Effective March 2, 2015, the Postal Service™ will revise Publication 52, Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail, in various locations to align with current agency practices on the following:
n PS Form 1770, Mail Piece Spill or Leak Incident Report is obsolete and no longer required to report mailpiece incidents. In November 2012, the Mailpiece Incident Report Tool (MIRT) was launched and replaces the manual data collection and storage of PS Form 1770. MIRT is an electronic means to record and track data on spills, leaks, nonmailable items, and air carrier returns. MIRT can be found on the Blue Page>My Work>Safety Resource Tools>Safety Toolkit>Create Safety Records>Mailpiece Incident Report Tool.
n SP 9275: In April 2014, the Department of Transportation (DOT), Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) removed the requirement to obtain a Special Permit 9275 (DOT-SP 9275) when shipping products containing ethyl alcohol. The Postal Service eliminates the requirement for mailers to produce a copy of their DOT authorization before obtaining an USPS® exception, but retains the requirement that, in addition to mailers adhering to all DOT standards when mailing materials containing ethyl alcohol, requests for authorization be directed to the manager, Product Classification for an exception number.
The Postal Service will also revise Packaging Instructions 3A and 3B to permit multiple primary receptacles in mailpieces containing mailable flammable or combustible liquids, provided the aggregate quantity of flammable material per mailpiece does not exceed the current volume limitations applicable to the material shipped and container used.
Various additional revisions are made as part of an ongoing effort of consolidating information from Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®), as identified in Postal Bulletin 22389 (5-15-14).
* * * * *
Publication 52, Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail
1 Introduction
11 Purpose
* * * * *
112 Use
[Revise the second sentence of the second paragraph to read as follows:]
***Follow the standards contained in this publication when deciding whether and under what conditions hazardous materials, restricted matter, and perishable matter are permitted to be mailed.***
113 Other Reference Sources
[Revise the second sentence of the first paragraph to read as follows:]
***This publication provides specific mailability requirements, where possible, for those categories of harmful materials that present significant danger or which are frequently presented for mailing.***
* * * * *
[Revise the second bullet under “Other Sources” to read as follows:]
n 39 U.S.C. 3001-3002a, 3005, 3008-3010, 3012, 3014, 3015, 3017, 3018.
* * * * *
2 General Guidelines
21 Mailability
* * * * *
212 Mailer Responsibility
[Revise the first sentence of 212 as follows:]
All mailers, including mail service providers and other mailer agents, must comply with applicable Postal Service laws and regulations governing mailability and preparation for mailing, as well as nonpostal laws and regulations on the shipment of particular matter.
* * * * *
215 Request for Rulings
* * * * *
215.2 Hazardous Materials
[Revise the second sentence of the second paragraph by adding a PCSC contact reference to read as follows:]
***To determine mailability of a specific material, a mailer must submit a material safety data sheet (MSDS) (see Appendix D) and the following information to the PCSC (see 213 for address):
* * * * *
22 Marking Requirements
221 General
[Revise the text of 221 to read as follows:]
To avoid rejection of the mailpiece by Postal Service acceptance personnel or air carriers, mailers must ensure that their packages meet all applicable labeling, marking, and ancillary endorsement requirements.
[Add new 221.1, 221.11, 221.12, and 221.2 to read as follows:]
221.1 Address Side of Mailpiece
Hazardous materials and restricted or perishable matter, unless specifically excepted in 222, must be clearly identified on the address side of the mailpiece. Other markings required by the Postal Service or other federal regulatory agencies also must appear on the address side of any mailpiece containing hazardous material, restricted matter, or perishable matter. Required markings must be applied with a nonsoluble material or other material that cannot be rubbed off or smeared.
221.11 Return Address
Except for diagnostic specimen mailpieces using a Business Reply Mail format, and nonregulated materials, a return address that includes the sender’s name and address must appear on all packaging containing hazardous, restricted, or perishable mail.
221.12 Content Markings
When required, the contents also must be clearly identified on the address side. The contents must be disclosed to be mailable. A mailability determination may be required based on the mailer’s disclosure concerning the contents at the time of mailing.
