (1 liter) containers that must be securely packed within an

outer shipping container. Each mailpiece must not exceed a total weight of

25 pounds.

10.12.4 Marking

[1-27-13] For surface transportation, packages of mailable gases must be plainly

and durably marked on the address side with “Surface Only” or “Surface Mail Only,”

and “ORM-D” (or with a DOT square-on-point marking under 10.8a) immediately

following or below the proper shipping name (consumer commodity). For air

transportation, packages must bear the DOT square-on-point marking including the

symbol “Y,” an approved DOT Class 9 hazardous material warning label,

Identification Number “ID8000,” and proper shipping name “Consumer

Commodity.” Mailpieces must also bear a shipper's declaration for dangerous

goods.

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601.10.13.3

Mailability: Hazardous Materials

10.13 Flammable and Combustible Liquids (Hazard Class 3)

10.13.1 Definitions

The terms used in the standards that apply to hazard class 3 are defined as follows:

a. Flammable liquid means a liquid that has a flashpoint of not more than 141°F

(60.5°C), or any material in a liquid phase that has a flashpoint at or above

100°F (38°C).

b. Combustible liquid means any liquid that does not meet the definition of any

other hazard class and has a flashpoint above 141°F (60.5°C) and below 200°F

(93°C). Note: A flammable liquid with a flashpoint at or above 100°F (38°C) that

does not meet the definition of any other hazard class may be reclassified as a

combustible liquid per 49 CFR 173.120(b).

10.13.2 Flammable Liquid Mailability

[1-27-13] Flammable liquid is prohibited in international mail. Flammable liquid with a

flashpoint of 20°F (-7°C) or below is prohibited in domestic mail. Other flammable

liquid is prohibited in domestic mail via air transportation but is permitted via surface

transportation if the material can qualify as an ORM-D material (or after January 1,

2015, a consumer commodity material) and meet the following conditions as

applicable:

a. The flashpoint is above 20°F (-7°C) but no more than 73°F (23°C); the liquid is in

a metal primary receptacle not exceeding 1 quart, or in another type of primary

receptacle not exceeding 1 pint, per mailpiece; enough cushioning surrounds

the primary receptacle to absorb all potential leakage; the cushioning and

primary receptacle are packed within a securely sealed secondary container

that is placed within a strong outer shipping container; and each mailpiece is

plainly and durably marked on the address side with “Surface Only” or “Surface

Mail Only” and “ORM-D” immediately following or below the proper shipping

name (or with a DOT square-on-point marking under 10.8b).

b. The flashpoint is above 73°F (23°C) but less than 100°F (38°C); the liquid is in a

metal primary receptacle not exceeding 1 gallon, or in another type of primary

receptacle not exceeding 1 quart, per mailpiece; enough cushioning surrounds

the primary receptacle to absorb all potential leakage; the cushioning and

primary receptacle are placed within a securely sealed secondary container that

is placed within a strong outer shipping container; and each mailpiece is plainly

and durably marked on the address side with “Surface Only” or “Surface Mail

Only” and “ORM-D” immediately following or below the proper shipping name

(or with a DOT square-on-point marking under 10.8b).

10.13.3 Combustible Liquid Mailability

[1-27-13] Combustible liquid is prohibited in international mail. Combustible liquid is

permitted in domestic mail if the material can qualify as an ORM-D material, when

intended for ground transportation or a consumer commodity material, when

intended for air transportation, and when the following conditions are met as

applicable:

a. For surface transportation, if the flashpoint is 100°F (38°C) but no more than

141°F (60.5°C); the liquid is in a metal primary receptacle not exceeding

1 gallon, or in another type of primary receptacle not exceeding 1 quart, per

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mailpiece; enough cushioning surrounds the primary receptacle to absorb all

potential leakage; the cushioning and primary receptacle are packed in a

securely sealed secondary container that is placed within a strong outer

shipping container; and each mailpiece is plainly and durably marked on the

address side with “Surface Only” or “Surface Mail Only” and “ORM-D”

immediately following or below the proper shipping name (or with a DOT

square-on-point marking under 10.8b).

b. For surface or air transportation, if the flashpoint is above 141°F (60.5°C) but no

more than 200°F (93°C); the liquid is in a primary receptacle not exceeding

1 gallon per mailpiece; enough cushioning surrounds the primary receptacle to

absorb all potential leakage; the cushioning and primary receptacle are packed

in a securely sealed secondary container that is placed within a strong outer

shipping container. For surface transportation, each mailpiece must be plainly

and durably marked on the address side with “ORM-D” immediately following

or below the proper shipping name; and each piece must be marked on the

address side as “Surface Only” or “Surface Mail Only” (or with a DOT

square-on-point marking under 10.8b). For air transportation, packages must

bear the DOT square-on-point marking including the symbol “Y,” an approved

DOT Class 9 hazardous material warning label, Identification Number “ID8000,”

proper shipping name “Consumer Commodity,” and a shipper’s declaration for

dangerous goods.

c. For air or surface transportation, if the flashpoint is above 200°F (93°C) the

material is not regulated as a hazardous material. Such nonregulated materials

must be properly and securely packaged to prevent leakage under the general

packaging requirements in 3.0, Packaging.

10.13.4 Cigarette Lighters

A cigarette lighter equipped with an ignition element and containing flammable liquid

fuel is a Class 3 flammable liquid. A cigarette lighter that contains a flammable gas is

classed as a Division 2.1 flammable gas. A cigarette lighter containing either

flammable liquid or flammable gas is permitted only in domestic mail via surface

transportation when all of the following conditions are met:

a. The design of the lighter is approved by a lighter certification agency authorized

by the DOT Associate Administrator for Hazardous Material Safety, per 49 CFR

173.21(i) and 173.308; and an approval number (e.g., “LAA****”) is issued.

b. The prospective mailer of the lighter submits to the PCSC manager a written

request for authorization to mail the lighter, accompanied by a legible

photocopy of the official DOT notice conveying the approval described in

10.13.4a and a specimen of the actual lighter, the packaging materials in which

each lighter is to be mailed, the number of mailpieces, and the mailing location.

The mailer will receive a written decision from the PCSC manager regarding the

requested authorization for mailing.

c. When presented for mailing, the address side of the mailpiece containing the

lighter must prominently display the approval number, (e.g., “LAA****”), the

proper shipping name “Lighter(s)” or “Lighter(s) for Cigarette,” and the marking

“Surface Only” or “Surface Mail Only”; all preparation and packaging

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requirements in the PCSC manager's approval letter have been met; and a

legible photocopy of the PCSC manager's approval letter must accompany the

mailing.

10.13.5 Special Permit Authorization DOT–SP 9275

Manufacturers and distributors seeking to mail parcels via air transportation in

accordance with Department of Transportation Special Permit 9275 must submit a

written request for approval to the manager, Product Classification (see 608.8.0 for

address). Approval to mail parcels using DOT–SP 9275 allows the mailer to use

First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, or Parcel Select services for shipping in compliance

with all DOT regulations in DOT–SP 9275 and the following mailing requirements:

a. Mailers must present a current copy of their DOT Special Permit Authorization

letter with a written request for approval to the manager, Product Classification.

b. Once approved, mailers must present a copy of their approval letter from the

manager, Product Classification (to be kept on file at the office of mailing) at the

time of their first mailing at any given postal facility, along with a copy of their

current DOT Special Permit Authorization letter. It is the mailers responsibility to

provide the office of mailing with updated DOT Special Permit approval letters.

The Postal Service may refuse mailings not supported by a current DOT

authorization letter.

c. Mailers must enter parcels using First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, or Parcel Select

service via a USPS-authorized manifest mailing system (MMS) (see 705.2.0).

d. Mailers must label each parcel on the address side with “USPS Approved DOT–

SP 9275” using at least 14-point type.

e. Parcels must weigh 10 pounds or less. Each inner package (receptacle) may

not exceed 16 ounces of flammable liquid or 1 pound of solids containing

flammable liquid.

f. Mailers must ensure that all addressees are notified that they are not authorized

to remail the contents of the parcel via the Postal Service under DOT–SP 9275.

Mailers must include the following notice: “Flammable substances contained in

these packages may be mailed only by consumers (the addressee) via surface

transportation in accordance with 10.13. Full responsibility rests with the mailer

to comply with all postal and nonpostal statutes and regulations regarding mail.

Information regarding postal statutes, regulations, and mailing requirements is

available from your local Postmaster or Postal Service Business Mail Entry

Manager, and at the Postal Service's mailing standards Web site at

pe.usps.com.”

g. Mailers must comply with the warning and labeling requirements in 21 CFR

Part 700 (740.1 and 701.3) when mailing each parcel.

10.14 Flammable Solids (Hazard Class 4)

10.14.1 Definitions

Hazard class 4 consists of three divisions:

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a. Division 4.1, Flammable Solids. Any solid material other than one classed as an

explosive that, under conditions normally incident to transportation, is likely to

cause fires through friction or retained heat from manufacturing or processing,

or that can be ignited readily and, when ignited, burns so vigorously and

persistently as to create a serious transportation hazard.

b. Division 4.2, Spontaneously Combustible. A liquid or solid pyrophoric material

that even in small amounts and without an external ignition source can ignite

within 5 minutes after coming in contact with air, or a self-heating material that,

when in contact with air and without an energy supply, is liable to self-heat.

c. Division 4.3, Dangerous When Wet. A material that, by contact with water, is

likely to become spontaneously flammable or to give off flammable or toxic gas

at a price greater than 1 liter per kilogram of the material per hour.

10.14.2 Mailability

[1-27-13] Flammable solids are prohibited in international mail. Flammable solids are

prohibited in domestic mail via air transportation. A flammable solid that can qualify

as an ORM-D material (or after January 1, 2015, a mailable limited quantity material)

is permitted in domestic mail via surface transportation if the material is contained in

a secure primary receptacle having a weight of 1 pound or less; the primary

receptacle(s) is packed in a strong outer shipping container with a total weight of

25 pounds or less per mailpiece; and each mailpiece is plainly and durably marked

on the address side with “Surface Only” or “Surface Mail Only” and “ORM-D”

immediately following or below the proper shipping name (or with a DOT

square-on-point marking under 10.8b).

10.14.3 Matches

Matches are classified as flammable solids. Strike-anywhere matches are prohibited

in international and domestic mail. Safety matches (book, card, or strike-on-box) are

prohibited in international mail, and in domestic mail via air transportation, but are

permitted in domestic mail via surface transportation if:

a. They do not ignite spontaneously under conditions normally incident to

transportation or when subjected for 8 consecutive hours to a temperature of

200°F (93°C).

b. They cannot be readily ignited by friction unless struck on their own or a similar

box, card, or book.

c. They are tightly packed in a securely sealed primary receptacle to prevent any

shifting or movement that could cause accidental ignition by rubbing against

adjoining items. The primary receptacle(s) is placed securely within an outer

shipping container made of fiberboard, wood, or other equivalent material.

Multiple primary receptacles may be placed in a single outer shipping container.

The address side of the mailpiece must be marked “Surface Only” or “Surface

Mail Only” and “Book Matches,” “Strike-on-Card Matches,” or “Card Matches,”

as appropriate. A shipping paper is not required.

d. The gross weight of each mailpiece is not more than 25 pounds.

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10.15 Oxidizing Substances, Organic Peroxides (Hazard Class 5)

10.15.1 Definition

Hazard class 5 consists of two divisions:

a. Division 5.1, Oxidizing Substances. A material that may, generally by yielding

oxygen, cause or enhance the combustion of other materials.

b. Division 5.2, Organic Peroxides. Any organic compound that contains oxygen in

the bivalent structure and that may be considered a derivative of hydrogen

peroxide, where one or more of the hydrogen atoms have been replaced by

organic radicals.

10.15.2 Mailability

[1-27-13] Oxidizing substances and organic peroxides are prohibited in international

mail. Class 5 materials are permitted in domestic mail if the material can qualify as an

ORM-D material (until January 1, 2015), when intended for ground transportation; or

an air-eligible mailable limited quantity material, when intended for air transportation.

Liquid materials must be enclosed within a primary receptacle having a capacity of 1

pint or less; the primary receptacle(s) must be surrounded by absorbent cushioning

material and held within a leak-resistant secondary container that is packed within a

strong outer shipping container. Solid materials must be contained within a primary

receptacle having a weight capacity of 1 pound or less; the primary receptacle(s)

must be surrounded with cushioning material and packed within a strong outer

shipping container. Each mailpiece may not exceed a total weight of 25 pounds. For

surface transportation, each mailpiece must be plainly and durably marked on the

address side with “ORM-D” immediately following or below the proper shipping

name; and each piece must be marked on the address side as “Surface Only” or

“Surface Mail Only” (or with a DOT square-on-point marking under 10.8b). air

transportation, packages must bear the DOT square-on-point marking including the

symbol “Y,” the appropriate approved DOT Class 5.1 or 5.2 hazardous material

warning label, the identification number, proper shipping name, and a shipper’s

declaration for dangerous goods.

10.16 Toxic Substances (Hazard Class 6, Division 6.1)

10.16.1 Definitions

The terms used in the standards for Division 6.1 material are:

a. Toxic substance is a poisonous material, other than a gas, that is known to be

so toxic to humans as to cause death, injury, or harm to human health if

swallowed, inhaled, or contacted by the skin.

b. Oral toxicity applies to a liquid with a lethal dose (LD

) for acute oral toxicity of

not more than 500 mg/kg or a solid with an LD

for acute oral toxicity of not

more than 200 mg/kg that when administered by mouth is likely to cause death

within 14 days in half of the test animals.

c. Dermal toxicity applies to a material with an LD

for acute dermal toxicity of not

more than 1,000 mg/kg that when administered by continuous contact with

bare skin is likely to cause death within 14 days in half of the test animals.

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d. Inhalation toxicity applies to a dust or mist with a lethal concentration (LC

) for

acute inhalation toxicity of not more than 10 mg/L; or a saturated vapor

concentration in air at 68°F (20°C) of more than one-fifth of the LC

for acute

toxicity on inhalation of vapors and with an LC

for acute inhalation toxicity of

vapors of not more than 5,000 ml/m

; that when administered by continuous

inhalation for 1 hour is likely to cause death within 14 days in half of the test

animals.

e. Irritating material is any liquid or solid substance (e.g., tear gas) that gives off

intense fumes and causes extreme irritation and impairment to a person's

ability to function.

10.16.2 Mailability

[1-27-13] Toxic substances or poisons are prohibited in international mail. For

domestic mail, a Division 6.1 toxic substance or poison that can qualify as an

ORM-D material (until January 1, 2015) when intended for ground transportation, or

a mailable air-eligible consumer commodity material when intended for air

transportation, is permitted when packaged under the applicable requirements in

10.16.4. Certain other poisonous materials are permitted to be mailed only between

the authorized parties and under the conditions in 10.16.3.

10.16.3 Authorized Parties

A Division 6.1 toxic substance having an LD50 for oral toxicity of greater than

5mg/kg but less than or equal to 50 mg/kg is mailable only if packaged under the

applicable requirements in 10.16.4 and when sent between authorized parties and

under specified conditions, as follows:

a. Toxic substances for scientific use (not outwardly or of their own force

dangerous or injurious to life, health, or property) may be sent only between

manufacturers, dealers, bona fide research or experimental scientific

laboratories, and employees of federal, state, or local governments who have

official use for such poisons and are designated by the agency head to receive

or send such poisons. For air transportation, a shipper’s declaration for

dangerous goods is required.

b. Poisonous drugs and medicines may be sent only from the manufacturer or

dealer of the drugs and medicines to licensed physicians, surgeons, dentists,

pharmacists, druggists, cosmetologists, barbers, and veterinarians (18 USC

1716). In limited circumstances, when the mailing is initiated by a drug

manufacturer or the drug manufacturer's registered agent, customers may

return prescription drugs to the manufacturer or its registered agent as

indicated in 12.11.4 and 12.11.5.

