USPS Packaging Instruction 9C

Miscellaneous Hazardous Materials

A Class 9 miscellaneous hazardous material that qualifies as an ORM–D material is permitted in domestic mail provided all applicable requirements in 349 are met.

Proper Shipping Name

• Consumer Commodity.

ID Number

• Various (see Appendix A).

Mailability

• International Mail: Prohibited.
• Domestic Mail: Permitted via air transportation (Express Mail, Priority Mail, and First–Class Mail) or surface transportation as Standard Mail or Parcel Post. Flammable materials are prohibited from air transportation.

Required Packaging

Primary Receptacle

• For liquids, the capacity of the primary receptacle must not exceed 1 pint.
• For solids, the weight of the primary receptacle and its contents must not exceed 1 pound.
• Multiple primary receptacles are permitted.

Cushioning Material

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

Outer Packaging

• A 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 “Consumer Commodity ORM–D” and “Surface Mail Only” or “Surface Only.”
• Optionally each mailpiece may bear the appropriate DOT limited quantity square-on-point marking (including the appropriate DOT hazardous material warning label when required), prepared under 349.4c, 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 mailable material must have a properly completed shipper's declaration for dangerous goods prepared in triplicate and affixed to the outside of the mailpiece.