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United States Postal Service Publication 52

USPS Publication 52

When one ships hazardous materials one does not think of using the United States Post Office, because there are very few times that USPS will actually accept these materials. As listed in  18 U.S.C. 1716, “all matter that is outwardly or of its own force dangerous or injurious to life, health, or property is nonmailable”. However, some hazardous materials and otherwise restricted matter, or perishable matter are permitted to be mailed when the requirements in USPS Publication 52 are fully met.

USPS recently updated their hazardous materials regulations titled: Publication 52, Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail.

The United States Postal Service defines hazardous materials as follows:

A hazardous material is any article or substance designated by the U.S. Department of Transportation as being capable of posing an unreasonable risk to health, safety, or property during transportation. In international commerce, hazardous materials are known as “dangerous goods.”

If you are interested in using USPS to mail hazardous materials, Chapter 3, Appendix A and Appendix C provide information about hazardous materials that are permitted  by mail.

Karrie Ishmael, CDGP

Karrie Ishmael has been with ICC since 1988. She has contributed to ICC's growth in various capacities, including customer service, sales, and marketing. In her current role as ICC's Senior Regulatory Expert and SDS author, Karrie conducts hazardous materials training classes in 49 CFR, IATA, IMDG, TDG along with OSHA and WHMIS hazard communication courses. When not training, she writes safety data sheets for customers to comply with North American and European requirements. She actively participates in many associations, including DGAC, COSTHA and is the former chair of SCHC’s OSHA Alliance Committee.

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