10.16.4 Packaging and Marking

[1-27-13] The following requirements must be met, as applicable:

a. A toxic substance that can qualify as an ORM-D material (until January 1, 2015)

when intended for ground transportation, or a mailable air-eligible consumer

commodity material when intended for air transportation, and does not exceed

a total capacity of 8 ounces per mailpiece is permitted if: the material is held in

a primary receptacle(s); enough cushioning material surrounds the primary

receptacle to absorb all potential leakage; and the cushioning and primary

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receptacle(s) are packed in another securely sealed secondary container that is

placed within a strong outer shipping container. For surface transportation,

each mailpiece must be plainly and durably marked on the address side with

“ORM-D” immediately following or below the proper shipping name; and each

piece must be marked on the address side as “Surface Only” or “Surface Mail

Only” (or with a DOT square-on-point marking under 10.8b). Air transportation

packages must bear the DOT square-on-point marking including the symbol

“Y,” an approved DOT Class 9 hazardous material warning label, Identification

Number “ID8000,” proper shipping name “Consumer Commodity,” and a

shipper’s declaration for dangerous goods.

b. Other toxic substances and poisons are permitted to be sent between the

authorized parties and under the conditions in 10.16.3 when they do not

exceed 8 ounces per mailpiece and if: the material is held in a leak-resistant

primary receptacle(s); sufficient absorbent and cushioning material completely

surround each primary receptacle; the primary receptacle(s) and the absorbent

and cushioning materials are firmly held within a leakproof (for liquids) or

siftproof (for solids) secondary container; the secondary container is firmly and

securely held within a strong outer shipping container of 200-pound grade

corrugated fiberboard or equivalent strength. The address side of each

mailpiece must be marked with the proper shipping name and UN (or NA)

identification number of the material (unless exempted by 12.11.6). Mailable

materials sent via surface transportation must be marked on the address side

as “Surface Only” or “Surface Mail Only.” Each mailpiece must bear a shipping

paper.

10.16.5 Irritants

Irritants are prohibited in international mail and domestic mail.

10.17 Infectious Substances (Hazard Class 6, Division 6.2)

10.17.1 General

Division 6.2 materials include infectious substances, biological products, regulated

medical waste, sharps medical waste, used health care products, and forensic

materials. Division 6.2 materials are not permitted in international mail or domestic

mail, except when they are intended for medical or veterinary use, research, or

laboratory certification related to the public health; and only when such materials are

properly prepared for mailing to withstand shocks, pressure changes, and other

conditions related to ordinary handling in transit. Mailable Division 6.2 materials sent

as international mail must meet the standards in the International Mail Manual. For

domestic mail, mailable Division 6.2 materials must meet the applicable standards in

10.17. Unless otherwise noted, all mailable Division 6.2 materials must meet the mail

preparation requirements for air transportation.

10.17.2 Definitions

The terms used in the standards for Division 6.2 materials are defined as follows:

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a. Infectious substance means a material known or reasonably expected to

contain a pathogen. A pathogen is a microorganism that can cause disease in

humans or animals. Examples of pathogens include bacteria, viruses, fungi,

and other infectious agents. An infectious substance must be assigned to one

of the following two categories:

1. Category A: An infectious substance transported in a form capable of

causing permanent disability or life-threatening or fatal disease in

otherwise healthy humans or animals when exposure occurs. Category A

infectious substances are not mailable. A Category A infectious substance

is assigned the identification number UN 2814 or UN 2900, based on the

known medical history or symptoms of the source patient or animal,

endemic local conditions, or professional judgment concerning the

individual circumstances of the source human or animal.

2. Category B: An infectious substance that does not meet the criteria for

inclusion in Category A. A mailpiece known or suspected to contain a

Category B infectious substance must bear the proper shipping name

“Biological substance, Category B” on the address side of the mailpiece

and must be assigned to and marked with identification number UN 3373

or, for regulated medical waste and sharps medical waste, identification

number UN 3291.

b. Biological product means a virus, therapeutic serum, toxin, antitoxin, vaccine,

blood, blood component or derivative, allergenic product, or analogous

product or arsphenamine or derivative of arsphenamine (or any other trivalent

arsenic compound) intended to prevent, treat, or cure a disease or condition of

humans or animals. A biological product includes a material subject to

regulation under 42 U.S.C. 262 or 21 U.S.C. 151-159. Unless otherwise

excepted, mark these mailpieces with identification number UN 3373 when

they contain a biological product known or reasonably expected to contain a

pathogen that meets the definition of a Category B infectious substance.

c. Cultures are infectious substances that result from a process by which

pathogens are intentionally propagated. This definition does not include a

human or animal patient specimen as defined in 10.17.2e.

d. Exempt human or animal specimen means a human or animal sample

(including, but not limited to, secreta, excreta, blood and its components, tissue

and tissue fluids, and body parts) transported for routine testing not related to

the diagnosis of an infectious disease. Typically, exempt human specimens are

specimens for which there is a low probability that the sample is infectious,

such as specimens for drug or alcohol testing; cholesterol testing; blood

glucose level testing; prostate-specific antigens (PSA) testing; testing to

monitor heart, kidney, or liver function; pregnancy testing; and testing for

diagnosis of noninfectious diseases such as cancer biopsies. Exempt human or

animal specimens are not subject to regulation as hazardous materials but

must be packaged according to 10.17.9.

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e. Patient specimen means material that is collected directly from humans or

animals and transported for purposes such as diagnosis and research. Patient

specimens include excreta, secreta, blood and its components, tissue and

tissue swabs, body parts, and specimens in transport media (such as

transwabs, culture media, and blood culture bottles).

f. Regulated medical waste, for USPS purposes, means a soft waste material

(other than a sharp) derived from the medical treatment, diagnosis,

immunization, or biomedical research of a human or animal. Soft medical waste

includes items such as used rubber gloves, swabs, gauze, tongue depressors,

and other similar material. Mark these mailpieces with identification number UN

3291.

g. Sharps medical waste, for USPS purposes, means a medical waste object that

is capable of cutting or penetrating skin or packaging material and that is

contaminated with a pathogen or may become contaminated with a pathogen

derived from the medical treatment, diagnosis, immunization, or biomedical

research of a human or animal. Sharps include used medical waste such as

needles, syringes, scalpels, broken glass, culture slides, culture dishes, broken

capillary tubes, broken rigid plastic, and exposed ends of dental wires. Mark

these mailpieces with identification number UN 3291.

h. Toxin means a Division 6.1 material from a plant, animal, or bacterial source. A

toxin containing an infectious substance or a toxin contained in an infectious

substance must be classed as Division 6.2, described as an infectious

substance, and assigned to UN 2814, UN 2900, or UN 3373, as appropriate. A

toxin known or suspected to contain a Category A infectious substance is not

mailable. A toxin known or suspected to contain a Category B infectious

substance must be marked UN 3373 and packaged under 10.17.5. Toxins from

plant, animal, or bacterial sources that do not contain an infectious substance,

and are not contained in an infectious substance, may be considered for

classification as Division 6.1 toxic substances under 10.16.

i. Used health care product means a medical, diagnostic, or research device or

piece of equipment, or a personal care product used by consumers, medical

professionals, or pharmaceutical providers that does not meet the definition of a

diagnostic specimen, biological product, regulated medical waste, or sharps

waste, is contaminated with potentially infectious body fluids or materials, and is

not decontaminated or disinfected to remove or mitigate the infectious hazard

prior to transport.

10.17.3 Nonregulated Materials

The following materials are not subject to regulation as Division 6.2 hazardous

materials and are mailable when the packaging requirements in 10.17.8 are met:

a. A biological product, including an experimental or investigational product or

component of a product, subject to Federal approval, permit, review, or

licensing requirements, such as those required by the Food and Drug

Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services or the

U.S. Department of Agriculture. A biological product known or suspected to

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contain a Category B infectious substance must be marked UN 3373 and

packaged under 10.17.4. A biological product known or suspected to contain

a Category A infectious substance is not mailable.

b. Blood collected for the purpose of blood transfusion or the preparation of blood

products; blood products; plasma; plasma derivatives; blood components;

tissues or organs intended for use in transplant operations; and human cell,

tissues, and cellular and tissue-based products regulated under the Public

Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 264-272) or the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act

(21 U.S.C. 332 et seq.).

c. Blood, blood plasma, and blood components collected for the purpose of

blood transfusion or the preparation of blood products and sent for testing as

part of the collection process, except where the person collecting the blood

has reason to believe it contains a Category B infectious substance, in which

case the test sample must be shipped as a Category B infectious substance.

Materials known or suspected to contain a Category A infectious substance are

not mailable.

d. Dried blood spots, collected by applying a drop of blood to absorbent material,

or dried specimens for fecal occult blood detection. (These materials are not

classified as exempt human or animal specimens.)

e. Forensic material containing a biological material, such as tissue, body fluid,

excreta, or secreta, not expected to contain a Category A or Category B

infectious substance and transported on behalf of a U.S. Government agency

or a state, local, or Indian tribal government agency. A forensic material known

or suspected to contain a Category B infectious substance must be shipped as

a Category B infectious substance. A forensic material known or suspected to

contain a Category A infectious substance is not mailable.Packaging—General

All materials mailable under the provisions in 10.17 must be properly packaged.

Exhibit 10.17.3 lists the specific reference in 10.17 under which each type of

mailable material must be packaged.

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Exhibit 10.17.3 Packaging Standards for Division 6.2 Infectious Substances

10.17.4 Packaging Category B Infectious Substances

A material that is classified as a Category B infectious substance and that meets the

definition in 10.17.2a2 must be triple-packaged, meeting the packaging

requirements in 49 CFR 173.199, and sent as First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, or

Priority Mail Express. Each primary receptacle containing a liquid must be leakproof

and surrounded by absorbent material sufficient to protect the primary receptacle

and absorb the total amount of liquid should the primary receptacle leak or break.

Each primary receptacle containing a solid must be siftproof. Secondary containers

for liquids must be leakproof. Secondary containers for solids must be siftproof. The

primary and secondary packaging must be enclosed in a rigid outer shipping

container. A single primary receptacle must not contain more than 1 liter (34 ounces)

of a liquid specimen or 4 kg (8.8 pounds) of a solid specimen. Two or more primary

receptacles whose combined volume does not exceed 4 liters (1 gallon) for liquids or

4 kg (8.8 pounds) for solids may be enclosed in a single secondary container. In

addition:

a. The secondary container must be marked with the international biohazard

symbol shown in Exhibit 10.17.5d3.

b. The primary receptacle or secondary packaging must be capable of

withstanding, without leakage, an internal pressure producing a pressure

differential of not less than 95 kPa (0.95 bar, 14 psi) in the range of -40° C to

55° C (-40° F to 130° F).

MATERIAL BEING MAILED

PACKAGING STANDARDS

Nonregulated Category A Category B

Blood for Transfusion 10.17.8 nm 10.17.4

Biological Product 10.17.8 nm 10.17.4

Culture or Stock 10.17.8 nm 10.17.4

Patient Specimen 10.17.8 nm 10.17.4

Exempt Human or Animal Specimen 10.17.9 n/a n/a

Forensic Material 10.17.8 nm 10.17.4

Regulated Medical Waste 10.17.5 nm 10.17.5

Sharps Waste 10.17.5 nm 10.17.5

Tox in * 10.16.4 nm 10.17.4

Treated Medical Waste 10.17.8 n/a n/a

Used Health Care Product 10.17.6 nm 10.17.6

nm = Not mailable.

n/a = Not applicable.

* Toxin means a Division 6.1 material from a plant, animal, or bacterial source. A toxin containing an

infectious substance or a toxin contained in an infectious substance must be classified as

Division 6.2; described as an infectious substance; and assigned to UN 2814, UN 2900, or UN

3373, as appropriate. A Division 6.1 toxin that can qualify as an ORM-D material is permitted when

packaged under 10.16.3 or 10.16.4.

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c. All mailpieces sent under 10.17.4 must be marked on the address side with the

shipping name “Biological substance, Category B” and “UN 3373” as outlined

in 49 CFR 173.199 (a)(5). Regulated medical waste and sharps medical waste

as defined in 10.17.2f and 10.17.2g must be marked UN 3291. See 10.17.5.

d. Orientation arrows are not required on these mailpieces but may be used.

e. The outer packaging must show the name and telephone number of a person

who is knowledgeable about the material shipped and has comprehensive

emergency response and incident mitigation information, or of someone who

has immediate access to the person with such knowledge and information.

10.17.5 Sharps Waste and Other Mailable Regulated Medical Waste

Regulated medical waste and sharps medical waste known or suspected to contain

a Category A infectious substance is not mailable. Regulated medical waste and

sharps medical waste as defined in 10.17.2f and 10.17.2g, and containing materials

classified as Category B infectious substances, must be marked UN 3291 and are

permitted for mailing only using merchandise return service (see 505.3.0) with

First-Class Mail or Priority Mail service, subject to the following requirements:

a. Authorization. Each vendor of a complete regulated medical waste or sharps

waste mailing container system (including all component parts required to

safely mail such waste to a storage or disposal facility) must obtain

authorization from the USPS prior to mailing. Before applying for authorization,

each type of mailing container system must be tested and certified under the

standards in 10.17.5e by an independent testing facility. The vendor in whose

name the authorization is being sought must submit a written request to the

manager, Product Classification, USPS Headquarters (see 608.8.0, USPS

Contact Information, for address). The request for authorization must contain

the following:

1. An irrevocable $50,000 surety bond or letter of credit as proof of sufficient

financial responsibility to cover disposal costs if the vendor ceases doing

business before all its waste container systems are disposed of or to cover

cleanup costs if spills occur while the containers are in USPS possession.

The surety bond or letter of credit must be issued in the name of the

vendor seeking the authorization and must name the USPS as the

beneficiary or obligee. Vendors that market their containers to distributors

are responsible for disposal and cleanup costs attributed to those

containers. In addition, vendors must provide a list of distributors,

including firm names, addresses, and telephone numbers, to the Postal

Service on request.

2. Address of the headquarters or general business office of the vendor

seeking the authorization.

3. Name, address, and phone number of each storage and disposal site.

4. List of all types of mailing container systems to be covered by the request,

a complete sample of each mailing container system, and proof of

package testing certifications performed by the independent testing facility

that subjected the packaging materials to the testing requirements in

10.17.5e.

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5. Copy of the proposed waste shipping paper to be used with each mailing

container system.

6. 24-hour toll free telephone number for emergencies.

7. List of the types of waste to be mailed for disposal in each mailing

container system.

8. Copy of the merchandise return service label to be used with each mailing

container system and verification that the merchandise return service

permit fee and accounting fee have been paid.

9. Address of the Post Office or postage due unit where the containers are

delivered.

b. Packaging. Regulated medical waste and sharps medical waste that also

meets the definition of a Category A infectious substance is not mailable. A

medical waste material treated by steam sterilization, chemical disinfections, or

other appropriate method so that it no longer contains a Category A or

Category B infectious substance must be packaged under 10.17.8. The

packaging for regulated medical waste and sharps medical waste containing or

suspected of containing a Category B infectious substance is subject to these

standards:

1. Sharps medical waste and regulated medical waste meeting the

definitions in 10.17.2e and 10.17.2g must be collected in a rigid, securely

sealed, and leakproof primary receptacle. For sharps waste, the primary

receptacle must also be puncture-resistant and may not have a maximum

capacity that exceeds 3 gallons in volume. For regulated medical waste,

the primary receptacle may not have a maximum capacity that exceeds

5 gallons in volume. Each primary receptacle may not contain more than

50 ml (1.66 ounces) of residual waste liquid. Each primary receptacle must

display the international biohazard symbol shown in Exhibit 10.17.5d3.

Package testing results must show that the contents did not penetrate

through the primary container during package testing and that the primary

container can maintain its integrity at temperatures as low as 0°F and as

high as 120°F.

2. The primary receptacle must be packaged within a watertight secondary

container or containment system. The secondary container may consist of

more than one component. If one of the components is a plastic bag, the

bag must be at least 4 mil in thickness and must be used in conjunction

with a fiberboard box. A plastic bag by itself does not meet the

requirement for a secondary container. Several primary receptacles may

be enclosed in a secondary container. The primary receptacle(s) must fit

securely and snugly within the secondary container to prevent breakage

during ordinary processing.

3. The secondary container must be enclosed in a strong outer shipping

container constructed of 200-pound grade corrugated fiberboard. The

joints and flaps of the outer shipping container must be securely taped,

glued, or stitched to maintain the integrity of the container. When tape or

glue is used to secure an outer shipping container, the material must be

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water-resistant. Fiberboard boxes with interlock bottom flaps (i.e.,

easy-fold) are not permitted as outer shipping containers unless reinforced

with water-resistant tape. The secondary container must fit securely and

snugly within the outer shipping container to prevent breakage during

ordinary processing.