221.2 Ancillary Endorsements
A mailer endorsement may be used to request forwarding, return, or address correction service for items that are undeliverable as addressed (see DMM 507).
Standard Mail and Parcel Select Lightweight pieces containing hazardous materials must bear the endorsement “Address Service Requested,” “Forwarding Service Requested,” or “Return Service Requested.”
First-Class Mail, First-Class Package Service, Priority Mail, Standard Mail, Standard Post, Package Services, or Parcel Select (including Parcel Select Lightweight) pieces containing hazardous materials cannot use “Change Service Requested.”
* * * * *
227 Old Markings
[Revise the second sentence of the first paragraph, deleting the DMM reference to read as follows:]
***A container improperly identified by content is not acceptable for mailing.***
* * * * *
24 Emergency Procedures
* * * * *
244 Procedures
[Revise the introductory paragraph, combining the two sentences, to read as follows:]
During any incident involving harmful matter where there is actual or suspected damage to a mailpiece or its contents, Postal Service personnel must follow the specific procedures in Handbook EL–812, Hazardous Materials and Spill Response, and as outlined below:
* * * * *
[Revise the last (third) sentence in item h to reflect the transition of PS Form 1770 to MIR, to read as follows:]
h. ***An online Mailpiece Incident Report (MIR) must be completed and filed in accordance with the instructions in the Safety Toolkit, based on the incident type.
* * * * *
3 Hazardous Materials
* * * * *
33 Hazard Classes
* * * * *
333 Consumer Commodity
[Revise the last sentence of 333 to read as follows:]
***When assistance is needed to determine eligibility for mailing, the mailer may request a ruling from the PCSC as outlined in 215.
334 Mailable Limited Quantity
[Revise the last sentence of 334 to read as follows:]
***When assistance is needed to determine eligibility for mailing, the mailer may request a ruling from the PCSC as outlined in 215.
335 ORM-D Materials
[Add a new fourth sentence before “The ORM-D category . . .”) and revise the last sentence of 325 to read as follows:]
* * * * *
Effective January 1, 2021, the ORM-D category will be eliminated for materials intended for surface transportation. After this date, the mailability of materials previously fitting the description of ORM-D must be evaluated based on its eligibility under the applicable consumer commodity or mailable limited quantity categories.
* * * * *
When assistance is needed to determine eligibility for mailing, the mailer may request a ruling from the PCSC as outlined in 215.
336 Small Quantity
* * * * *
336.2 Mailability
* * * * *
[Add a note at the end after the alpha bullets to read as follows:]
Note: All mailable hazardous materials in Class 4 are restricted to surface transportation only.
* * * * *
34 Mailability by Hazard Class
* * * * *
342 Gases (Hazard Class 2)
* * * * *
342.4 Marking and Documentation
Parcels containing mailable gases must be marked as follows:
* * * * *
[In item b, revise the Exhibit reference at the end of the second sentence to read as follows:]
***Optionally, mailpieces may be marked with an approved DOT limited quantity square-on-point marking (see Exhibit 325.3).***
* * * * *
343 Flammable and Combustible Liquids (Hazard Class 3)
343.2 Mailability and Packaging
343.26 Paints, Paint-Related Materials, and Inks
The following definitions apply:
* * * * *
[Revise the “Note” under item b3 to change the DMM reference to read as follows:]
Note: Inks that do not possess any hazardous characteristics are not regulated as hazardous materials and are mailable if properly prepared under the standards for packaging liquids in 451.3 and DMM 601.3.4.
[Revise the heading and text of 343.27 in its entirety, to read as follows:]
343.27 Authorization to Mail Ethanol-Based Flammable Liquids or Solids
Flammable liquids or solids that contain ethyl alcohol are eligible to be mailed via domestic air transportation only with prior written authorization.
Mailers must submit a letter of request to the manager, Product Classification (see 214 for address). The request must include a list of each specific product to be mailed under the authorization, an MSDS for each product, the office of mailing, and expected frequency and quantity of mailings.
Approvals are initially provided for the duration of one year. Subsequent approvals are performance-based and will be extended in one- to three-year increments.
