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. International Addressing Guidelines
To ensure compliance with export laws, the Postal Service and other federal agencies review information about senders, recipients, and contents on all international shipping labels.
To minimize delay or returned mail, make sure your shipping label is accurate, in the right place, and easy to read, as described below:
- Accurate. Ensure that addresses and all information on the customs declaration form, including the contents of the package, are entered completely and accurately. Be sure to include your email address or telephone number on the package or customs declaration in case the Postal Service needs to contact you for more information or clarification.
- In the right place. When using both a shipping label and customs form, place the shipping label and customs declaration form close together on the same side of your package, being careful not to cover up any information. When using a combined shipping label and customs form, only one form is required.
- Easy to read. Ensure that the full name and address are typed or written in English. You can use a foreign language address in the address section if the names of the city, province, and country are also indicated in English.
