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A hazardous material (referred to as a "dangerous good" in international commerce) is any article or substance having a clear potential for causing harm to the mail or to persons or property involved in moving the mail.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) regulates all surface and air
carriage of hazardous materials within the United States via any means
of transportation. DOT regulations on hazardous materials are codified in
Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR), parts 100-185.
Mailers are reminded that it is a federal crime, punishable by fines and imprisonment, to place in the mails any "natural or artificial articles, compositions, or material which may kill or injure another, or injure the mails or other property ...." (18 U.S.C. 1716(a)). This statute allows the Postal Service to permit the mailing of some injurious articles under regulations prescribing conditions of preparation and packaging (18 U.S.C. 1716(b)).
For more specific information, see DMM C020 and C023 and Publication 52, Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail.
The Postal Service accepts for mailing a very small number of certain potentially hazardous materials that are not outwardly or of their own force dangerous or injurious to life, health, or property. Generally, this is limited to ORM-D materials that are hazardous materials presenting the lowest level of risk during transportation. The conditions of preparation and packaging under which such materials are accepted are explained in the DMM and in Publication 52. Conditions applicable to mailings of hazardous materials to foreign addresses are explained in the IMM.
Postal standards for hazardous materials closely adhere to 49 CFR and very often include additional restrictions and prohibitions. Generally, the acceptability of chemicals and other types of hazardous materials for mailing depends on container fluid/vapor capacities, the ability of the complete package to contain the product, and the method of absorbing and containing the product in case the primary container accidentally leaks. To determine mailability of a specific product, a mailer must submit a material safety data sheet (MSDS) and the following information to the RCSC serving the mailer's location:
• Name of material, hazard class, and assigned UN or NA identification number.
• Chemical composition by percentage of ingredient.
• Flashpoint.
• Toxic properties.
• Effect of material when it is inhaled or swallowed or when it comes in contact with eyes or skin.
• Special precautions necessary to permit handling without harm to USPS employees or damage to property or other mail.
• Explanation of warning labels and shipping papers required by state or federal regulations.
• Proposed packaging method, including addressing and required markings.
To be acceptable for mailing, hazardous materials must be packaged as required by DMM C023 and Publication 52.