If approved, the mailer must:
a. Present a copy of their authorization letter from the manager, Product Classification (to be kept on file at the office of mailing) at the time of their first mailing at any given Postal Service facility. Mailings not supported by an authorization letter will be refused.
b. For content containing not more than 70% ethyl alcohol by volume, tender only parcels weighing 25 pounds or less. Each non-glass primary receptacle must not exceed 16 ounces of flammable liquid or 1 pound of solids. Each glass primary receptacle must not exceed 8 ounces of flammable liquid or
1/2 pound of solids. Total volume of flammable material per mailpiece must not exceed 96 ounces for flammable liquids or 16 pounds for flammable solids.
c. For content containing more than 70% ethyl alcohol by volume, tender only parcels weighing 16 pounds or less. Each primary package receptacle must not exceed 8 ounces of flammable liquid or 1/2 pound of solids. Total volume of flammable material per mailpiece must not exceed 48 ounces for flammable liquids or 8 pounds for flammable solids.
d. Enter parcels using Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, First-Class Mail, or First-Class Package Service.
e. Label each parcel on the address side with the mailer’s company name and return address.
f. Label each parcel on the address side with the marking “Contains Air-Eligible Ethyl Alcohol — Authorization Number #,” using at least 14-point type.
g. Ensure that the addressee of each parcel is notified that the addressee is not authorized to re-mail the contents of the parcel via air transportation. The mailer must include the following written notice:
“Flammable liquids or solids contained in these packages may be mailed only by consumers (the addressee) via surface transportation in accordance with USPS Publication 52, section 343. Full responsibility rests with the mailer to comply with all postal and nonpostal statutes and regulations regarding mail. Information regarding postal statutes, regulations, and mailing requirements is available from your local Postmaster or district manager, Business Mail Entry, and at the Postal Service’s mailing standards website, Postal Explorer, at pe.usps.com.”
h. Comply with the warning and labeling requirements set forth in 21 CFR 700, 701.3, and 740.1 when mailing each parcel.
i. Comply with all quantity, packaging, and marking requirements in Packaging Instruction 3D in Appendix C.
343.3 Marking and Documentation
Parcels containing mailable flammable or combustible liquids must be marked as follows:
* * * * *
[Delete item e regarding DOT-SP 9275 in its entirety.]
* * * * *
346 Toxic Substances and Infectious Substances (Hazard Class 6)
* * * * *
346.3 Packaging, Marking, Labeling, and Documentation
* * * * *
346.32 Division 6.2, Infectious Substances
* * * * *
346.321 Category B Infectious Substances
* * * * *
[Revise the first sentence of 346.321c to correct reference as follows:]
c. All mailpieces sent under 346.321 must be marked on the address side with the shipping name “Biological Substance, Category B” and “UN3373” (as shown in Exhibit 346.12a2) and as outlined in
49 CFR 173.199(a)(5).
* * * * *
4 Restricted Matter
* * * * *
42 Intoxicating Liquors
* * * * *
423 Packaging and Marking
423.1 General
[Revise 423.1 to change the DMM reference to read as follows:]
All exempt intoxicating liquors must be sent via Registered Mail service and must meet the packaging requirements for liquids in DMM 601.3.4.
* * * * *
45 Other Restricted Materials
451 Liquids, Powders, and Odor-Producing Materials
* * * * *
451.3 Packaging and Marking
The following conditions apply:
[Revise the last sentence of 3a to change the DMM reference to read as follows:]
All liquids are subject to the general packaging requirements in DMM 601.3.4 and the following:
* * * * *
453 Controlled Substances and Drugs
* * * * *
453.3 Mailability
* * * * *
453.36 Return of Prescriptions Drugs
[In the fourth sentence, revise the DMM reference to read as follows:]
***Manufacturers or their registered agents must use merchandise return service (see DMM 505.3.0) with First-Class Mail or Priority Mail for these mailpieces.***
* * * * *
5 Perishable Matter
* * * * *
52 Animals
* * * * *
526 Mailable Live Animals
* * * * *
526.4 Adult Birds
526.41 General
[Revise the third sentence of 526.41 to read as follows:]
***Mailings must also be compliant with the requirements provided in USPS Publication 14, Prohibitions and Restrictions on Mailing Animals, Plants, and Related Matter, Chapter 5.***
* * * * *
6 International Mail
61 General
[Revise the first sentence of 61 to read as follows:]
This chapter contains regulations on the mailability of hazardous materials, restricted matter, and perishable matter that may be sent as international mail.***
* * * * *
7 Air Transportation Requirements
71 General
[Revise the first sentence of 71 to read as follows:]
This chapter contains standards on the mailability of hazardous materials, restricted matter, and perishable matter in domestic mail via air transportation.***
* * * * *
711 Refusal by Air Carrier
* * * * *
711.2 Handling of Mailpieces Refused by an Air Carrier
All mailpieces containing hazardous, restricted, or perishable materials that are refused by an air carrier must be handled as follows:
[Delete the last sentence of item a in its entirety regarding PS Form 1770.]
