Publication 2 - Packaging for Mailing - Postal Explorer - USPS.com

Hazardous Materials7-2.17 Hazardous Materials7-1 General7-1.1 DefinitionA hazardous material (referred to as a “dangerous good” in internationalcommerce) is any article or substance having a clear potential for causingharm to the mail or to persons or property involved in moving the mail.7-1.2 Federal LawsThe Department of Transportation (DOT) regulates all surface and aircarriage of hazardous materials within the United States via any meansof transportation. DOT regulations on hazardous materials are codified inTitle 49, Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR), parts 100–185.Mailers are reminded that it is a federal crime, punishable by fines andimprisonment, to place in the mails any “natural or artificial articles,compositions, or material which may kill or injure another, or injure the mailsor other property ....” (18 U.S.C. 1716(a)). This statute allows the PostalService to permit the mailing of some injurious articles under regulationsprescribing conditions of preparation and packaging (18 U.S.C. 1716(b)).For more specific information, see DMM C020 and C023 and Publication 52,Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail.7-2 Mailing Conditions7-2.1 Postal RegulationsThe Postal Service accepts for mailing a very small number of certainpotentially hazardous materials that are not outwardly or of their own forcedangerous or injurious to life, health, or property. Generally, this is limited toORM-D materials that are hazardous materials presenting the lowest level ofrisk during transportation. The conditions of preparation and packaging underwhich such materials are accepted are explained in the DMM and inPublication 52. Conditions applicable to mailings of hazardous materials toforeign addresses are explained in the IMM.Publication 2, January 200235