4. There must be enough material within the primary receptacle to absorb

and retain three times the total liquid allowed within the primary receptacle

(150 ml per primary receptacle) in case of leakage.

5. Each mailpiece must not weigh more than 25 pounds. Medical

Professional Packages as identified in 10.17.5c, may not weigh more than

35 pounds. The container's maximum allowable weight must be printed

on the outside of the box and on the assembly and closure instructions

included with each mailpiece. The mailpiece must be tested at the

maximum allowable weight identified by the vendor.

6. In each mailing container system, the authorized vendor must include a

step-by-step instruction sheet that clearly details the proper sequence

and method of container system assembly prior to mailing to prevent

package failure during transport due to improper assembly. The instruction

sheet must also include a customer service telephone number, or provide

specific information on where such a telephone number is located

elsewhere on the container system, for third-party end users to contact if

they have assembly questions or find a component part is missing.

c. Medical Professional Packages. Medical Professional Packages, while intended

for use by small medical offices, is not limited to use by medical offices only.

One primary receptacle larger than 5 gallons in volume may be used for mailing

pre-primary sharps receptacles (sharps receptacles normally used in doctors'

offices) and other regulated medical waste under the following conditions:

1. The mailpiece must meet all the requirements in 10.17.5 except for the

primary receptacle capacity limits of 10.17.5b1.

2. Only rigid, securely closed, puncture and leak-resistant pre-primary sharps

receptacles that meet or exceed Occupational Safety and Health

Administration standards as identified in 29 CFR 1910.1030, may be

placed inside the primary receptacle. Each pre-primary sharps container

may contain no more than 50 ml (1.66 ounces) of residual waste liquid.

Several pre-primary sharps receptacles may be enclosed in the single

primary receptacle.

3. Multiple tie-closed plastic bags of regulated medical waste may be placed

inside the single primary receptacle.

4. The primary receptacle must be lined with a plastic bag at least 4 mil in

thickness and must include sufficient absorbent material within the liner to

absorb all residual liquid in the primary receptacle.

5. The mailpiece must not weigh more than 35 pounds.

d. Mailpiece Labeling, Marking, and Documentation. Regulated medical waste

and sharps waste must meet the following requirements:

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1. For Medical Professional Packages, the additional marking “Medical

Professional Packaging” must be clearly printed in lettering at least 2

inches high on the address side of the outer shipping container.

2. Each primary receptacle and outer shipping container must bear a label,

which cannot be detached intact, showing: (a) the company name of the

vendor to which the mailing authorization is issued; (b) the USPS

Authorization Number, and; (c) the container ID number (or unique model

number) signifying that the packaging material is certified and that the

vendor obtained the authorization required by 10.17.5a. Place the label on

the top or on a side of the container.

3. The primary receptacle(s) and the outer shipping container must bear the

international biohazard symbol in black with either a fluorescent orange or

fluorescent red background as shown in Exhibit 10.17.5d3. The symbol on

the outer shipping container must be at least 3 inches high and 4 inches

wide.

Exhibit 10.17.5d3 International Biohazard Symbol

4. Each mailpiece must have a four-part waste shipping paper. The shipping

paper must be affixed to the outside of the mailpiece in an envelope or

similar carrier that can be easily opened and resealed to allow review of the

document. The shipping paper must comply with all applicable

requirements imposed by the laws of the state from which the container

system is mailed. At a minimum, the information in Exhibit 10.17.5d4 must

be on the shipping paper.

BIOHAZARD

Black

Fluorescent orange

or red background

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Exhibit 10.17.5d4 Shipping Paper for Regulated Medical Waste and

Sharps Waste Containers

SECTION INFORMATION REQUIRED

1. Generator (Mailer) a. Name.

b. Complete address (not a Post Office box).

c. Telephone number.

d. Description of contents of mailing container. “Regulated Medical Waste” or “Regulated Medical

Waste–Sharps” is required as appropriate.

e. Date container was mailed.

f. State permit number of approved facility in which contents are to be disposed of.

2. Destination Facility

(Disposal Site)

Complete address (not a Post Office box)

3. Generator’s (Mailer’s)

Certification

The following certification statement must be printed on the shipping paper:

“I certify that this container has been approved for the mailing of [insert either “regulated medical

waste” or “sharps waste,” as appropriate], has been prepared for mailing in accordance with the

directions for that purpose, and does not contain excess liquid or nonmailable material in violation of

the applicable Postal Service regulations. I AM AWARE THAT FULL RESPONSIBILITY RESTS WITH

THE GENERATOR (MAILER) FOR ANY VIOLATION OF 18 USC 1716 WHICH MAY RESULT FROM

PLACING IMPROPERLY PACKAGED ITEMS IN THE MAIL. I also certify that the contents of this

consignment are fully and accurately described above by proper shipping name and are classified,

packed, marked, and labeled, and in proper condition for carriage by air according to the national

governmental regulations.”

This statement must be followed by printed or typewritten name of generator (mailer), signature of

generator, and date signed.

4. Destination Facility

(Storage or Disposal Site)

The following certification statement of receipt, treatment, and disposal must be printed on the

shipping paper:

“I certify that the contents of this container have been received, treated, and disposed of in

accordance with all local, state, and federal regulations.”

This statement must be followed by printed or typewritten name of an authorized recipient at

destination facility, signature of authorized recipient, and date signed.

5. Transporter Intermediate

Handler Other Than the

Postal Service (If Different

From Destination Facility)

a. Name.

b. Complete address (not a Post Office box).

c. Printed or typewritten name of transporter or intermediate handler.

d. Signature of transporter or intermediate handler and date signed.

6. Serialized Waste

Shipping Papers

Each waste shipping paper or mail disposal service shipping record must be serialized using a

unique numbering system for identification purposes.

7. Comment Area Each shipping paper must contain an area designated for entering comments or noting

discrepancies.

8. Completion and

Distribution of

Waste Shipping Paper

Each shipping paper must contain instructions for properly completing the four-part form.

Copies of the form must be distributed as follows:

a. One copy must be kept by generator (mailer).

b. One copy must be kept by transporter or intermediate handler for 90 days.

c. One copy must be kept by destination facility for 90 days.

d. One copy must be mailed to generator by destination facility.

9. Emergency

Tel ep ho ne

Number

Each shipping paper must bear the following statement with appropriate information:

“IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, OR THE DISCOVERY OF DAMAGE OR LEAKAGE, CALL

1-800-###-####.”

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5. The outer shipping container must bear a properly prepared merchandise

return service label (see 505.3.0). The merchandise return service permit

must be held in the same name as that of the authorized medical waste

vendor.

6. The outer shipping container must be marked on two opposite side walls

with the package orientation marking in 49 CFR 173.312 to identify the

proper upright position of the mailpiece during handling.

7. Mailpieces containing regulated medical waste or sharps waste must be

marked on the address side with the correct UN number and proper

shipping name (e.g., “Regulated Medical Waste, UN 3291” or “Regulated

Medical Waste–Sharps, UN 3291”).

8. Vendors must retrieve mailpieces held at processing facilities due to

improper labeling such as no return address or due to improperly

completed shipping papers.

e. Package Testing. Vendors must submit to the manager, Product Classification

(see 608.8.0 for address), package testing results from an independent testing

facility for each package for which the vendor is requesting authorization. In

addition, vendors must submit package testing results from an independent

testing facility when the design of a container system changes or every

24 months, whichever occurs first. The test results must show that if every

mailpiece prepared for mailing were subject to the environmental and test

conditions in 49 CFR and the additional test requirements in 10.17.5f, no

contents would be released into the environment and the effectiveness of the

packaging would not be significantly reduced. The Postal Service may require

proof of accreditation or other documentation to support the credentials of an

independent testing facility.

f. Testing Criteria. Packages tested for approval as Medical Professional

Packages may not be tested using pre-primary containers that are currently, or

have previously been, approved as USPS primary containers. Test reports must

identify by brand name the pre-primary containers used during testing. Each

mailpiece must pass each of the tests described below:

1. Leak-proof test. The test must be conducted on one primary receptacle

with the lid in place, without the secondary and outer packaging. The test

duration must be at least 5 minutes and must be conducted at 20 kPa

(3 psi). The pass/fail criterion is: no air leakage from anywhere other than

the closure of the primary receptacle. Air leakage at the closure is not

considered a failure if the primary receptacle passes the test for

watertightness as determined by placing 50 ml of deionized water into the

primary receptacle, securing the closure, and then turning the container on

its side and observing for any evidence of leakage. Any evidence of water

leaking from the primary receptacle is a failure.

2. Stacking test. One mailpiece must withstand the test in 49 CFR 178.606.

The dynamic compression test must be conducted on the empty,

unsealed mailpiece assembled for mailing, without the primary

receptacle(s). The test mass is the vendor-identified maximum weight, not

to exceed 25 pounds, as indicated on the outer shipping container and on

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the assembly and closing instructions. A compensation factor of 1.5 must

be used to compute the test load, based on the vendor-identified weight.

The pass/fail criteria are: no buckling of the sidewalls sufficient to cause

damage to the contents in the primary receptacle, and in no case does

the deflection exceed 1 inch.

3. Vibration test. One mailpiece filled with sharps or other regulated medical

waste must withstand the test in 49 CFR 178.608. The test mailpiece is

filled with sharps or other regulated medical waste to the vendor-identified

maximum weight, not to exceed 25 pounds, as indicated on the outer

shipping container and on the assembly and closing instructions. The test

sample is prepared as it would be for mailing. The pass/fail criterion is: no

rupture, cracking, or splitting of any primary receptacle.

4. Wet drop test. Five mailpieces filled with sharps or other regulated medical

waste must withstand the test in 49 CFR 178.609e. Each test mailpiece is

filled with sharps or other regulated medical waste to the vendor-identified

maximum weight, not to exceed 25 pounds, as indicated on the outer

shipping container and on the assembly and closing instructions included

with each mailpiece. Each mailpiece is prepared as it would be for mailing

and subjected to a water spray as described in the test. A separate,

untested mailpiece is used for each drop orientation: top, longest side,

shortest side, and corner. The pass/fail criteria are: no rupture, cracking,

or splitting of any primary receptacle, and no contents may penetrate into

or through the body or lid of any primary receptacle.

5. Cold drop test. Five mailpieces filled with sharps or other regulated

medical waste must withstand the test in 49 CFR 178.609f. Each test

mailpiece is filled with sharps or other regulated medical waste to the

vendor-identified maximum weight, not to exceed 25 pounds, as indicated

on the outer shipping container and on the assembly and closing

instructions included with each mailpiece. Each mailpiece is prepared as it

would be for mailing and chilled as described in the test. A separate,

untested mailpiece is used for each drop orientation: top, longest side,

shortest side, and corner. The pass/fail criteria are: no rupture, cracking,

or splitting of any primary receptacle, and no contents may penetrate into

or through the body or lid of any primary receptacle.

6. Impact test. One mailpiece filled with sharps or other regulated medical

waste must withstand the test in 49 CFR 178.609h. The test mailpiece is

filled with sharps or other regulated medical waste to the vendor-identified

maximum weight, not to exceed 25 pounds, as indicated on the outer

shipping container and on the assembly and closing instructions included

with each mailpiece. The mailpiece is prepared as it would be for mailing.

The pass/fail criteria are: no rupture, cracking, or splitting of any primary

receptacle, and no contents may penetrate into or through the body or lid

of any primary receptacle.

7. Puncture-resistant test. Package testing results must show that during all

of the previous tests, the contents did not penetrate through the primary

receptacle.

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8. Temperature test. Package testing results must show that each primary

receptacle maintained its integrity when exposed to temperatures as low

as 0°F and as high as 120°F.

9. Absorbency test. Package testing results must show that the primary

receptacle(s) contain enough absorbent material to absorb three times the

total liquid allowed within the primary receptacle in case of leakage.

Absorbency is determined by pouring 150 ml of deionized water into the

primary receptacle(s), then turning the receptacle(s) upside down and

observing for any evidence of free liquid not absorbed on contact. Any

evidence of free liquid is a failure.

10. Watertight test. Package testing results must show that no leakage

occurred when 50 ml of deionized water was placed into the secondary

containment system and the entire system turned upside down for 5

minutes.

g. Suspension of Authorization. The Postal Service may suspend a vendor's

authorization based on information that a mailpiece no longer meets the

standards for mailing sharps medical waste and regulated medical waste

containers, or that the mailpiece poses an unreasonable safety risk to Postal

Service employees or the public. The suspension can be made immediately,

making the mailpiece nonmailable immediately. The vendor may contest a

decision to suspend authorization by writing to the manager, Product

Classification (see 608.8.0 for address), within 7 days from the date of the letter

of suspension. The appeal should provide evidence demonstrating why the

decision should be reconsidered. Any order suspending authorization remains

in effect during an appeal or other challenge. When a vendor is notified that its

authorization to mail sharps or other regulated medical waste containers has

been suspended, the vendor must immediately:

1. Recall all identified containers.

2. Notify all customers that they cannot mail the identified containers.

3. Suspend sales and distribution of all identified containers.

4. Collect the identified containers from distributors, consumers, and the

Postal Service without using the mail and in accordance with all federal

and state regulations.

10.17.6 Packaging Used Health Care Products

A used health care product known or reasonably suspected to contain a Category A

material is not mailable. A used health care product not suspected to contain an

infectious material, or that is known or suspected to contain a Category B infectious

substance, and is being returned to the manufacturer or manufacturer's designee is

mailable as First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, or Priority Mail Express subject to the

following packaging requirements:

a. Each used health care product must be drained of liquid to the extent possible

and placed in a watertight primary receptacle designed and constructed to

ensure that it remains intact under normal conditions of transport. For a used

health care product capable of cutting or penetrating skin or packaging

material, the primary receptacle must be capable of retaining the product

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without puncture of the packaging under normal conditions of transport. The

primary receptacle must be marked with the international biohazard symbol as

shown in Exhibit 10.17.5d3.

b. Each primary receptacle must be placed inside a watertight secondary

container designed and constructed to ensure that it remains intact under

normal conditions of transport. The secondary container must also be marked

with the international biohazard symbol as shown in Exhibit 10.17.5d3.

c. The secondary container must be placed inside an outer shipping container

with sufficient cushioning material to prevent movement between the

secondary container and the outer shipping container. An itemized list of the

contents of the primary receptacle and information concerning possible

contamination with a Division 6.2 material, including its possible location on the

product, must be placed between the secondary container and the outer

shipping container. A shipping paper and a content marking on the outer

shipping container are not required.

10.17.7 Packaging Forensic Material

Forensic material containing a biological material, such as tissue, body fluid,

excreta, or secreta, and sent on behalf of a U.S. Government agency or a state,

local, or Indian tribal government agency must be packaged under 10.17.8 when it

is not known or suspected to contain a Category A or Category B infectious

substance. Forensic material known or suspected to contain a Category A

infectious substance is not mailable. Forensic material known or suspected to

contain a Category B infectious substance as identified in 10.17.4 is mailable as

First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, or Priority Mail Express when triple-packaged in a

primary receptacle, secondary container, and a rigid outer shipping container as

follows:

a. The forensic material must be held within a securely sealed primary receptacle.

The primary receptacle must be surrounded by sufficient absorbent material (for

liquids) and cushioning material to protect the primary container from breakage.

The absorbent material must be capable of taking up the entire liquid contents

of the primary receptacle in case of leakage. The primary receptacle must be

marked with the international biohazard symbol as shown in Exhibit 10.17.5d3.

b. The primary receptacle and the absorbent and cushioning material must be

enclosed in a watertight and securely sealed secondary container. The

secondary container must also display the international biohazard symbol as

shown in Exhibit 10.17.5d3.

c. The secondary container must be firmly and snugly packed within a strong

outer shipping container that is securely sealed. A shipping paper and a

content marking on the outer shipping container are not required.

10.17.8 Packaging Nonregulated Materials

Nonregulated materials as defined in 10.17.3 are not subject to regulation as

hazardous materials but must be properly packaged when presented for mailing.