* * * * *
[Revise item b to read as follows:]
b. An online Mailpiece Incident Report (MIR) is required to be completed and filed in accordance with the instructions in the Safety Toolkit, based on the incident type. Types of incidents may include spills, leaks, or hazardous, restricted, or perishable material that has been rejected by an air carrier.
* * * * *
72 Hazardous Materials: Air Transportation
* * * * *
722 Additional Requirements
* * * * *
722.2 ZIP Codes Served Only by Air Transportation
[Revise the text of 722.2 to read as follows:]
Hazardous materials that are prohibited from mailing via air transportation cannot be mailed to any ZIP Code that is serviced only by air transportation (e.g., certain ZIP Codes in Alaska).
* * * * *
Appendix A Hazardous Materials Table: Postal Service
Mailability Guide
* * * * *
The columns in the table contain the following information:
* * * * *
Column (e):
[Revise the fifth and seventh sentences in the Column (e) paragraph to read as follows:]
***Mailable ORM-D materials cannot exceed the postal quantity limits specified in this publication. ***If assistance is needed, the mailer may request a ruling from the PCSC as provided in 215.2. ***
* * * * *
[Revise the USPS Mailability (e) for the following products to read as follows:]
Appendix C
* * * * *
USPS Packaging Instruction 2A
Flammable Gases
* * * * *
Marking
* * * * *
[Revise the second bullet, deleting the Exhibit reference, to read as follows:]
n Optionally, the address side of the outer packaging may bear an approved DOT limited quantity square-on-point marking designating surface transportation, prepared under 342.4b, instead of an ORM-D marking.
* * * * *
USPS Packaging Instruction 2B
Nonflammable Gases
* * * * *
Marking
* * * * *
[Revise the third bullet, deleting the Exhibit reference, to read as follows:]
n Optionally, the address side of the outer packaging may bear an approved DOT limited quantity square-on-point marking designating surface transportation, prepared under 342.4c, instead of an ORM-D marking.
* * * * *
USPS Packaging Instruction 3A
Flammable Liquids
[Revise the introductory paragraph by deleting the third sentence regarding DOT-SP 9275 in its entirety.]
* * * * *
Required Packaging
Separate packaging requirements apply depending on the flashpoint of the flammable liquid.
For flashpoint greater than 20º F (–7º C) but not more than 73º F (23º C):
Primary Receptacle
* * * * *
[Revise the final bullet under the “Primary Receptacle” heading as follows:]
n Multiple primary receptacles are permitted, provided the aggregate quantity of flammable material per mailpiece does not exceed 1 quart for metal primary containers or 1 pint for nonmetal primary containers.
Cushioning Material and Secondary Packaging
[Revise the text under the “Cushioning Material and Secondary Packaging” heading as follows:]
n Enough cushioning material must surround the primary receptacles to prevent breakage and absorb any potential leakage.
n The cushioning and primary receptacles must be packed in securely sealed secondary packaging.
Outer Packaging
[Revise the text under the “Outer Packaging” heading as follows:]
n Strong outer packaging that is capable of firmly and securely holding the primary receptacles, cushioning material, and secondary packaging is required.
