Restrictions

Beware of sending these items in the mail: Items you can’t send via USPS

When mailing a letter or sending a package, it is essential to follow USPS guidelines. Let’s take a look at what things you can and can’t send in the U.S. mail.

Carlo Allegri

Joseph McMahon

Born in Chicago, Joe played varsity football and baseball in Bowling Green, Ohio for BGHS and later played lacrosse at BGSU. A year abroad in Spain changed everything. As destiny would have it he ended up living in Zaragoza, running his own business, teaching Journalism at a private university then working as a SEO journalist for Diario AS.

Update: Dec 15th, 2024 16:48 EST

We’ve all had wine and other beverages shipped to our houses and groceries delivered from the supermarket, but some items that we receive at home can’t be sent by individuals through the US postal service. Let’s take a look at what can and can’t be sent according to the USPS guidelines.

Money

Although it’s not illegal to send cash through the mail, it is not a good idea. The USPS highly recommends that you don’t send money by mail because there’s no guarantee it’s going to reach its destination.

Fireworks

It sounds obvious, but people try it and can be fined for it. It is a safety risk and there are strict restrictions on mailing fireworks, including toy caps.

Handguns

Another one that makes complete sense because of the danger of handling weapons. Not only for safety reasons, but also because only licensed manufacturers and gun dealers can mail handguns. Check the regulations at USPS regarding sending unloaded rifles and shotguns.

Perfume

Not an item you would think to be prohibited from mailing, but if it contains alcohol, it shouldn’t be sent via air mail. Shipping perfume domestically using ground transportation is allowed.

Liquid mercury

Not something most people would mail to friends or family, but thermometers contain mercury and are not allowed to be sent through the US mail.

There’s a high cost to shipping mercury 📈 There’s a high cost to your health, our employees and the entire community. If you get caught shipping mercury, the costs can be toxic 💰💰💰 pic.twitter.com/5dJ8WRg1lJ
— U.S. Postal Service (@USPS) December 5, 2024

Marijuana

Although it might be legal in your state, you cannot send it through the mail. Some hemp products are allowed to be mailed, but check the USPS website first before mailing.

Alcohol

Sending taxable intoxicating liquors over 0.5 percent alcohol content is banned. Sending wine, liquor or beer must be done through licensed shippers.

Fresh fruit and vegetables

Another item that must be shipped through licensed carriers to prevent the food from rotting or spoiling in transit.

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Here is a long list of times that are restricted, but can be sent if you follow the rules and restrictions explained on the USPS website:

Domestically Restricted Items

Aerosols
Alcoholic beverages
Cigarettes, cigars, tobacco
Cremated remains
Dry ice
Firearms
Glues
Hand sanitizer
Hemp products
Lithium batteries
Live animals
Matches
Medicines and prescriptions drugs
Mercury
Nail polish
Paint
Perishable items
Poisons

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