For reasons of safety, most hazardous materials are nonmailable internationally, including to APO, FPO, and DPO locations. Hazardous materials (which in international commerce are commonly called “dangerous goods”) include common consumer and household items such as perfumes, aerosols, and electronic products that contain certain batteries.
Under federal regulation, all matter that is outwardly or of its own force dangerous or injurious to life, health, or property is nonmailable. It is the responsibility of the mailer to fully meet all mailing requirements and comply with all applicable laws and regulations. The knowing deposit of such matter in the mail is a crime punishable by fine, imprisonment, or other penalty.
The domestic and international standards and restrictions for mailing hazardous materials are often different. Additional mailability information is available in the IMM and Publication 52.
Tip: If your international shipment contains dangerous goods that are approved for mailing, be sure to check the “Dangerous Goods” box in the content description section of PS Form 2976, in block 5 of PS Form 2976-A, or in block 2 of PS Form 2976-B. Please see the images of those forms and the applicable blocks.