* * * * *
For flashpoint greater than 73º F (23º C) but less than 100º F (38º C):
Primary Receptacle
* * * * *
[Revise the final bullet under the “Primary Receptacle” heading as follows:]
n Multiple primary receptacles are permitted, provided the aggregate quantity of flammable material per mailpiece does not exceed 1 gallon for metal primary containers or 1 quart for nonmetal primary containers.
Cushioning Material and Secondary Packaging
[Revise the text under the “Cushioning Material and Secondary Packaging” heading as follows:]
n Enough cushioning material must surround the primary receptacles to prevent breakage and absorb any potential leakage.
n The cushioning and primary receptacles must be packed in securely sealed secondary packaging.
Outer Packaging
[Revise the text under the “Outer Packaging” heading as follows:]
n Strong outer packaging that is capable of firmly and securely holding the primary receptacles, cushioning material, and secondary packaging is required.
* * * * *
USPS Packaging Instruction 3B
Combustible Liquids
* * * * *
Mailability
[Revise the text for Domestic Mail by reversing the order of the two sentences to reflect flashpoints of at least 100º to come before flashpoints above 141º, for consistency with the Packaging Instruction, to read as follows:]
* * * * *
n Domestic Mail: For flashpoints of at least 100º F (38º C), but not more than 141º F (60.5º C), permitted only via surface transportation. For flashpoints above 141° (60.5° C), permitted with restrictions via air transportation and surface transportation.
* * * * *
Required Packaging
Separate packaging requirements apply, depending on the flashpoint of the combustible liquid.
For flashpoint of at least 100º F (38º C) but not more than 141º F (60.5º C):
* * * * *
Primary Receptacle
* * * * *
[Revise the final bullet under the “Primary Receptacle” heading as follows:]
n Multiple primary receptacles are permitted, provided the aggregate quantity of flammable material per mailpiece does not exceed 1 gallon for metal primary containers or 1 quart for nonmetal primary containers.
Absorbent and Cushioning Material
[Revise the text under the “Absorbent and Cushioning Material” heading as follows:]
n Enough absorbent and cushioning material must surround the primary receptacles to prevent breakage and absorb any potential leakage.
Secondary Packaging
[Revise the text under the “Secondary Packaging” heading as follows:]
n The cushioning and primary receptacles must be packed in a securely sealed secondary packaging.
Outer Packaging
[Revise the text under the “Outer Packaging” heading as follows:]
n Strong outer packaging that is capable of firmly and securely holding the primary receptacles, cushioning material, and secondary packaging is required.
* * * * *
For flashpoint above 141º F (60.5º C) but not more than 200º F (93º C):
* * * * *
Primary Receptacle
* * * * *
[Revise the second bullet under the “Primary Receptacle” heading as follows:]
n Multiple primary receptacles are permitted, provided the aggregate quantity of flammable material per mailpiece does not exceed 1 gallon.
Absorbent and Cushioning Material
[Revise the text under the “Absorbent and Cushioning Material” heading as follows:]
n Enough absorbent and cushioning material must surround the primary receptacles to prevent breakage and absorb any potential leakage.
Secondary Packaging
[Revise the text under the “Secondary Packaging” heading as follows:]
n The cushioning and primary receptacles must be packed in a securely sealed secondary packaging.
Outer Packaging
[Revise the text under the “Outer Packaging” heading as follows:]
n Strong outer packaging that is capable of firmly and securely holding the primary receptacles, cushioning material, and secondary packaging is required.
* * * * *
[Add new Packaging Instruction 3D as follows:]
USPS Packaging Instruction 3D
Ethanol-based Flammable Liquids and Solids
Certain limited quantities of flammable liquids and solids containing ethyl alcohol are permitted in the domestic mail via air transportation, with special authorization from the manager, Product Classification when all applicable requirements in 343.27 are met.
Proper Shipping Name
n Consumer Commodity.
ID Number
n Various (see Appendix A).
Mailability
n International Mail and APO/FPO/DPO: Prohibited.
n Domestic Mail: Permitted via air transportation with special authorization; or via surface transportation by following Packaging Instruction 3A.
Required Packaging
Separate packaging requirements apply, dependent on the percentage of ethyl alcohol and primary container used.