Regulated medical waste, sharps medical waste, and used health care products

must be packaged and mailed under 10.17.5 and 10.17.6. Exempt human and

animal specimens must be packaged under 10.17.9. Nonregulated materials are

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mailable as First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, or Package Services

mail. Such materials must be held within a securely sealed primary receptacle. The

primary receptacle must be surrounded by sufficient absorbent material (for liquids)

and cushioning material to protect the primary receptacle from breakage. The

absorbent material must be capable of taking up the entire liquid contents of the

primary receptacle in case of leakage. Either the primary receptacle or the inner

packaging must be marked with the international biohazard symbol shown in

Exhibit 10.17.5d3. The primary receptacle and the absorbent and cushioning

material must be snugly enclosed in a rigid outer shipping container that is securely

sealed. A shipping paper and a content marking on the outer shipping container are

not required. Nonregulated material specimens and biological products are subject

to the following packaging standards:

a. Liquid Patient Specimens and Biological Products. Mailers must package a

liquid nonregulated patient specimen, a forensic specimen, or a biological

product (such as polio vaccine) as follows:

1. Not exceeding 50 ml. A patient specimen or biological product consisting

of 50 ml or less per mailpiece must be packaged in a securely sealed

primary receptacle. Two or more primary receptacles whose combined

volume does not exceed 50 ml may be enclosed within a single mailpiece.

Sufficient absorbent material and cushioning material to withstand shock

and pressure changes must surround the primary receptacle(s), or be

otherwise configured to take up the entire liquid contents in case of

leakage. The primary receptacle(s) and the absorbent cushioning must be

enclosed in a secondary container with a leakproof barrier that can prevent

failure of the secondary container if the primary receptacle(s) should leak

during transport. The secondary container must be securely sealed, and it

may serve as the outer shipping container if it has sufficient strength to

withstand ordinary postal processing. The secondary container must be

marked with the international biohazard symbol shown in Exhibit

10.17.5d3, except when the secondary container also serves as the outer

shipping container. In that case, the biohazard symbol must appear on the

inner packaging or on the primary container. A shipping paper and a

content marking on the outer shipping container are not required.

2. Exceeding 50 ml. A liquid patient specimen, forensic material, or biological

product that exceeds 50 ml must be packaged in a securely sealed

primary receptacle. A single primary receptacle must not contain more

than 500 ml of specimen. Two or more primary receptacles whose

combined volume does not exceed 500 ml may be enclosed in a single

secondary container. Sufficient absorbent material and cushioning material

to withstand shock and pressure changes must surround the primary

receptacle(s), or be otherwise configured to take up the entire liquid

contents in case of leakage. The primary receptacle(s) and the absorbent

cushioning must be enclosed in a secondary container with a leakproof

barrier that can prevent failure of the secondary container if the primary

receptacle(s) should leak during transport. The secondary container

cannot serve as the outer shipping container. The secondary container

must be marked with the international biohazard symbol shown in Exhibit

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10.17.5d3. The secondary container must be securely and snugly

enclosed in a fiberboard box or container of equivalent strength that

serves as the outer shipping container. A shipping paper and a content

marking on the outer shipping container are not required.

b. Solid (or Dry) Specimen. A solid or dry specimen, such as a saliva swab, blood

spot, fecal smear, culture or stock, or forensic material, must be completely

dried before packaging in a mailing container or envelope. Cushioning material

to withstand shock and pressure changes is required only if the dry specimen is

placed in a breakable primary receptacle. When required, the cushioning

material must surround the primary receptacle. The primary receptacle (and

cushioning material, if required) must be enclosed in a secondary container with

a siftproof barrier that can prevent failure of the secondary container if the

primary receptacle breaks during shipment. The secondary container must be

securely sealed, and it may serve as the outer shipping container if it has

sufficient strength to withstand ordinary postal processing. The secondary

container must be marked with the international biohazard symbol shown in

Exhibit 10.17.5d3, except when the secondary container also serves as the

outer shipping container. In that case, the biohazard symbol must appear either

on the inner packaging or on the primary receptacle. A shipping paper and a

content marking on the outer shipping container are not required.

10.17.9 Packaging Exempt Human or Animal Specimens

Exempt human or animal specimens as defined in 10.17.2d are not subject to

regulation as hazardous materials but when presented for mailing must be

triple-packaged in leakproof (for liquids) or siftproof (for solids) primary receptacles.

Sufficient cushioning and absorbent materials must surround each primary

receptacle containing liquid. Secondary containers for liquids must be leakproof.

Secondary containers for solids must be siftproof. The primary and secondary

packaging must be enclosed in a rigid outer shipping container. A single primary

receptacle must not contain more than 500 ml of a liquid specimen or 500 grams of

a solid specimen. Two or more primary receptacles whose combined volume does

not exceed 500 ml (for liquids) or 500 grams (for solids) may be enclosed in a single

secondary container. The secondary container cannot serve as the outer shipping

container. The secondary container must be marked with the international biohazard

symbol shown in Exhibit 10.17.5d3. The secondary container must be securely and

snugly enclosed in a fiberboard box or container of equivalent strength that serves

as the outer shipping container. A shipping paper is not required. The outer shipping

container must be marked on the address side with the words “Exempt human

specimen” or “Exempt animal specimen,” as appropriate. In addition, at least one

surface of the outer packaging must have a minimum dimension of 3.9 inches x 3.9

inches (100 mm x 100 mm). Exempt human and animal specimens are mailable as

First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, or Package Services mail.

10.18 Radioactive Materials (Hazard Class 7)

Radioactive materials are prohibited in international mail and domestic mail if

required to bear the DOT Radioactive White-I, Radioactive Yellow-II, or Radioactive

Yellow-III label (49 CFR 172.436, 172.438, or 172.440, respectively) or if it contains

quantities of radioactive material in excess of those authorized in Publication 52,

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Hazardous, Restricted, or Perishable Mail. Radioactive materials are prohibited in

domestic mail via air transportation. For international mail, the standards in IMM 135

apply.

10.19 Corrosives (Hazard Class 8)

10.19.1 Definition

A corrosive is any liquid or solid that causes visible destruction or irreversible

alteration in human skin tissue at the site of contact or a liquid that has a severe

corrosion rate on steel.

10.19.2 Mailability

[1-27-13] Corrosives are prohibited in international mail. A corrosive that can qualify

as an ORM-D material (until January 1, 2015), when intended for ground

transportation; or an air-eligible mailable limited quantity material, when intended for

air transportation, is permitted in domestic mail via air or surface transportation

subject to these limitations:

a. Liquid Corrosive. A liquid mixture must be 1 pint or less and must contain 15%

or less corrosive material with the remainder of the mixture not being a

hazardous material, unless otherwise specified for a specific corrosive material.

Primary receptacles must be securely sealed compatible glass bottles that are

enclosed within securely sealed metal or plastic secondary containers. The

secondary container must be packed within a strong outer shipping container

that does not exceed 25 pounds per mailpiece.

b. Solid Corrosive. A solid mixture must be 10 pounds or less per primary

receptacle and must contain 10% or less corrosive material with the remainder

of the mixture not being a hazardous material, unless otherwise specified for a

specific corrosive solid. The primary receptacle(s) and secondary container

must be securely sealed compatible siftproof containers packed in strong outer

shipping container. The total weight of a mailable solid corrosive cannot exceed

25 pounds per mailpiece.

10.19.3 Marking

[1-27-13] For surface transportation, each mailpiece must be plainly and durably

marked on the address side with “ORM-D” immediately following or below the

proper shipping name; and each piece must be marked on the address side as

“Surface Only” or “Surface Mail Only” (or with a DOT square-on-point marking under

10.8b). Air transportation packages must bear the DOT square-on-point marking

including the symbol “Y,” the appropriate approved DOT Class 8 hazardous material

warning label, the identification number, he proper shipping name, and a shipper’s

declaration for dangerous goods.

10.19.4 Nonspillable Wet Electric Storage Batteries

A battery containing liquid electrolyte is prohibited from mailing unless the battery

casing is completely sealed to prevent the liquid corrosive from spilling during

handling. Nonspillable batteries with UN2800 are prohibited in international mail, but

may be sent as domestic mail via air or surface transportation under the following

conditions:

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a. The nonspillable battery must be protected from short circuits, surrounded with

sufficient cushioning material, and securely packaged in a strong fiberboard

box that serves as the outer shipping container.

b. The outer shipping container must be marked “NONSPILLABLE BATTERY,

UN2800” on the address side.

c. The nonspillable battery must be capable of withstanding the vibration and

pressure differential tests cited in 49 CFR 173.159(d)(i) and (ii).

d. Only one nonspillable battery is allowed per mailpiece and the weight of the

mailpiece cannot exceed 25 pounds.

10.20 Miscellaneous Hazardous Materials (Hazard Class 9)

10.20.1 Definition

A miscellaneous hazardous material is a substance or article that presents a hazard

during transportation but does not meet the definition of any other hazard class.

Examples of miscellaneous hazardous materials (not all of which are mailable)

include solid dry ice, elevated temperature substances, environmentally hazardous

substances, life-saving appliances, and asbestos.

10.20.2 Mailability

[1-27-13] A miscellaneous hazardous material is prohibited in international mail. A

miscellaneous hazardous material that can qualify as an ORM-D material (until

January 1, 2015) when intended for ground transportation, or a mailable air-eligible

consumer commodity material when intended for air transportation, is permitted for

domestic mail via air or surface transportation, subject to the applicable 49 CFR

requirements.

10.20.3 Marking

[1-27-13] For surface transportation, the mailpiece must be plainly and durably

marked on the address side with “Surface Only” or “Surface Mail Only” and

“ORM-D” immediately following or below the proper shipping name (or with a DOT

square-on-point marking under 10.8b). Air transportation packages must bear the

DOT square-on-point marking including the symbol “Y,” an approved DOT Class 9

hazardous material warning label, Identification Number “ID8000,” proper shipping

name “Consumer Commodity,” and a shipper’s declaration for dangerous goods.

10.20.4 Dry Ice

Dry ice (carbon dioxide solid) is prohibited in international mail. Dry ice is permitted

in the domestic mail via air or surface transportation when used as a refrigerant to

cool the contents of a mailpiece. A mailpiece containing dry ice must be packed in a

container that is designed to permit the release of carbon dioxide gas and prevent a

build-up of pressure that could rupture the parcel. Containers must conform to 49

CFR 173.217 and 175.10(a)(13). Additionally, the following applies:

a. Air Transportation Requirements. Each mailpiece may not contain more than

5 pounds of dry ice. The address side of each mailpiece must be clearly

marked “Carbon Dioxide Solid, UN1845” or “Dry Ice, UN1845” along with the

net weight of the dry ice and the identity of the contents being cooled. A

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Mailability: Hazardous Materials

shipper’s declaration prepared in triplicate and a DOT Class 9 warning label for

miscellaneous hazardous materials must be affixed to the outside of the

mailpiece.

b. Surface Transportation Requirements. The amount of dry ice per mailpiece may

exceed 5 pounds. The address side of each mailpiece must be clearly marked

“Carbon Dioxide Solid” or “Dry Ice” and “Surface Only” or “Surface Mail Only”

along with the net weight of the dry ice and the identity of the contents being

cooled. A shipper’s declaration and a DOT Class 9 warning label are not

required for the dry ice.

10.20.5 Primary Lithium (Non-Rechargeable) Cells and Batteries

Small consumer-type primary lithium cells or batteries (lithium metal or lithium alloy)

like those used to power cameras and flashlights are mailable domestically under

the following conditions. There are unique standards and limits when mailing primary

lithium cells or lithium batteries internationally, or to and from an APO, FPO, or DOP

destinations. See IMM 136 for details.

a. General. The following restrictions apply to the mailability of all primary lithium

(nonrechargeable) cells and batteries:

1. Each cell must contain no more than 1.0 gram (g) of lithium content per

cell.

2. Each battery must contain no more than 2.0 g aggregate lithium content

per battery.

3. Each cell or battery must meet the requirements of each test in the UN

Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, and subsection 38.3 as referenced in

DOT's hazardous materials regulation at 49 CFR 171.7.

4. All outer packages must have a complete delivery and return address.

b. Installed In Equipment. The following additional restrictions apply to the mailing

of primary cells or batteries properly installed in the equipment they operate:

1. The batteries installed in the equipment must be protected from damage

and short circuit.

2. The equipment must be equipped with an effective means of preventing it

from being turned on or activated.

3. The equipment must be cushioned to prevent movement or damage and

be contained in a strong enough sealed package to prevent crushing of

the package or exposure of the contents during normal handling in the

mail.

4. The mailpiece must not exceed 11 pounds.

c. Mailed With Equipment. The following additional restrictions apply to the mailing

of primary cells or batteries shipped with (but not installed in) the device or

equipment being mailed:

1. The shipment cannot contain more batteries than the number needed to

operate the device.

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2. The primary lithium cells and batteries must be packaged separately and

cushioned to prevent movement or damage.

3. The shipment must be contained in a strong enough sealed package to

prevent crushing of the package or exposure of the contents during

normal handling in the mail.

4. The outside of the package must be marked on the address side

“Package Contains Primary Lithium Batteries.”

5. The mailpiece must not exceed 11 pounds.

d. Mailed Without Equipment. The following additional restrictions apply to the

mailing of primary cells or batteries without equipment:

1. The primary lithium cells and batteries must be mailed in “the originally

sealed packaging”.

2. The sealed packages of batteries must be separated and cushioned to

prevent short circuit, movement, or damage.

3. The shipment must be contained in a strong enough sealed package to

prevent crushing of the package or exposure of the contents during

normal handling in the mail.

4. They may only be sent via surface transportation.

5. The outside of the package must be marked on the address side “Surface

Mail Only, Primary Lithium Batteries—Forbidden for Transportation Aboard

Passenger Aircraft.”

6. The mailpiece must not exceed 5 pounds.

10.20.6 Secondary Lithium-ion (Rechargeable) Cells and Batteries

Small consumer-type lithium-ion cells and batteries like those used to power cell

phones and laptop computers are mailable domestically under the following

conditions. There are unique standards and limits when mailing primary lithium cells

or lithium batteries internationally, or to and from an APO, FPO, or DOP

destinations. See IMM 136 for details.

a. General. The following additional restrictions apply to the mailability of all

secondary (rechargeable) lithium-ion cells and batteries:

1. The lithium content must not exceed 20 Wh (Watt-hour rating) per cell.

2. The total aggregate lithium content must not exceed 100 Wh per battery.

3. Each cell or battery must meet the requirements of each test in the UN

Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, and subsection 38.3 as referenced in

DOTs hazardous materials regulation at 49 CFR 171.7.

4. The mailpiece must not contain more than three batteries.

5. All outer packages must have a complete delivery and return address.

b. Installed In Equipment. The following additional restrictions apply to the mailing

of secondary cells or batteries properly installed in equipment they operate:

1. The batteries installed in the equipment must be protected from damage

and short circuit.

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2. The equipment must be equipped with an effective means of preventing it

from being turned on or activated.

3. The equipment must be cushioned to prevent movement or damage and

be contained in a strong enough sealed package to prevent crushing of

the package or exposure of the contents during normal handling in the

mail. The shipment must be mailed in a strong outer package.

c. Mailed With Equipment. The following additional restrictions apply to the mailing

of secondary cells or batteries shipped with (but not installed in) the device or

equipment being mailed:

1. The shipment cannot contain more batteries than the number needed to

operate the device, up to three batteries.

2. The secondary lithium cells and batteries must be packaged separately

and cushioned to prevent movement or damage.

3. The shipment must be contained in a strong enough sealed package to

prevent crushing of the package or exposure of the contents during

normal handling in the mail.

4. The outside of the package must be marked on the address side

“Package Contains Lithium-ion Batteries (no lithium metal).”

d. Mailed Without Equipment. The following additional restrictions apply to the

mailing of secondary cells or batteries without equipment:

1. The secondary lithium cells and batteries must be mailed in “the originally

sealed packaging” and no more than three batteries.

2. The sealed packages of batteries must be separated and cushioned to

prevent short circuit, movement, or damage.

3. The shipment must be contained in a strong enough sealed package to

prevent crushing of the package or exposure of the contents during

normal handling in the mail.

4. The outside of the package must be marked on the address side

“Package Contains Lithium-ion Batteries (no lithium metal).”

10.20.7 Damaged or Recalled Batteries

Damaged or recalled batteries are prohibited from mailing unless approved by the

manager, Product Classification.

10.20.8 Lithium Battery Mailability

To determine the mailability of primary (nonrechargeable) lithium metal and lithium

alloy batteries, or secondary lithium-ion batteries, see exhibit below. For detailed

information refer to 10.20.5 and 10.20.6 respectively.

