North Dakotan’s May Pay For More Than Postage If You Mail These Items

People depend on the postal service to deliver a wide variety of goods for both personal and commercial use, but some items aren't allowed to be mailed out.

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Some items and substances, should never make it into the mail system, and this is something that people might not realize.  According to the United States Postal Service, it is against the law to mail these items because of their toxicity and danger.

AMMUNITION

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The United States Department of Transportation classifies small-caliber ammunition as explosive materials. It is against the law to send primers, blank cartridges (including tool cartridges), propellant powder, ammunition (such as pistol, revolver, rifle, or shotgun bullets), or any component of such a firearm.

It is against the law to transmit certain types of ammunition through the U.S. Mail, whether it's being sent locally or overseas. There are serious consequences for sending  ammunition through the US Postal Service, including criminal charges and civil fines, because of the threat it causes to postal workers, machinery, and consumers.

FIREARMS

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The shipment of firearms through the U.S. Mail is highly regulated by the Gun Control Act of 1968 and USPS Publication 52, Hazardous, Restricted and Perishable Mail.

In order to prevent the loss of firearms, put an end to the illegal trafficking of firearms through the mail, and safeguard our infrastructure, employees, and customers, the Postal Inspection Service is constantly working with federal, state, and local partners.

FIREWORKS

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When flown in accordance with all applicable regulations, these dazzling, jubilant displays of color and pattern are a sight to behold. Having said that, the USPS is not authorized to transport them. There is a serious threat to the lives of postal workers and passengers when illegal fireworks are sent via air.

MERCURY

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It is against the law to mail liquid mercury or any product containing it. Exposure to the airborne toxic fumes produced by liquid mercury can lead to mercury poisoning if inhaled. The shipping procedure can cause damage or breakage to older thermometers, blood pressure gauges, and barometers, as they commonly contain liquid mercury.

Never send a box containing mercury if doing so could entail a significant risk of illness or injury.

HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

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Some things that seem harmless since they are used so often around the home actually present a considerable risk when transported and are thus classified as hazardous materials.

Some typical objects that may not immediately come to mind include: aerosol disinfectants, paints, and hairspray that can catch fire; safety matches; perfume; and cosmetics like nail polish and remover.

There are stringent packaging, labeling, and quantity restrictions for these materials, even though some of them can go through the mail. Additionally, some things are not authorized in airmail but may be sent with ground service only.

LITHIUM BATTERIES

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Wireless headphones, portable power tools, laptops, tablets, and cell phones are just a few of the many electronic devices that rely on lithium batteries. The fact that these batteries are still heavily controlled in transit due to their classification as hazardous materials is something that most people do not know.

Lithium battery packages are very combustible and can explode if not properly packaged and transported.

These dangers can be mitigated or eliminated when properly prepared, declared, and transported in amounts below the USPS standard. It should be mentioned that the mailing of larger lithium batteries, like the ones used in electric motorcycles, scooters, and cars, is absolutely forbidden.

When you use the Postal Service to send a box, they will inquire as to whether it contains any potentially dangerous items, such as aerosols, perfume, lithium batteries, mercury, or any other similar substances.

A lot of the time, people think the things included are safe, but that's not always the case. For the sake of expedited shipping, some people willfully state that an item is not available, even though they are in possession of it.

Whatever the case may be, shipping these hazardous materials can result in serious or even deadly harm. It is possible to pursue criminal charges and/or civil penalties against the sender and/or receiver of a package in the event that it is found to contain undeclared or poorly packaged goods.

Please check with your neighborhood post office before mailing anything that could be considered hazardous if you are unsure of what can and cannot be sent via regular mail. Simply asking a question could prevent damage to USPS facilities and injuries to postal workers.

To learn more about the USPS guidelines on hazardous, prohibited, and restricted mailings, visit: https://www.usps.com/ship/shipping-restrictions.htm