For content not more than 70% ethyl alcohol:
Primary Receptacle
n A nonglass primary receptacle must not exceed 16 ounces for liquids or 1 pound for solids.
n A glass primary receptacle must not exceed 8 ounces for liquids or 1/2 pound for solids.
n The primary receptacle must have a screw cap (with minimum of one and one-half turns), soldering clips, or other means of secure closure (friction tops are not acceptable).
n Multiple primary receptacles are permitted when the total aggregate mailpiece weight does not exceed 25 pounds.
n The total volume of flammable liquid in the mailpiece must not exceed 96 ounces.
n The total volume of flammable solids in the mailpiece must not exceed 16 pounds.
Cushioning Material
n Enough cushioning material must surround the primary receptacles to prevent breakage and absorb any potential leakage.
n The cushioning and primary receptacles must be packed in securely sealed outer packaging.
Outer Packaging
n Strong outer packaging that is capable of firmly and securely holding the primary receptacles and cushioning material is required.
Marking
The words “Contains Air-Eligible Ethyl Alcohol — Authorization No. #” are marked on the outer package in at least 14 point type.
n Packages must bear the DOT square-on-point marking including the symbol “Y,” an approved DOT Class 9 hazardous material warning label, Identification Number “ID8000,” and the proper shipping name “Consumer Commodity.”
n A complete company name, return address, and delivery address is applied to each outer package.
For content containing more than 70% ethyl alcohol:
Primary Receptacle
n The primary receptacle must not exceed 8 ounces for liquids or 1/2 pound for solids.
n The primary receptacle must have a screw cap (with minimum of one and one-half turns), soldering clips, or other means of secure closure (friction tops are not acceptable).
n Multiple primary receptacles are permitted when the total aggregate mailpiece weight does not exceed 16 pounds.
n The total volume of flammable liquid in the mailpiece must not exceed 48 ounces.
n The total volume of flammable solids in the mailpiece must not exceed 8 pounds.
Cushioning Material
n Enough cushioning material must surround the primary receptacles to prevent breakage and absorb any potential leakage.
n The cushioning and primary receptacles must be packed in securely sealed outer packaging.
Outer Packaging
n Strong outer packaging that is capable of firmly and securely holding the primary receptacles and cushioning material is required.
Marking
The words “Contains Air-Eligible Ethyl Alcohol — Authorization No. #” are marked on the outer package in at least 14-point type.
n Packages must bear the DOT square-on-point marking including the symbol “Y,” an approved DOT Class 9 hazardous material warning label, Identification Number “ID8000,” and the proper shipping name “Consumer Commodity.” A complete company name, return address, and delivery address is applied to each outer package.
* * * * *
USPS Packaging Instruction 6C
Category B Infectious Substances
* * * * *
Markings
As required by 49 CFR 173.199:
[Revise the first bullet to read as follows:]
n Each mailpiece (outer shipping container) must be marked on the address side with the proper shipping name “Biological Substance, Category B” and have the diamond marking indicating UN3373 (see Exhibit 346.12a2).
* * * * *
USPS Packaging Instruction 8B
Nonspillable Wet Battery
* * * * *
Required Packaging
* * * * *
[Revise the heading of Cushioning Material, under Required Packaging, and add a second bullet to read as follows:]
Absorbent and Cushioning Material
* * * * *
n A noncombustible material that is capable of absorbing all liquid in case of leakage must surround the primary receptacle.
* * * * *
Marking
[Revise the bullets under Marking by adding new second, third, and fourth bullets, and moving the current second bullet to a new fifth bullet, to read as follows:]
* * * * *
n For air transportation, packages must bear the DOT square-on-point marking including the symbol “Y,” an approved DOT Class 8 hazardous material warning label, the identification number, and the proper shipping name.
n 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.
n Optionally, each mailpiece may bear an approved DOT limited quantity square-on-point marking, designating surface transportation, prepared under 348.4b, instead of an ORM-D marking.
n Each mailpiece must have a complete delivery and return address.
* * * * *
We will incorporate these revisions into the next online update of Publication 52, Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail, which is available via Postal Explorer® at
http://pe.usps.com.
— Product Classification,
Pricing, 2-19-15