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Exhibit 10.20.8 Lithium Battery Mailability Chart

10.21 Other Regulated Materials—Magnetized Materials

A magnetized material is not classified within any of the nine hazard classes. Such

material is regulated as a hazardous material only if offered for carriage on air

transportation and when it has a magnetic field strength capable of causing the

deviation of aircraft instruments. Regulated magnetized materials are mailable

subject to the following limitations:

a. Definition. A magnetized material is any article that has a magnetic field strength

capable of causing the deviation of aircraft instruments. A magnetized material

is regulated as a hazardous material when it is presented for air transportation

and has a measurable magnetic field strength greater than 0.00525 gauss at

15 feet. Magnetized materials include magnets and magnetized devices such

as magnetrons and light meters of sufficient strength to possibly cause

erroneous aircraft compass readings. If the maximum field strength observed at

a distance of 7 feet is less than 0.002 gauss or there is no significant compass

deflection (less than 0.5 degree), the article is not restricted as a magnetized

material.

b. Mailability. Regulated magnetized material is prohibited in international mail. A

material with a measurable magnetic field strength greater than 0.00525 gauss

at 15 feet is prohibited from domestic mail via air transportation. Mailable

materials must be packaged and marked as specified in Publication 52,

Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail. Mailable material permitted via air

PRIMARY LITHIUM

BATTERIES

1,2

1. Each primary cell must not contain more than 1g lithium content.

2. Each primary battery must not contain more than 2g lithium content.

SURFACE

TRANSPORTATION AIR TRANSPORTATION

MAILPIECE

WEIGHT LIMIT

Small non-rechargeable consumer-type batteries

Contained in (properly installed

in equipment)

Mailable Mailable 11 lb.

Packed with equipment but not

installed in equipment

Mailable Mailable 11 lb.

Without the equipment they

operate (individual batteries)

Mailable Prohibited 5 lb.

SECONDARY LITHIUM-ION

BATTERIES

1,2

1. Each secondary cell must not contain more than 20 Wh (Watt-hour rating) per cell.

2. Each secondary battery must not exceed 100 Wh per battery.

SURFACE

TRANSPORTATION AIR TRANSPORTATION

MAILPIECE

BATTERY LIMIT

Small rechargeable consumer-type batteries

Contained in (properly installed

in equipment)

Mailable Mailable No more than 3 batteries

Packed with equipment but not

installed in equipment

Mailable Mailable No more than 3 batteries

Without the equipment they

operate (individual batteries)

Mailable Mailable No more than 3 batteries

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transportation must bear a shipper’s declaration for dangerous goods.

Magnetized material is not regulated as a hazardous material when transported

via surface transportation.

11.0 Cigarettes and Smokeless Tobacco

11.1 Definitions

For this standard, we define terms as follows:

a. Cigarette: any roll of tobacco wrapped in paper or in any substance not

containing tobacco and any roll of tobacco wrapped in any substance

containing tobacco which, because of its appearance, the type of tobacco

used in the filler, or its packaging and labeling, is likely to be offered to, or

purchased by, consumers as a cigarette. The term cigarette includes

roll-your-own-tobacco and excludes cigars.

b. Smokeless tobacco: any finely cut, ground, powdered, or leaf tobacco that is

intended to be placed in the oral or nasal cavity or otherwise consumed without

being combusted.

c. Cigar: any roll of tobacco wrapped in leaf tobacco or in any substance

containing tobacco, unless, because of its appearance, the type of tobacco

used in the filler, or its packaging and labeling, the product is likely to be offered

to, or purchased by, consumers as a cigarette.

d. Roll-your-own tobacco: any tobacco which, because of its appearance, type,

packaging, or labeling, is suitable for use and likely to be offered to, or

purchased by, consumers as tobacco for making cigarettes or cigars, or for use

as wrappers thereof.

e. Consumer testing: testing limited to formal data collection and analysis for the

specific purpose of evaluating the product for quality assurance and

benchmarking purposes of cigarette brands or sub-brands among existing

adult smokers.

f. State: any of the 50 states of the United States, the District of Columbia, and

any commonwealth, territory, or possession of the United States.

11.2 Nonmailability

Except as provided in 11.3, all cigarettes (including roll-your-own tobacco) and

smokeless tobacco are nonmailable and shall not be deposited in or carried through

the Postal Service mailstream. Nonmailable cigarettes and smokeless tobacco

deposited in the mail are subject to seizure and forfeiture. Any nonmailable

cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products seized and forfeited shall be destroyed

or retained by the federal government for the detection or prosecution of crimes or

related investigations and then destroyed. Senders of nonmailable cigarettes and

smokeless tobacco may be subject to seizure and forfeiture of assets, criminal fines,

imprisonment, and civil penalties. The Postal Service will not accept for delivery or

transmit any package that it knows, or has reasonable cause to believe, contains

nonmailable cigarettes or smokeless tobacco. If the Postal Service reasonably

suspects that a mailer is tendering nonmailable cigarettes or smokeless tobacco,

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then the mailer bears the burden of proof in establishing eligibility to mail. The Postal

Service has reasonable cause not to accept for delivery or transmit a package

based on:

a. A statement on a publicly available website, or an advertisement, by any person

that the person will mail matter which is nonmailable under this section in return

for payment; or

b. The fact that the mailer or other person on whose behalf a mailing is being

made is on the U.S. Attorney General's List of Unregistered or Noncompliant

Delivery Sellers.

11.3 Mailability Exceptions

Cigarettes and smokeless tobacco are mailable if one of the conditions in 11.4

through 11.8 is met. These exceptions only apply to domestic mail under 608.2.1,

including mail sent from the United States to Army Post Office (APO), Fleet Post

Office (FPO), and Diplomatic Post Office (DPO) addresses to which tobacco is not

restricted (see 703.2.3.1), with the exception that delivery procedures for overseas

military mail under the certain individuals exception in 11.6 may vary as practicable.

These exceptions do not apply to the following:

a. Mail treated as domestic under 608.2.2.

b. International mail as defined in 608.2.3.

c. Mail presented at APO, FPO, or DPO installations destined to addresses in the

United States.

11.4 Mailing Within Noncontiguous States

Applicable mailings may not be tendered through Pickup on Demand or Package

Pickup services. Intra-Alaskan and intra-Hawaiian shipments of cigarettes or

smokeless tobacco are mailable, provided that such mailings:

a. Are presented in a face-to-face transaction with a postal employee within the

state;

b. Destinate in the same state of origin;

c. Bear a valid complete return address that is within the state of origin; and,

d. Are marked with the following exterior marking on the address side of the

mailpiece: “INTRASTATE SHIPMENT OF CIGARETTES OR SMOKELESS

TOBACCO.”

11.5 Exception for Business/Regulatory Purposes

Eligibility to mail and to receive mail under the business/regulatory purposes

exception is limited to federal and state government agencies and legally operating

businesses that have all applicable state and federal government licenses or permits

and are engaged in tobacco product manufacturing, distribution, wholesale, export,

import, testing, investigation, or research under the conditions in 11.5.1 to 11.5.3.

11.5.1 Application

Each customer seeking to mail cigarettes or smokeless tobacco under the

business/regulatory purposes exception must complete an application letter

requesting to mail under the business/regulatory purposes exception.

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a. The applicant must furnish:

1. Information about its legal status, any applicable licenses, and authority

under which it operates;

2. Information about the legal status, any applicable licenses, and operational

authority for all entities to which the applicant's mailings under this

exception will be addressed; and

3. All locations where mail containing cigarettes and smokeless tobacco will

be presented.

b. The applicant must establish its and its recipients' eligibility as legally operating

businesses that have all applicable state and federal government licenses or

permits and are engaged in tobacco product manufacturing, distribution,

wholesale, export, import, testing, investigation, or research; or, in the case of

mailings for regulatory purposes, as a federal or state agency. Only those

shipments containing otherwise nonmailable tobacco addressed to recipients

on the customer's list of designated recipients are eligible for the

business/regulatory purposes exception.

c. Applications must be mailed to the manager, Pricing & Classification Service

Center (PCSC), see 608.8.4.1 for address. The manager, PCSC, issues the

initial agency decision of a determination of eligibility to mail under the

business/regulatory purposes exception. A number is assigned to each letter of

eligibility.

d. The applicant must timely update the information in its application as necessary

prior to conducting any mailing for as long as it continues to mail under the

business/regulatory exception.

e. Customers whose applications or amendments to existing applications are

denied in whole or in part may appeal to the manager, Product Classification

(see 608.8.0).

f. Eligibility to mail under the business/regulatory purposes exception may be

revoked by the manager, PCSC, in the event of failure to comply with any

applicable rules and regulations. A customer may appeal an adverse initial

decision to the manager, Product Classification (see 608.8.0). Decisions by the

manager, Product Classification, to uphold the denial of an application or to

revoke a customer's eligibility under the business/regulatory purposes

exception may be appealed to the Judicial Officer under 39 C.F.R. Part 953.

g. Upon written request by a state or federal agency, the manager, PCSC, may, in

his or her discretion, waive certain application requirements for mailings entered

by the requesting state or federal agency for regulatory purposes.

h. Any determination of eligibility to mail under this exception shall lapse if the

authorized mailer does not tender any mail under this exception within any

three-year period. After that time, the affected mailer must apply for and receive

new authorization for any mailings under this exception.

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11.5.2 Mailing

Customers eligible to mail under the business/regulatory purposes exception may

enter mailings of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco only at the locations specified in

the customer's application. Applicable mailings may not be tendered through

Pickup on Demand or Package Pickup services. Before mailing any shipment under

this exception, the mailer must present proof that the PCSC has authorized the

mailer to mail such shipments at that location. All mailings under the

business/regulatory purposes exception must:

a. Be entered in a face-to-face transaction with a postal employee (package

pickup not permitted) as Priority Mail Express with Hold for Pickup service,

Priority Mail Express with an Adult Signature service (see 503.8.0), or Priority

Mail with an Adult Signature service;

b. Be accompanied by a request for PS Form 3811 return receipt, which must

bear the sender's PACT eligibility number issued by the PCSC in the return

address block as well as the addressee's full name and address, and be made

returnable to the PCSC, PACT Mailing Office (see 608.4.1 for address)

c. Bear the marking “PERMITTED TOBACCO MAILING - DELIVER ONLY TO

ADDRESSED BUSINESS/AGENCY - RECIPIENT MUST FURNISH PROOF OF

AGE AND EMPLOYMENT” on the address side of the mailpiece (place the

marking directly above, below, or to the left of the postage);

d. Bear the business or government agency name and full mailing addresses of

both the sender and recipient, both of which must match exactly those listed

on the customer's application on file with the Postal Service.

11.5.3 Delivery

Mailings bearing the marking for business/regulatory purposes can only be delivered

to a verified employee of the addressee business or government agency. The

recipient must show proof that he or she is an employee of the business or

government identified as the addressee on the mailing label under the following

conditions:

a. The recipient must be an adult of at least the minimum age for the legal sale or

purchase of tobacco products at the place of delivery. The recipient must

furnish proof of age via a driver's license, passport, or other government-issued

photo identification that lists age or date of birth.

b. Once age and the recipient's identity as an employee of the addressee are

established, the recipient must sign PS Form 3849 and PS Form 3811 in the

appropriate signature blocks. If mailer's eligibility number is missing in the return

address block of the PS Form 3811, the mailing must be returned to sender.

11.6 Exception for Certain Individuals

The exception for certain individuals permits the mailing of small quantities of

cigarettes or smokeless tobacco by individual adults to businesses or to other

adults. Such shipments may include, but are not limited to, cigarettes and

smokeless tobacco exchanged as gifts between individual adults and a damaged or

unacceptable tobacco product returned by a consumer to the manufacturer. For

purposes of this rule, “gifts” do not include products purchased by one individual for

another from a third-party vendor through a mail-order transaction, or the inclusion

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Mailability: Hazardous Materials

of cigarettes or smokeless tobacco at no additional charge with other matter

pursuant to a commercial transaction. Eligibility to mail under the certain individuals

exception may be revoked by the manager, PCSC, in the event of failure to comply

with any applicable rules and regulations. A customer may appeal an adverse initial

decision to the manager, Product Classification (see 608.8.0). The mailer bears the

burden of proof in establishing eligibility in the event of revocation. Decisions by the

manager, Product Classification, to revoke a customer's eligibility under this

exception may be appealed to the Judicial Officer under 39 C.F.R. Part 953. Mailings

under this exception must be made under the conditions in 11.6.1through 11.6.3.

11.6.1 Entry and Acceptance

Mailings under the certain individuals exception must be entered under the following

conditions:

a. Cigarettes or smokeless tobacco may only be mailed via a face-to-face

transaction with a postal employee. Applicable mailings may not be tendered

through Pickup on Demand or Package Pickup services.

b. Cigarettes or smokeless tobacco may only be entered by an adult of at least the

minimum age for the legal sale or purchase of tobacco products at the place of

entry.

c. The individual presenting the mailing must furnish government-issued photo

identification that lists age or date of birth, such as a driver's license or

passport, at the time of the mailing. The name on the identification must match

the name of the sender appearing in the return address block of the mailpiece.

d. For mailings addressed to an individual, at the time the mailing is presented, the

customer must orally confirm that the addressee is an adult of at least the

minimum age for the legal sale or purchase of tobacco products at the place of

delivery.

11.6.2 Mailing

No customer may send or cause to be sent more than 10 mailings under this

exception in any 30-day period. Each mailing under the certain individuals exception

must:

a. Be entered (package pickup not permitted) as Priority Mail Express with Hold

For Pickup service, Priority Mail Express with an Adult Signature service (see

503.8.0), or Priority Mail with an Adult Signature service; unless shipped to

APO/FPO/DPO addresses under 11.6.4.

b. Bear the marking “PERMITTED TOBACCO MAILING — DELIVER ONLY TO

AGE-VERIFIED ADULT OF LEGAL AGE” on the address side of the exterior of

the mailpiece (place the marking directly above, below, or to the left of the

postage);

c. Bear the full name and mailing address of the sender and recipient on the

Priority Mail Express or Priority Mail label;

d. Weigh no more than 10 ounces;

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11.6.3 Delivery

Delivery under the certain individuals exception is made under the following

conditions:

a. The recipient receiving or signing for the article must be an adult of at least the

minimum age for the legal sale or purchase of tobacco products at the place of

delivery.

b. The recipient must furnish proof of age via a driver's license, passport, or other

government-issued photo identification that lists age or date of birth.

c. For Priority Mail Express or Adult Signature articles, once age is established, the

recipient must sign PS Form 3849 in the appropriate signature block.

11.6.4 Tobacco Product Shipments to APO/FPO/DPO

Shipments of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco may not be sent to APO/FPO/DPO

destination addresses to which the mailing of tobacco is restricted (see 703.2.3.1).

To the extent cigarettes or smokeless tobacco are permitted to be mailed to

APO/FPO/DPO destination addresses, such mailings under the certain individuals

exception must comply with all of the requirements of 11.6, with the exception that

mailings may be entered as either Priority Mail Express Military Service (PMEMS) or

Priority Mail service with USPS Tracking. Regardless of the service elected, the

mailing must bear the full name and mailing address of the sender and recipient.

11.7 Consumer Testing Exception

The exception for consumer testing permits a legally operating cigarette

manufacturer or a legally authorized agent of a legally operating cigarette

manufacturer to mail cigarettes to verified adult smokers solely for consumer testing

purposes. The manufacturer for which mailings are entered under this exception

must have a permit, in good standing, issued under 26 U.S.C. § 5713. The

consumer testing exception applies only to cigarettes and not smokeless tobacco.

Items must be mailed under conditions in 11.7.1through 11.7.3.

