USPS Packaging Instruction 2C

Fire Extinguishers

A fire extinguisher containing a Division 2.2 compressed, nonflammable gas assigned UN1044 that can qualify as an ORM–D material is mailable if it does not contain a methyl bromide gas mixture or sulfuric acid, and, if the gas is nonflammable, nonpoisonous, or noncorrosive, as specified in 49 CFR 173.309(a). All applicable requirements in 342 must be met, and it must be properly packaged as follows.

Proper Shipping Name

• Consumer Commodity.

ID Number

• UN1044.

Mailability

• International Mail: Prohibited.
• Domestic Mail: Permitted with restrictions via air transportation (Express Mail, Priority Mail, or First–Class Mail) and permitted via surface transportation sent as Standard Mail or Parcel Post.

Required Packaging

Primary Receptacle

• The primary receptacle must be a DOT specification 2P or 2Q container that meets the requirements in 49 CFR 173.309(a)(4).
• Only one primary receptacle not exceeding 1 liter (33.8 ounces) is permitted per mailpiece.

Cushioning Material

• Sufficient cushioning material must surround the primary receptacle to absorb shock and prevent damage.

Outer Packaging

• Strong outer packaging that is capable of firmly and securely holding the primary receptacle and cushioning material is required.

Marking

• For air transportation, each mailpiece must be clearly marked on the address side with “Consumer Commodity ORM–D AIR.”
• For surface transportation, each mailpiece must be clearly marked on the address side with “Surface Only” or “Surface Mail Only” and “Consumer Commodity ORM–D.”
• Optionally each mailpiece may bear the appropriate DOT limited quantity square-on-point marking (including the appropriate DOT hazardous material warning label when required for air shipments), prepared under 342.4c, instead of an ORM-D or ORM-D AIR marking.
• A complete return address and delivery address must be used.

Documentation

• For air transportation, a properly completed shipper's declaration for dangerous goods must be prepared in triplicate and affixed to the outside of the mailpiece.

Note: Fire extinguishers assigned UN0275, UN0276, UN0323, and UN0381 are prohibited from mailing. However, fire extinguishers assigned UN1774 are mailable as Class 8 corrosives subject to the limitations for corrosives in 348 and DMM 601.10.19.