USPS Packaging Instruction 5A

Oxidizing Substances, Organic Peroxides

An oxidizing substance or an organic peroxide that can qualify as an ORM–D material is permitted in the domestic mail, provided that all applicable requirements in 345 are met.

Proper Shipping Name

• Consumer Commodity.

ID Number

• Various (see Appendix A).

Mailability

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

Required Packaging

Primary Receptacle

• For liquids, the capacity of the primary receptacle must not exceed 1 pint (.0473 liters).
• For solids, the weight of the contents of the primary receptacle must not exceed 1 pound (.0453 kg).
• Multiple primary receptacles are permitted up to a total weight of 25 pounds per mailpiece.

Absorbent and Cushioning Material

• Enough absorbent and cushioning material must surround the primary receptacle to prevent breakage and absorb all potential leakage.

Secondary Packaging

• For liquids only, the cushioning and primary receptacle must be packed in a secondary leak–resistant packaging or material that is securely sealed.

Outer Packaging

• Strong outer packaging that is capable of firmly and securely holding the primary receptacle and cushioning material is required.
• Each mailpiece must not exceed a total weight of 25 pounds.

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 345.3d, 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 mailable material must have a properly completed shipper’s declaration for dangerous goods that is prepared in triplicate affixed to the outside of the mailpiece.
• The shipper’s declaration must be properly completed and signed by the mailer.