11.7.1 Application

Each customer seeking to mail cigarettes under the consumer testing exception

must submit an application letter to mail under consumer testing exception. In

support of its application, the following must be met:

a. The applicant must furnish information to establish that the customer, or the

customer's principal if the customer is a manufacturer's agent, is a cigarette

manufacturer in good standing under 26 U.S.C. § 5713; if the customer is an

agent of a manufacturer, complete details about the agency relationship with

the manufacturer; and all locations where mail containing cigarettes for

consumer testing will be presented. The applicant must timely update all

information in its application as necessary prior to conducting any mailing for as

long as it continues to mail under the consumer testing exception.

b. As part of its application, the applicant must certify in writing that it will comply

with the following requirements:

1. Any recipient of consumer testing samples of cigarettes is an adult

established smoker;

2. No recipient has made any payment for the cigarettes;

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3. Every recipient will sign a statement indicating that the recipient wishes to

receive the mailings;

4. The manufacturer or the legally authorized agent of the manufacturer will

offer the opportunity for any recipient to withdraw the recipient's written

statement at least once in every three-month period;

5. Any package mailed under this exception will contain not more than 12

packs of cigarettes (maximum of 240 cigarettes) on which all taxes levied

on the cigarettes by the state and locality of delivery have been paid and all

related state tax stamps or other tax-payment indicia have been applied;

and

6. The manufacturer will maintain records establishing compliance with these

obligations for a three-year period from the date of each mailing.

c. The application must be submitted to the manager, Pricing & Classification

Service Center (PCSC) (see 608.4.1for address).

d. The applicant must provide any requested copies of records establishing

compliance to the manager, PCSC, and/or the manager, Product Classification

(see 608.8.0), upon request no later than 10 business days after the date of the

request.

e. The manager, PCSC, issues the initial agency decision of a determination of

eligibility to mail under the consumer testing exception. A number is assigned to

each letter of eligibility. Customers whose applications are denied in whole or in

part may appeal to the manager, Product Classification. Eligibility to mail under

the consumer testing exception may be revoked by the manager, PCSC, in the

event of failure to comply with any applicable rules and regulations. Decisions

by the manager, Product Classification, to uphold the denial of an application or

to revoke a customer's eligibility under the consumer testing exception may be

appealed to the Judicial Officer under 39 C.F.R. Part 953.

f. Any determination of eligibility to mail under this exception shall lapse if the

authorized mailer does not tender any mail under this exception within any

three-year period. After that time, the affected mailer must apply for and receive

new authorization for any further mailings under this exception.

11.7.2 Mailing

Customers eligible to mail under the consumer testing exception may enter mailings

of cigarettes only at the locations specified in the customer's application. Applicable

mailings may not be tendered through Pickup on Demand or Package Pickup

services. Mailings must be tendered under the following conditions:

a. Before tendering any shipment under this exception, the mailer must present

proof (PCSC Eligibility letter) that the PCSC has authorized the mailer to tender

such shipments at that location.

b. All mailings under the consumer testing exception:

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1. Be entered in a face-to-face transaction with a postal employee (package

pickup not permitted) as Priority Mail Express with Hold For Pickup

service, Priority Mail Express with Adult Signature Restricted Delivery

service (see 503.8.0), or Priority Mail with Adult Signature Restricted

Delivery service;

2. Be accompanied by a request for PS Form 3811 return receipt, which

must bear the sender's PACT eligibility number issued by the PCSC in the

return address block, as well as the addressee's full name and address,

and be made returnable to PCSC, PACT Mailing Office (see 608.4.1for

address);

3. Must bear the marking “PERMITTED TOBACCO MAILING — DELIVER

ONLY TO ADDRESSEE UPON AGE VERIFICATION — AGE 21 OR

ABOVE” on the address side of the mailpiece (place the marking directly

above, below, or to the left of the postage);

4. Must bear the full mailing addresses of both the sender and recipient on

the Priority Mail Express or Priority Mail label (the name and address of the

sender must match exactly those listed on the customer's application on

file with the PCSC);

5. Are limited in tobacco contents to no more than 12 packs of cigarettes

(maximum 240 cigarettes) on which all taxes levied on the cigarettes by

the destination state and locality have been paid and all related state tax

stamps or other tax-payment indicia have been applied;

6. May not be addressed to an addressee located in a state that prohibits the

delivery or shipment of cigarettes to individuals in the destination state;

7. May be sent only to an addressee who has not made any payment for the

cigarettes, is being paid a fee for participation in consumer tests, and has

agreed to evaluate the cigarettes and furnish feedback to the

manufacturer in connection with the consumer test.

c. Customers must maintain records to establish compliance with the

requirements in 11.7 for a three year period.

d. Mailing frequency may not exceed more than one package from any one

manufacturer to an adult smoker during any 30-day period.

e. Nothing in these rules shall preempt, limit, or otherwise affect any related state

laws.

11.7.3 Delivery

Mailings bearing the marking for consumer testing can only be delivered to the

named addressee under the following conditions:

a. The recipient signing for the Priority Mail Express Hold for Pickup service article

must be an adult of at least 21 years of age.

b. The recipient must furnish proof of age through production of a driver's license,

passport, or other government-issued photo identification that lists age or date

of birth.

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c. The name on the identification must match the name of the addressee on the

Priority Mail Express or Priority Mail label.

d. Once age is established, the recipient must sign the PS Form 3849 and PS

Form 3811 in the appropriate signature blocks. If mailer's eligibility number is

missing in the return address block of the PS Form 3811 return receipt, the

mailing must be returned to sender.

11.8 Public Health Exception

Federal government agencies involved in the consumer testing of tobacco products

solely for public health purposes may mail cigarettes under the mailing standards of

11.7, except as provided herein. The federal agency shall not be subject to the

requirement that the recipient be paid a fee for participation in consumer tests. Upon

written request, the manager, PCSC, may, in his or her discretion, waive certain of

the application requirements.

12.0 Other Restricted and Nonmailable Matter

12.1 Firearms

12.1.1 Definitions

The terms used in this standard are defined as follows:

a. Firearm means any device, including a starter gun, which will, or is designed to,

or may readily be converted to, expel a projectile by the action of an explosive;

the frame or receiver of any such weapon; any firearm muffler or firearm

silencer; or any destructive device; but the term shall not include antique

firearms (except antique firearms described under 12.1.1c and 12.1.1d).

b. Firearm frame or receiver is the part of a firearm which provides housing for the

hammer, bolt or breechblock, and firing mechanism, and which is usually

threaded at its forward portion to receive the barrel.

c. Handgun (including pistols and revolvers) means any firearm which has a short

stock and is designed to be held and fired by the use of a single hand and

subject to 12.1.1a, or a combination of parts from which a handgun can be

assembled.

d. Other firearms capable of being concealed on the person include, but are not

limited to, short-barreled shotguns and short-barreled rifles.

e. Short-barreled shotgun means a shotgun that has one or more barrels less than

18 inches long. The term short-barreled rifle means a rifle that has one or more

barrels that are less than 16 inches long. These definitions include any weapon

made from a shotgun or rifle, whether by alteration, modification, or otherwise, if

such weapon as modified has an overall length of less than 26 inches. A

short-barreled shotgun or rifle of greater dimension may be regarded as

nonmailable when it has characteristics to allow concealment on the person.

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f. Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) manufacturer, dealer, or importer of firearms

means a manufacturer, dealer, or importer duly licensed by the Bureau of

Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) under Chapter 44, Title 18,

United States Code (U.S.C.).

g. Curio and relic collector means an individual licensed by ATF to transfer or

receive only those firearms defined as curios or relics by ATF under Title 27,

Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), section 478.11.

h. Antique firearm means any muzzle loading rifle/shotgun/pistol, which is

designed to use black powder or a black powder substitute, and which cannot

use fixed ammunition (except those that incorporate a firearm frame or receiver,

any firearm which is converted into a muzzle loading weapon, or any muzzle

loading weapon which can be readily converted to fire fixed ammunition by

replacing the barrel, bolt, breechblock, or any combination thereof); or any

firearm (including those with a matchlock, flintlock, percussion cap, or similar

type of ignition system) manufactured on or before 1898, or any replica thereof,

if such replica:

1. Is not designed or redesigned for using rimfire or conventional centerfire

fixed ammunition.

2. Uses rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition that is no longer

manufactured in the United States and that is not readily available in the

ordinary channels of commercial trade.

i. Air gun means a gun that fires a projectile by means of compressed air or other

gas (including paintball and pellet guns).

12.1.2 Handguns

Handguns and other firearms capable of being concealed on the person are

nonmailable unless mailed between the parties listed in 12.1.3 and 12.1.5 after the

filing of an affidavit or statement required by 12.1.4 and 12.1.6, and are subject to

the following:

a. Firearms meeting the definition of a handgun under 12.1.1b, and the definition

of curios or relics under 27 CFR 478.11 may be mailed between curio and relic

collectors only when those firearms also meet the definition of an antique

firearm under 12.1.1h.

b. Firearms meeting the definition of a handgun under 12.1.1b which are certified

by the curator of a municipal, state, or federal museum which exhibits firearms

to be curios or relics of museum interest may be accepted for mailing without

regard to 12.1.3 through 12.1.6.

c. Air guns that do not fall within the definition of firearm under 12.1.1a that are

capable of being concealed on a person are mailable; but must include adult

signature service under 503.8.0. Mailers must comply with all applicable state

and local regulations.

d. Parts of handguns are mailable, except for handgun frames, receivers or other

parts or components regulated under Chapter 44, Title 18, U.S.C.

e. Mailers are also subject to applicable restrictions by governments of a state,

territory, or district.

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12.1.3 Authorized Persons

Subject to 12.1.4, handguns may be mailed by a licensed manufacturer of firearms,

a licensed dealer of firearms, a licensed importer of firearms, or an authorized agent

of the federal government or the government of a state, territory, or district, only

when addressed to a person in one of the following categories for use in the

person's official duties:

a. Officers of the Army, Coast Guard, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, or Organized

Reserve Corps.

b. Officers of the National Guard or militia of a state, territory, or district.

c. Officers of the United States or of a state, territory, or district, whose official duty

is to serve warrants of arrest or commitment.

d. USPS employees authorized by the Chief Postal Inspector.

e. Officers and employees of enforcement agencies of the United States.

f. Watchmen engaged in guarding the property of the United States, a state,

territory, or district.

g. Purchasing agent or other designated member of agencies employing officers

and employees included in 12.1.3c. through 12.1.3e.

12.1.4 Affidavit of Addressee

Any person proposing to mail a handgun under 12.1.3 must file with the postmaster,

at the time of mailing, an affidavit signed by the addressee setting forth that the

addressee is qualified to receive the firearm under a particular category of 12.1.3a

through 12.1.3g, and that the firearm is intended for the addressee’s official use. The

affidavit must also bear a certificate stating that the firearm is for the official duty use

of the addressee, signed by one of the following, as appropriate:

a. For officers of Armed Forces, by the commanding officer.

b. For officers and employees of enforcement agencies, by the head of the agency

employing the addressee to perform the official duty with which the firearm is to

be used.

c. For watchmen, by the chief clerk of the department, bureau, or independent

branch of the government of the United States, the state, the territory, or the

district by which the watchman is employed.

d. For the purchasing agent or other designated member of enforcement

agencies, by the head of such agency, that the firearm is to be used by an

officer or employee included in 12.1.3c through 12.1.3e, Authorized Persons.

12.1.5 Manufacturers, Dealers, and Importers

Handguns may also be mailed between licensed manufacturers of firearms, licensed

dealers of firearms, and licensed importers of firearms in customary trade

shipments, or for repairing or replacing parts.

12.1.6 Certificate of Manufacturers, Dealers, and Importers

A federal firearms licensee manufacturer, dealer or importer need not file the affidavit

under 12.1.4, but must file with the postmaster a statement on Form 1508 signed

by the mailer that he or she is a licensed manufacturer, dealer or importer of

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firearms. The mailer must also state that the parcels containing handguns, or parts

and components of handguns under 12.1.2d, are being mailed in customary trade

shipments or contain such articles for repairing or replacing parts, and that to the

best of their knowledge the addressees are licensed manufacturers, dealers or

importers of firearms.

12.1.7 Federal and Other Law Enforcement Agencies

Handguns may be mailed without regard to 12.1.3 through 12.1.6 if the item is:

a. Addressed to a scientific laboratory or crime detection bureau of any federal,

state or local law enforcement agency whose members are authorized to serve

warrants of arrest or commitment.

b. Sent by an authorized agent of the federal government as an official shipment

to any qualified addressee in 12.1.3, or to a licensed manufacturer, dealer, or

importer of firearms, or to a federal agency.

12.2 Rifles and Shotguns

Except under 12.1.1d and 12.1.2, unloaded rifles and shotguns are mailable.

Mailers must comply with the rules and regulations under 27 CFR, Part 478, as well

as state and local laws. The mailer may be required by the USPS to establish, by

opening the parcel or by written certification, that the rifle or shotgun is unloaded

and not ineligible for mailing under 12.1.1d. The following conditions also apply:

a. Subject to state, territory, or district regulations, rifles and shotguns may be

mailed without restriction when sent within the same state of mailing. These

items must bear a “Return Service Requested” endorsement, and must be sent

by Priority Mail Express (“signature required” must be used at delivery),

Registered Mail, or must include either insured mail service (for more than $200)

requiring a signature at delivery or Signature Confirmation service.

b. A shotgun or rifle owned by a non-FFL may be mailed outside the owner's state

of residence by the owner to himself or herself, in care of another person in the

state, where he or she intends to hunt or engage in any other lawful activity.

These mailpieces must:

1. Be addressed to the owner.

2. Include the “in the care of” endorsement immediately preceding the name

of the applicable temporary custodian.

3. Be opened by the rifle or shotgun owner only.

4. Be mailed using services described in 12.2a.

c. Rifles and shotguns may be mailed by a non-FFL owner domestically to a FFL

dealer, manufacturer, or importer in any state. USPS recommends these items

be mailed using those services described in 12.2a.

d. Except as described in 12.1.2a, licensed curio and relic collectors may mail

firearms meeting the definition of curios or relics under 27 CFR 478.11

domestically to FFL licensed curio and relic collectors in any state. USPS

recommends these items be mailed using those services described in 12.2a.

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e. Firearms which are certified by the curator of a municipal, state, or federal

museum which exhibits firearms to be curios or relics of museum interest may

be accepted for mailing without restriction.

f. Air guns that do not fall within the definition of firearm under 12.1.1a are

mailable. A shipment containing an air gun with a muzzle velocity of 400 or

more feet per second (fps) must include an Adult Signature service under

503.8.0. Mailers must additionally comply with all applicable state and local

regulations.

12.3 Legal Opinions on Mailing Firearms

Postmasters are not authorized to give opinions on the legality of any shipment of

firearms. Further advice and ATF contact information is available at

http://www.atf.gov/firearms/faq/.

12.4 Replica or Inert Explosive Devices

Replica or inert explosive devices that bear a realistic appearance to explosive

devices such as simulated grenades, but that are not dangerous, are permitted in

the mail when all of the following conditions are met:

a. The package is presented by the mailer at a retail counter.

b. Registered Mail service is used. (Registered Mail service is only available for

items mailed as either First-Class Mail or Priority Mail.)

c. The address side of the package is labeled with “REPLICA EXPLOSIVE” using

at least 20 point type or letters at least 1/4-inch high.

12.5 Knives and Sharp Instruments

12.5.1 Mailability

Knives (including sharp-pointed instruments such as stilettos that lack cutting

edges) with a blade that opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button

or other device in the handle, or by operations of inertia, gravity, or both, or with a

detachable blade propelled by a spring-operated mechanism, are mailable only

when sent to:

a. The respective government’s or organization’s designated supply or

procurement officers and employees ordering, procuring, or buying such knives

for use with the activities of the federal government; the National Guard, the Air

National Guard, or the militia of a state, territory, or the District of Columbia; or

the municipal government of the District of Columbia or of the government of

any state or territory, or of any county, city, or other political subdivision of a

state or territory.

b. Manufacturers of such knives, or bona fide dealers of such knives, in

connection with a shipment made under an order from any person designated

in 12.5.1a.

12.5.2 Addressee Identification

Before delivering a shipment (or parcel) that contains an article or articles described

in 12.5.1, a USPS employee may require that the recipient identify himself or herself

as in one of the categories in 12.5.1a.

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12.5.3 Wrapping

Sharp-pointed or sharp-edged instruments such as knives, tools, ice picks, and

razor blades, that are otherwise mailable, must be wrapped to protect their points

and edges from cutting through the outer carton in which they are mailed.

12.6 Prohibited Parcel Marking

For any parcel containing a firearm or a ballistic or switchblade knife, any marking

that indicates the contents is not permitted on the outside wrapper or container.

12.7 Intoxicating Liquor

A potable beverage is nonmailable if it is of 0.5% or more alcoholic content by

weight, which is taxable under Chapter 51, Internal Revenue Service Code. The

product may be mailed if it conforms to applicable requirements of the Internal

Revenue Service and Food and Drug Administration and is not an alcoholic

beverage, poisonous, or flammable.

12.8 Matter Emitting Obnoxious Odor

Any matter that is a source of an obnoxious odor is nonmailable.

