What items can’t be mailed? Here's what to know before sending holiday packages
WASHINGTON — The holiday season is right around the corner, and as you're mailing gifts and other packages to loved ones, you might want to double check that what you're sending complies with safety rules.
The United States Postal Inspection Service earlier this year issued a reminder to Americans that there are many dangerous objects you can't send through the mail, ranging from small arms ammunition to fireworks. But some common items, including certain disinfectants, perfumes and nail polish, remain highly regulated during the shipping process.
As you're getting out wrapping paper and Christmas cards this month, here’s a closer look at what you can’t send through the mail or have to send with certain precautions.
Nail polish, perfumes, spray paint: Not all household items can be easily mailed
The postal inspection service warns that some household items "used during everyday activities around the house also pose a significant risk during transportation," and they're treated as hazardous.
If you're thinking about mailing a loved one some art supplies, you could opt for watercolors instead of spray paint. Other aerosol products that pose a potential risk include hairspray and spray disinfectants.
Officials also warn about perfume, nail polish and nail polish remover. While some of these items can be mailed, there are strict limits on quantities, packaging and other factors.
If you want to send a friend or family member a candle for Christmas, you may want to let them pick up their own matches. Safety matches, postal officials warn, can only be sent in domestic mail and according to strict rules.
Liquid mercury on its own or contained in objects is also banned from being sent through the mail. The postal inspection service explained that it's a “hazardous substance that produces toxic vapors if exposed to air."
While mercury might seem like a strange object to send, officials say common items with liquid mercury, such as blood pressure gauges and barometers, can still pose a serious threat.
Toys, cell phones: Check for lithium batteries
Lithium batteries may be used in electronics including cell phones, laptops and wireless headphones. They may also be part of toys and portable tools.
Postal officials say lithium batteries are considered hazardous materials, and they “remain highly regulated” in transportation. That's because when they're improperly prepared, they can catch fire or potentially explode. The USPS has set specific thresholds for sending the batteries at all.
Larger lithium batteries, such as those used for e-bikes, scooters, and electric cars, can’t be sent through the mail.
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From alcohol and hemp to live animals: Limited exceptions
Postal officials say beer, wine and liquor can't be sent through the mail, except in limited circumstances for specific items. Hemp-based products can be mailed domestically if they follow area laws, including licenses and other compliance rules.
And if you want to get a loved one a puppy or kitten this holiday season, don't plan to send the animal via mail. However, some live animals can be shipped. For example, mailing reptiles and poultry is allowed under "very specific packaging requirements," the USPS says. The animals will also only be shipped when postal service employees can provide safe and appropriate transportation.
Fireworks, ammunition: Prohibited, non-mailable items
While items like fireworks or live ammunition may not be on your loved ones' Christmas lists, officials say it's important to remember these items can never be sent through the USPS.
The postal inspection service specifies that Americans can’t send small arms ammunition, considered an explosive material by the Department of Transportation. These items can include anything designed to be fired from a pistol, revolver, rifle and shotgun, as well as blank cartridges.
They pose a major risk to postal employees, and individuals could be subject to criminal charges if they try to send ammunition.
Federal officials have specific rules about the shipment of firearms, including who can sell or send guns. Even if a firearm can be mailed, USPS, for example, may require individuals to open parcels containing guns and certify that the weapon isn't loaded, among other rules.
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