Postal Explorer > Publication 52 - Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail > Appendix C USPS Packaging Instructions for Mailable Hazardous Materials > USPS Packaging Instruction 8A

USPS Packaging Instruction 8A

Corrosives

A corrosive is any liquid or solid that causes visible destruction or irreversible alteration in human skin tissue at the site of contact or a liquid that has a severe corrosion rate on steel.

A Class 8 corrosive material that qualifies as an ORM-D material is permitted in domestic mail provided that all applicable requirements in 348 and DMM 601.10.19 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.

Required Packaging

Separate packaging requirements apply for liquids and solids.

For Mailable Liquid Corrosives:

General

• Liquid Corrosive. A liquid mixture must be 1 pint (16 ounces) or less, and must contain 15 percent or less corrosive material with the remainder of the mixture not being a hazardous material, unless otherwise specified for a specific corrosive material. Primary Receptacle

Primary Receptacles

• Primary receptacles must be securely sealed compatible glass bottles.

• The primary receptacle must be tightly sealed with a screw cap having a minimum of one-and-one-half turns, a soldering clip, or other means to effect secure closure. A friction-top closure is not acceptable.

• Volume per primary receptacle is limited to 16 ounces.

• Multiple primary receptacles are permitted.

Absorbent and Cushioning Material

• A noncombustible absorbent material that is capable of taking up all liquid in case of leakage must surround the primary receptacle.

• Cushioning material must surround the primary receptacle to prevent breakage.

Secondary Packaging

• The secondary packaging container must be constructed of metal or plastic and be compatible with the design of the primary receptacle.

• The secondary container must be tightly sealed with a screw cap having a minimum of one-and-one-half turns, a soldering clip, or other means to effect secure closure. A friction-top closure is not acceptable

Outer Shipping Container

• The primary receptacle, absorbent material, cushioning material, and secondary packaging must be packed in a strong outer packaging.

• Each mailpiece must not exceed a total weight of 25 pounds.

Marking

• For air transportation, the mailpiece must be clearly marked on the address side with "Consumer Commodity ORM-D AIR" Immediately following or below the proper shipping name.

• For surface transportation, the mailpiece must be clearly marked on the address side with "Surface Only" or "Surface Mail Only" and "Consumer Commodity ORM-D" immediately following or below the proper shipping name.

• 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.

For Mailable Solid Corrosives:

General

• A solid mixture must be 10 pounds or less per primary receptacle and must contain 10 percent or less corrosive material with the remainder of the mixture not being a hazardous material, unless otherwise specified for a specific corrosive solid.

Primary Receptacle

• Each primary receptacle must be siftproof and be securely sealed.

Secondary Packaging

• Each primary receptacle must be packed within a siftproof secondary packaging container that is compatible with the primary receptacle.

Outer Packaging

• The primary receptacle and the compatible secondary packaging containers must be snugly packed within a strong outer packaging.

• Multiple primary receptacles and compatible secondary packaging containers may be packed within a single outer packaging up to a total weight of 25 pounds per mailpiece.

Marking

• For air transportation, the mailpiece must be clearly marked on the address side with "Consumer Commodity or ORM-D AIR" immediately following or below the proper shipping name.

• For surface transportation, the mailpiece must be clearly marked on the address side with "Surface Only" or "Surface Mail Only" and "Consumer Commodity ORM-D" immediately following or below the proper shipping name.

• A complete return address and delivery address is required.

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.