12.9 Liquids and Powders

12.9.1 Liquids and Semisolids

Liquids and semisolids that may liquefy under normal conditions and are otherwise

mailable must be adequately prepared for mailing under 1.0 through 8.0.

12.9.2 Powders

Powders that, if allowed to escape from their containers, could cause damage,

discomfort, destruction, or soiling, must either be packed in siftproof containers or

in other containers sealed in durable siftproof outer containers.

12.9.3 Cremated Remains

Human ashes (cremated remains) are permitted to be mailed provided they are in a

strong and durable container and packaged as required in 9.2. The identity of the

contents should be marked on the address side. Mailpieces sent to domestic

addresses must be sent via Priority Mail Express or Registered Mail service.

12.10 Motor Vehicle Master Keys and Locksmithing Devices

12.10.1 Motor Vehicle Master Key—Definition

A motor vehicle master key is any key (other than the key furnished by the

manufacturer with the motor vehicle, or the key furnished with a replacement lock,

or an exact duplicate of such keys) designed to operate two or more motor vehicle

ignition, door, or trunk locks of different combinations, including any pattern,

impression, or mold from which such a master key can be made (18 USC 1716A;

39 USC 3002).

12.10.2 Nonmailable

Any motor vehicle master key, as defined in 12.10.1, and any advertisement for the

sale of such item, are nonmailable, unless sent to any of the following:

a. Lock manufacturer.

b. Professional locksmith.

c. Motor vehicle manufacturer or dealer.

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d. Federal, state, or local government agency.

12.10.3 Marking

Any marking identifying the contents is not permitted on the outside wrapper or

container of any parcel containing motor vehicle master keys.

12.10.4 Locksmithing Device—Definition

A locksmithing device is:

a. A device or tool (other than a key) designed to manipulate the tumblers in a lock

into the unlocked position through the keyway of such lock.

b. A device or tool (other than a key or a device or tool under 12.10.4a) designed

for bypassing a lock or similar security device, or for opening it by a method

normally not used by consumers to open such locks or security devices.

c. A device or tool designed for making an impression of a key or similar security

device to duplicate such key or device.

12.10.5 Nonmailable

Any locksmithing device, as defined in 12.10.4, is nonmailable, unless sent to any of

the following:

a. Lock manufacturer or distributor.

b. Bona fide locksmith.

c. Bona fide repossessor.

d. Motor vehicle manufacturer or dealer.

e. Bona fide automotive repair shops or businesses.

12.11 Drugs

12.11.1 Over-the-Counter Drugs

Over-the-counter drugs are medicines that can be obtained without a prescription.

Over-the-counter drugs may be mailed when all applicable federal, state, and local

laws, such as the Poison Prevention Packaging Act of 1970 and the Consumer

Product Safety Commission requirements, are followed.

12.11.2 Prescription Drugs

Prescription drugs are licensed medicines that require a written order by a medical

doctor or pharmacist before they can be obtained. Prescription drugs, including

those that contain controlled substances, may be mailed by drug manufacturers or

their registered agents, pharmacies, or other authorized dispensers as permitted by

21 CFR 1307.12 or in compliance with any regulation of the Food and Drug

Administration or other applicable law.

12.11.3 Controlled Substances

Controlled substances are any anabolic steroid, narcotic, hallucinogenic, stimulant,

or depressant drug in Schedules I through V of the Controlled Substances Act, 21

USC 801 and 21 CFR 1300. Controlled Substances may be mailed by drug

manufacturers or their agents, pharmacies, or other authorized dispensers when

distribution is lawful under 21 USC 801 and 21 CFR 1300 and if the mailer or the

addressee meets one of the following conditions:

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a. The mailer or the addressee is registered with the Drug Enforcement

Administration (DEA).

b. The mailer or the addressee is exempt from DEA registration in performing

official duties such as military, civil defense, and law enforcement personnel.

12.11.4 Packaging and Markings

Securely package all mailable drugs so that the contents cannot become damaged

or dislodged during mailing. Follow the general packaging instructions in 601.1.0

through 601.8.0. Do not identify the nature of the contents on the outside of the

mailpiece.

12.11.5 Return of Prescription Drugs

Mailers may use merchandise return service to return prescription drugs for

purposes of drug recalls; voluntary manufacturer withdrawals; and dispensing errors

such as incorrect drug, dosage, or strength, as permitted by 21 CFR 1307.12 or

other applicable law. The mailpiece must be addressed to the manufacturer or its

registered agent. Manufacturers or their registered agents must furnish mailing

containers to their customers for the purpose of mailing back the identified drugs.

Manufacturers or their registered agents must use merchandise return service (see

505.3.0) with First-Class Mail or Priority Mail for these mailpieces. Manufacturers or

their agents continue to be responsible for maintaining records in compliance with

any regulation of the Drug Enforcement Administration and/or the Food and Drug

Administration.

12.11.6 Mailing Standards

If distribution of a controlled substance is lawful under 21 USC 801, et seq., and any

implementing regulation in 21 CFR 1300, et seq., the USPS considers such

distribution by mail to constitute the mailing of matter not outwardly or of its own

force dangerous or injurious to a person's life or health and accordingly mailable,

subject to these standards:

a. The inner container of any package containing controlled substances is marked

and sealed under the applicable provisions of the Controlled Substances Act

(21 USC 801, et seq., and any implementing regulation in 21 CFR 1300, et

seq.) and placed in a plain outer mailing container or securely overwrapped in

plain paper.

b. If the mailing includes prescription drugs containing controlled substances, the

inner container is also labeled to show the prescription number and the name

and address of the pharmacy, practitioner, or other person dispensing the

prescription.

c. The outer mailing wrapper or container is free of markings that indicate the

nature of the content.

12.12 Drug Paraphernalia

12.12.1 Definition and Examples

It is unlawful to use domestic or international mail to transport drug paraphernalia.

The term drug paraphernalia refers to any equipment, product, or material of any

kind primarily intended or designed for use in manufacturing, compounding,

converting, concealing, producing, processing, preparing, injecting, ingesting,

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inhaling, or otherwise introducing into the human body a controlled substance,

possession of which is unlawful under the Controlled Substances Act. Examples of

drug paraphernalia are items primarily intended or designed for use in ingesting,

inhaling, or otherwise introducing marijuana, cocaine, hashish, hashish oil, PCP, or

amphetamines into the human body, such as metal, wooden, acrylic, glass, stone,

plastic, or ceramic pipes with or without screens, permanent screens, hashish

heads, or punctured metal bowls; water pipes, chamber pipes, carburetor pipes,

electric pipes, ice pipes or chillers, and air-driven pipes; carburetion tubes and

devices; smoking and carburetion masks; roach clips (i.e., objects used to hold

burning material that is too small or short to be held in the hand); miniature spoons

with level capacities of 1/10 cubic centimeter or less; chillums; bongs; wired

cigarette papers; and cocaine freebase kits.

12.12.2 Determination

In determining whether an item constitutes drug paraphernalia, in addition to all

other logically relevant factors, these factors may be considered:

a. Oral or written instructions or other descriptive materials provided with the item

that explain or depict its use.

b. National and local advertising on its use.

c. The manner in which the item is displayed for sale.

d. Whether the owner, or anyone in control of the item, is a legitimate supplier of

like or related items to the community, such as a licensed distributor or dealer of

tobacco products.

e. Direct or circumstantial evidence of the ratio of sales of the items to the total

sales of the business enterprise.

f. The existence and scope of legitimate uses of the item in the community.

g. Expert testimony on its use.

12.12.3 Exceptions

The standards in 12.12.1 and 12.12.2 apply neither to any person authorized by

local, state, or federal law to manufacture, possess, or distribute items described in

12.12.1 and 12.12.2; nor to any item that, in the normal lawful course of business, is

sold through the mail and traditionally intended for use with tobacco products,

including any pipe, paper, or accessory.

12.13 Household Substance

A household substance (39 USC 3001(f)), i.e., any matter unsolicited by the

addressee, that contains a substance as defined by section 2 of the Poison

Prevention Packaging Act of 1970 (15 USC 1471(2)), is permitted in the mail only if it

complies with the requirements for special child-resistant packaging established for

that substance by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (16 CFR 1700).

12.14 Pesticide

A pesticide (18 USC 1716), i.e., any matter that contains a pesticide as defined by

section 2 of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 USC 136(u)),

is permitted in the mail only if it complies with child-resistant packaging standards

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established by the Environmental Protection Agency applicable to that particular

matter (40 CFR 157) and meets the applicable standards in 10.0, Hazardous

Materials.

12.15 Fragrance Advertising Sample

A fragrance advertising sample (39 USC 3001(g)), i.e., any matter normally

acceptable in the mail but containing a fragrance advertising sample, is permitted in

the mail only if it is sealed, wrapped, treated, or otherwise prepared in a manner

reasonably designed to prevent individuals from being unknowingly or involuntarily

exposed to the sample. A sample meets this requirement if it uses paper stocks

with a maximum porosity of 20 Sheffield units or 172 Gurley-Hill units treated

exclusively with microencapsulated oils, and if the sample is produced so that it

cannot be activated except by opening a glued flap or binder or by removing an

overlying ply of paper.

12.16 Compliance Certificate

A mailer who presents matter that is generally permitted in the mail under 12.13,

12.14, and 12.15 but for compliance with the specified packaging and preparation

requirements may submit an accompanying written statement certifying that the

matter is packaged or prepared under the applicable federal laws and postal

standards. The certifying statement may be made on the mailer's letterhead, on a

postage statement, or as a notice on the exterior of each item presented for mailing.

12.17 Battery-Powered Devices

Cells or batteries properly installed in equipment must be protected from damage

and short circuit, and equipment or devices containing cells or

batteries must include an effective means of preventing accidental activation. A

battery with liquid electrolyte is not permitted in the mail unless it is a nonspillable

type battery that meets the standards in 10.0, Hazardous Materials.

12.18 Abortive and Contraceptive Devices

12.18.1 Abortion Devices

Any article or thing designed, adapted, or intended for producing abortion is not

permitted in the mail (18 USC 1461).

12.18.2 Contraceptives

Unsolicited samples of an article or thing designed, adapted, or intended for

preventing conception is permitted in the mail only when sent to a manufacturer or a

dealer of such an article or things, to a licensed physician or surgeon, or to a nurse,

pharmacist, druggist, hospital, or clinic (39 USC 3001; 18 USC 1461).

12.19 Building Construction Material

Building construction material is not permitted in the mail if the acceptance and

processing is likely to harm or injure USPS employees, mail, or equipment. Factors

considered include but are not limited to whether the material may pose potential

storage problems at the postal facilities that may process the material; whether the

volume of material may impede the flow of mail in USPS transportation or mail

distribution systems; whether the volume of material may lead to security problems;

and whether processing the material may create safety hazards for USPS

employees.

Domestic Mail Manual • Updated 7-28-13

601

601.13.1.2

Mailability: Written, Printed, and Graphic Matter Generally

12.20 Prohibition on Sharp Instruments Intended for Use in an Animal Fighting

Venture

The interstate or international mailing of a knife, a gaff, or any other sharp instrument

attached, or designed or intended to be attached, to the leg of a bird for use in an

animal fighting venture (as defined in section 9.3.1b) is prohibited (7 U.S.C. 2156).

Violators can be subject to the criminal penalties in 18 U.S.C. 49. See 9.3.1 for the

prohibition on mailing animals intended for use in an animal fighting venture and

13.5.7 for the restrictions on mailing written, printed, or graphic matter related to

animal fighting ventures.

12.21 Mail Weighing More Than 13 Ounces

A mailpiece weighing more than 13 ounces bearing only postage stamps as

postage may not be deposited into a collection box, Postal Service lobby drop,

Postal Service dock, customer mailbox, or other unattended location. These

mailpieces are also precluded from pickup service. The sender must present such

items to an employee at a retail service counter in a Postal Service facility. Improperly

presented items will be returned to the sender for proper entry and acceptance.

13.0 Written, Printed, and Graphic Matter Generally

13.1 Solicitations in Guise of Bills, Invoices, or Statements of Account (39 USC

3001(D); 39 USC 3005)

13.1.1 General

Any otherwise mailable matter that reasonably could be considered a bill, invoice, or

statement of account due, but is in fact a solicitation for an order, is nonmailable

unless it conforms to 13.1.2 through 13.1.5 in Solicitations in Guise of Bills, Invoices,

or Statements of Account (39 USC 3001(D); 39 USC 3005). A nonconforming

solicitation constitutes prima facie evidence of violation of 39 USC 3005.

Compliance with this section does not avoid violation of Section 3005 if any part of

the solicitation or any information with it misrepresents a material fact to the

addressee (e.g., misleading the addressee about the identity of the sender of the

solicitation or about the nature or extent of the goods or services offered may be a

violation of Section 3005).

13.1.2 Required Disclaimer

The solicitation must bear on its face either the disclaimer required by 39 USC

3001(d)(2)(A) or the notice: “THIS IS NOT A BILL. THIS IS A SOLICITATION. YOU

ARE UNDER NO OBLIGATION TO PAY THE AMOUNT STATED ABOVE UNLESS

YOU ACCEPT THIS OFFER.” The statutory disclaimer or the alternative notice must

be displayed in conspicuous boldface capital letters of a color prominently

contrasting with the background against which it appears, including all other print on

the face of the solicitation and that are at least as large, bold, and conspicuous as

any other print on the face of the solicitation, but not smaller than 30-point type (see

Exhibit 13.1.2). The notice or disclaimer required by this section must be displayed

conspicuously apart from other print on the page immediately below each portion of

the solicitation that reasonably could be construed to specify a monetary amount

due and payable by the recipient. It must not be preceded, followed, or surrounded

Domestic Mail Manual • Updated 7-28-13

601

601.13.1.3

Mailability: Written, Printed, and Graphic Matter Generally

by words, symbols, or other matter that reduces its conspicuousness or that

introduces, modifies, qualifies, or explains the required text, such as “Legal Notice

Required by Law.”

Exhibit 13.1.2 Solicitation Disclaimer

13.1.3 Intelligibility

The notice or disclaimer must not, by folding or any other device, be made

unintelligible or less prominent than any other information on the face of the

solicitation.

13.1.4 Separable Pages

If a solicitation consists of more than one page or if any page is designed to be

separated into portions (e.g., by tearing along a perforated line), the notice or

disclaimer required by 13.1.2 must be displayed in its entirety on the face of each

page or portion of a page that might be reasonably considered a bill, invoice, or

statement of account due as required by 13.1.2.

13.1.5 Definitions

For this standard, color prominently contrasting excludes any color, or any intensity

of an otherwise included color, that does not permit legible reproduction by ordinary

office photocopying equipment used under normal operating conditions, and which

is not at least as vivid as any other color on the face of the solicitation; and color

includes black.

13.2 Solicitations Deceptively Implying Federal Connection, Approval, or

Endorsement (39 USC 3001(H) and 3001(I); 39USC3005)

13.2.1 USPS Endorsement

Any solicitation stating that it is approved by the USPS or the Postmaster General or

that it conforms to any postal law or regulation is nonmailable.

IMPORTANT: This form must be returned to ensure your correct

directory listing. Please correct listing and ZIP Code if necessary.

ACCOUNTS INCORPORATED

ABC COMPANY

1234 MAIN ST

ANYTOWN WA 98765-4321

THIS IS NOT A BILL. THIS IS A SOLICITATION.

YOU ARE UNDER NO OBLIGATION TO PAY THE

AMOUNT STATED ABOVE UNLESS YOU

ACCEPT THIS OFFER.

Business listings to appear in the 2005

Accounts Incorporated Directory.

Amount: $50 for each listing.

ACCOUNTS INCORPORATED

PO BOX 1000

ANYTOWN WA 98765-4321

Qty. Listing Category Amount

Retail $50.00

Qty. Listing Category Amount

1 Retail $50.00

Check enclosed Bill me later

Detatch and return this portion with your payment.

Retain this portion as your receipt.

Domestic Mail Manual • Updated 7-28-13

601

601.13.2.3

Mailability: Written, Printed, and Graphic Matter Generally

13.2.2 Nonmailable by Government Misrepresentation

A solicitation that misrepresents a government entity is nonmailable subject to these

conditions:

a. Matter that contains a solicitation for products, services, information, or funds

that implies any federal government connection, approval, or endorsement

through the use of a seal, insignia, reference to the Postmaster General, citation

to a federal statute, name of a federal agency, department, or commission, or

program, trade, or brand name, or any other term or symbol; or contains any

reference to the Postmaster General or a citation to a federal statute that

misrepresents either the identity of the mailer or the protection or status

afforded such matter by the federal government is nonmailable unless it

conforms to 13.2.3. A nonconforming solicitation constitutes prima facie

evidence of violation of 39 USC 3005. Compliance with 13.2.3 does not avoid

violation of 39 USC 3005 if the solicitation or accompanying information

misrepresents material fact such as the nature, value, quantity, quality, or

efficacy of the products or services offered for sale, or of the activities of an

organization asking for information or monetary contributions.

b. Such solicitations must not contain a false representation that federal

government benefits or services will be affected by whether or not the recipient

makes a purchase or contribution.

c. Solicitations for payment for services otherwise available to the recipient free of

charge from the federal government are nonmailable unless they contain a clear

and conspicuous statement giving notice of that fact.

13.2.3 Permitted Solicitations

A solicitation described in 13.2.2a may be mailable if it meets at least one of these

conditions (see Exhibit 13.2.3b):

a. The solicitation is by a nongovernmental entity that actually has the federal

government connection, approval, or endorsement implied by the solicitation’s

terms or symbols.

b. The solicitation appears in a publication for which the addressee has paid or

promised to pay a consideration or which the addressee has otherwise

indicated he or she wants to receive, and the solicitation is not on behalf of the

publisher of the publication.

Domestic Mail Manual • Updated 7-28-13

601

601.13.2.3

Mailability: Written, Printed, and Graphic Matter Generally

Exhibit 13.2.3b Disclaimers for Solicitations Implying Federal Connection

c. The solicitation displays the notice required by 13.2.3c1 on the envelope or

outside cover or wrapper in which the solicitation is mailed, and one of the two

notices required by 13.2.3c2 on the contents. These notices must be printed in

boldface capital letters of a color prominently contrasting with the background

against which they appear. “Color prominently contrasting” excludes any color

or intensity that ordinary photocopying cannot reproduce legibly. The color,

which can include black, must be at least as vivid as any other color on the face

of the solicitation and its envelope or outside cover or wrapper. The required

wording, type size and style, and placement for the notices are as follows:

1. On the Envelope, Cover, or Wrapper. The face of the envelope or outside

cover or wrapper must bear the notice: “THIS IS NOT A GOVERNMENT

DOCUMENT.” The letters for printing this notice must be as large, bold,

and conspicuous as any other letters on the face of such envelope, cover,

or wrapper, but never smaller than 12-point type. The notice must appear

in the upper right quadrant, below the postage stamp or other postage

indicia and above the address, and it must be surrounded by a clear

space not less than 1/4 inch wide.

FBI

PO BOX 4408

WASHINGTON DC 20026-4408

THIS PRODUCT OR SERVICE HAS NOT

BEEN APPROVED OR ENDORSED BY THE

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, AND THIS

OFFER IS NOT BEING MADE BY AN

AGENCY OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.

Dear Mr Sample:

Here is a truly incredible offer which a person of your astuteness will not want to pass up. Our company,

Fascinating Business Incorporated, publishes a monthly report of little-known business information, to which you can

now subscribe for the low annual rate of only $29. Don't miss this opportunity to increase your success and expand

your knowledge of the business world. Our publication includes up-to-date information on the biggest and most

important business ventures going on today, and in-depth interviews with the men and women who make things

happen in the business world. The information you will find in our publication will prove invaluable to you in all your

When you receive your first

along with a free trial subscription

Charges can be billed to your

Businesses who sign up for more

This discount is available to

will arrive in your mailbox within

lasts for a period of twelve months

can be renewed at the end of

Each issue contains over 100

information is not available anywhere else

Exclusive interviews and detailed

impress your clients and co-workers

and superior knowledge of

is a great investment in your

can be yours for the low price

over twenty-five percent less

Well-respected journalists who

the real story behind the biggest events in the business world today.

Call today to take advantage of this amazing offer, available for a limited time only from Fascinating Business

Incorporated. We look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Floyd Q. Funwell

Marketing Director

Fascinating Business Incorporated

FBI

PO BOX 4408

WASHINGTON DC 20026-4408

THIS IS NOT A GOVERNMENT DOCUMENT

MR JOHN A SAMPLE

99 OAK ST

ANYTOWN WA 98765-4321

Domestic Mail Manual • Updated 7-28-13

601

601.13.3.3

Mailability: Written, Printed, and Graphic Matter Generally

2. On the Contents. The solicitation mailed within the envelope, cover, or

wrapper must bear at the outset on its face one of these two headlines,

depending on its purpose as indicated in parentheses: (a) “THIS

PRODUCT OR SERVICE HAS NOT BEEN APPROVED OR ENDORSED

BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, AND THIS OFFER IS NOT BEING

MADE BY AN AGENCY OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT” (for the

purchase of or payment for a product or service); (b) “THIS

ORGANIZATION HAS NOT BEEN APPROVED OR ENDORSED BY THE

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, AND THIS OFFER IS NOT BEING MADE BY

AN AGENCY OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT” (for information or the

contribution of funds or membership fees). The letters for printing these

notices must be as large, bold, and conspicuous as any other letters on

the face of the solicitation, but never smaller than 30-point type. The notice

must be surrounded by a clear space at least 1/2 inch wide. The notice

must not be preceded, followed, or surrounded by words, symbols, or

other matter that reduces its conspicuousness or introduces, modifies,

qualifies, or explains the required text, such as “Notice Required by Law.”

The notice must not, by folding or any other device, be made unintelligible

or less prominent than any other information on the face of the solicitation.

13.3 Lottery Matter (18 USC 1302)

13.3.1 Definition

For this standard, lottery is any scheme or promotion, whether lawful under the laws

of any state, which, on paying a consideration, offers a prize dependent in whole or

in part on lot or chance.

13.3.2 Unlawful Mail Matter

Unlawful matter includes any letter, newspaper, periodical, parcel, stamped card or

postcard, circular, or other matter permitting or facilitating participation in a lottery;

any lottery ticket or part thereof or substitute; and any form of payment for a lottery

ticket or share.

13.3.3 Fishing Contests, Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, Lotteries

This standard does not apply to:

a. Any fishing contest not conducted for profit, in which prizes are awarded for the

species, size, weight, or quality of fish caught by contestants in any bona fide

fishing or recreational event (18 USC 1305).

b. Mailings, to addresses within a state, of tickets or other material on a lottery

conducted by that state under its laws (18 USC 1307).

c. Any gaming conducted by an Indian tribe under the Indian Gaming Regulatory

Act (25 USC 2720).

d. An advertisement, list of prizes, or other information on a lottery not prohibited

by the state where it is conducted.

Domestic Mail Manual • Updated 7-28-13

601

601.13.4

Mailability: Written, Printed, and Graphic Matter Generally

13.4 Advertising Matter

13.4.1 Restrictions

Any advertising, promotional, or sales matter that solicits or induces the mailing of

any article described in 8.0, 9.0, or 10.0 is nonmailable except that such matter

relating to controlled substances, radioactive materials, restricted liquids and

powders, battery-powered devices, odd-shaped items in envelopes, and

switchblade and ballistic knives, as described in 8.0, 9.0, or 10.0, is mailable if it

contains packaging instructions and any other mailing limitations under 8.0 through

13.0, 508.9.0, Pandering Advertisements, and 508.10.0, Sexually Oriented

Advertisements, (18 USC 1716).

13.4.2 Master Keys

Advertisements for motor vehicle master keys are nonmailable (18 USC 1716A, 39

USC 3002), except to lock manufacturers, professional locksmiths, motor vehicle

manufacturers or dealers; and federal, state, or local government agencies.

13.5 Other Nonmailable Matter

13.5.1 Fictitious Name

Matter addressed to a person using a fictitious name, title, or address in

conducting, through the mail, any scheme or device in violation of law is

nonmailable if:

a. After notification, the addressee fails to appear at the Post Office and be

identified.

b. The fictitious character of such mail is established to the Judicial Officer’s

satisfaction in consequence of a proceeding initiated under 39 CFR 953 (18

USC 1342).

13.5.2 Foreign Origin

Mail of foreign origin is nonmailable if it contains matter determined by a court of

competent jurisdiction or by the International Trade Commission to violate the

Semiconductor Chip Protection Act of 1984 (17 USC 901-914) or to violate the

the United States is a party (17 USC 601-603).

13.5.3 Foreign Destination

Matter addressed to foreign countries posted in violation of law or treaty stipulation

is nonmailable.

13.5.4 Lewd or Filthy Matter

Obscene, lewd, lascivious, or filthy publications or writings, or mail containing

information on where, how, or from whom such matter may be obtained, and matter

that is otherwise mailable but that has on its wrapper or envelope any indecent,

lewd, lascivious, or obscene writing or printing, and any mail containing any filthy,

vile, or indecent thing is nonmailable (18 USC 1461, 1463).

Domestic Mail Manual • Updated 7-28-13

601

601.13.5.7

Mailability: Written, Printed, and Graphic Matter Generally

13.5.5 Matter Inciting Violence

Any matter of a character tending to incite arson, murder, assassination, treason,

insurrection, or forcible resistance to any law of the United States, or containing any

threat to take the life of, or to inflict harm upon, the President of the United States is

nonmailable (18 USC 1461, 1717).

13.5.6 Other Matter

Other matter that is nonmailable (18 USC 1717) includes every letter, writing,

circular, stamped card or postcard, picture, print, engraving, photograph,

newspaper, pamphlet, book, publication, or thing as described in these statutes:

a. Forged or altered military or official passes (18 USC 499).

b. Matter bearing forged or altered seals of government departments or agencies

(18 USC 506).

c. Defense information (18 USC 793, 794).

d. Documents obtained by persons falsely assuming to be foreign diplomats (18

USC 915).

e. False statements influencing foreign governments (18 USC 954).

f. Matter relating to a conspiracy to injure property of a foreign government (18

USC 956).

g. Matter unlawfully in aid of a foreign government (18 USC 957).

h. Matter relating to an expedition against a friendly nation (18 USC 960).

i. Matter relating to delivery of an armed vessel to a belligerent nation (18 USC

964).

j. Matter wrongfully bearing the seal of a government department or agency (18

USC 1017).

k. Forged, altered, or misused passports (18 USC 1543, 1544). Passport

applications containing false statements, and passports falsely obtained (18

USC 1542).

l. Matter bearing false statements intended to injure Armed Forces during war (18

USC 2388).

13.5.7 Restriction on Matter Related to Animal Fighting Ventures

This standard does not pertain to written, printed, or graphic matter related to

fighting ventures involving live birds if such fight is permitted under the laws of the

state in which the fight is to take place (7 U.S.C. 2156). The terms animal, animal

fighting venture, and state are defined in 9.3.1. Written, printed, or graphic matter is

nonmailable if it:

a. advertises an animal for use in an animal fighting venture;

b. advertises a knife, a gaff, or any other sharp instrument attached, or designed

or intended to be attached, to the leg of a bird for use in an animal fighting

venture; or

c. promotes or in any other manner furthers an animal fighting venture.

Domestic Mail Manual • Updated 7-28-13

601

601.13.5.8

Mailability: Written, Printed, and Graphic Matter Generally

13.5.8 Private Identification Without Disclaimer

A private identification document without a disclaimer is nonmailable (18 USC 1738;

39 USC 3001(a)). This group includes any document that:

a. Is of a type intended or commonly accepted for the identification of individuals;

b. Bears a birth date or age purported to be that of the person named in it;

c. Is not issued by or under the authority of a government;

d. Is deposited in the mail by someone in the business of furnishing, for valuable

consideration, documents that meet criteria in 13.5.8a and 13.5.8c;

e. Is deposited in the mail to further that business; and

f. Is deposited by someone who knows that it fails to carry diagonally printed,

clearly and indelibly on both the front and back, “NOT A GOVERNMENT

DOCUMENT” in capital letters no smaller than 12-point type.

13.6 Sweepstakes Matter (39 USC § 3001(K)(3)(A))

13.6.1 Definition

The term sweepstakes means a game of chance for which no consideration is

required to enter.

13.6.2 Mailable Matter

Sweepstakes matter is mailable only if it discloses all of the following:

a. In the body, in the rules, and on the order or entry form that no purchase is

necessary.

b. In the body, in the rules, and on the order or entry form that a purchase will not

increase the odds of winning.

c. All terms and conditions, including rules and entry procedures of the

sweepstakes.

d. The sponsor or mailer, with the principal place of business or address at which

the sponsor or mailer may be contacted.

e. Sweepstakes rules, including the odds of winning, quantity, value, and nature of

the prize and the schedule of any payments over time.

13.6.3 Nonmailable Matter

Sweepstakes matter is nonmailable if it does any of the following:

a. Represents that individuals not making a purchase may be disqualified from

receiving future solicitations.

b. Requires that the entry be accompanied by an order or payment for a product

or service previously ordered.

c. Represents that the recipient has won a prize unless that individual has won

such prize.

d. Otherwise contradicts or is inconsistent with any disclosure required by 13.6.2,

Mailable Matter, or 13.6.3, Nonmailable Matter.

Domestic Mail Manual • Updated 7-28-13

601

601.13.10.1

Mailability: Written, Printed, and Graphic Matter Generally

13.7 Skill Contests (39 USC 3001(K)(3)(B))

13.7.1 Definition

The term skill contest means a puzzle, game, competition, or other contest in which

a prize is awarded, the outcome depends upon the skill of the contestant, and for

which a payment, purchase, or donation is required to enter.

13.7.2 Mailable Matter

Skill contests are mailable only if they include all of the following:

a. Disclose the terms and conditions of the contest, including the rules and entry

procedures.

b. Disclose the sponsor or mailer, with the principal place of business or address

at which the sponsor or mailer may be contacted.

c. Contain rules that state all of the following:

1. Number of rounds or levels and the cost to enter each round.

2. If subsequent rounds will be more difficult.

3. Maximum cost to enter all rounds.

4. Number of entrants or percentage expected to correctly solve the contest.

5. Identity or qualifications of the judges, if judged by other than the sponsor.

6. Method of judging.

7. Dates the winners will be determined and the prizes awarded.

8. Quantity, value, and nature of the prize.

9. Schedule of any payments over time.

13.8 Facsimile Check (39 USC § 3001(K)(3)(C))

A facsimile check is nonmailable unless it states on the face of the check that it is

not a negotiable instrument and has no cash value.

13.9 Exclusions and Disclosures (39 USC §§ 3001(K)(4) & 3001(K)(5))

13.9.1 Mailable Matter

Matter described in 13.6, 13.7, and 13.8 is mailable if it appears in a magazine,

newspaper, or other periodical if the promotions are not directed to a named

individual, or the promotions do not include the opportunity to make a payment or

order a product or service.

13.9.2 Notices and Disclaimers

Any notice or disclaimer required under 13.6, 13.7, and 13.8 shall be clearly and

conspicuously displayed. Disclaimers required by 13.6.2a and 13.6.2b must be

more conspicuously displayed than any other disclaimer.

13.10 Removal of Names from Mailing Lists (39 USC § 3001(L))

13.10.1 Lists

In general, any person who uses the mails for any mailing falling under 13.2, 13.6,

13.7, and 13.8 shall adopt reasonable practices or procedures to prevent the

mailing of such matter to any person who, personally or through their legal

Domestic Mail Manual • Updated 7-28-13

representative, submits a written request that no such matter shall be mailed to that

person. Such request may be made either to the mailer, or the Attorney General, or

their representative, of the appropriate state. Such requests shall be honored for a

period of five years from the date of the request. The mailer shall maintain a record

of all such written requests.

13.10.2 Special Requirements for Sweepstakes and Skill Contests

Any promoter of sweepstakes or skill contests must make a clear and conspicuous

disclosure of the address or toll-free telephone number by which an individual, or

their duly authorized representative, may notify a promoter to have that individual's

name and address removed from all lists of names and addresses used by that

promoter to mail any skill contest or sweepstakes. Promoters have 60 days from

the date of receipt of the removal request to effect the removal of the name and

address from all mailing lists used by that promoter for any skill contest or

sweepstakes.

13.11 Unauthorized Decisions by Postmasters

Postmasters are not authorized to decide whether written, printed, or graphic

matter is nonmailable based on its content or to deny entry to such matter or

exclude it from the mail.

13.12 Refusal Due to Improper Preparation

Written, printed, or graphic matter not properly prepared for mailing can be refused.