Shipping undeclared or improperly packaged hazardous materials (HAZMAT) can create serious safety risks for postal employees, postal facilities, emergency responders, and the general public. This USPS tutorial walks through how to securely package, label, and ship HAZMAT for domestic destinations through USPS. For the full list of what can and can't ship, see Publication 52.
USPS requires you to formally declare any parcel containing a hazardous item at the time of label purchase. There are no exceptions, and it's your responsibility to stay in compliance at all times. HAZMAT and non-HAZMAT items also need to stay in separate, clearly identifiable packages or mail receptacles, and every hazardous parcel needs to be marked as such.
Creating a HAZMAT shipment
We've made this process as simple as possible. When you create your order, indicate that the shipment contains hazardous materials, and we'll make sure your label reflects it.
To declare a HAZMAT shipment in the web app:
- Select your order, or create a new one.
- From the side panel, go to Package options.
- Select Shipment contains hazardous materials.
- Click Save.
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Keep in mind:
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API users can add the dangerous_goods shipment extra to your label purchase requests. See our API reference documentation for details.
What counts as HAZMAT
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) defines hazardous materials as anything that could pose an unreasonable risk to health, safety, or property during transportation. Internationally, these are often called "dangerous goods."
Common examples include:
- Articles containing liquid mercury, like thermometers, barometers, and blood pressure equipment
- Lithium batteries, including electronics that contain them, like cell phones and laptops
- Aerosols, like hairspray, disinfectants, and spray paint
- Fragrances, like colognes, perfumes, and body sprays
- Dry ice, used to preserve temperature-sensitive items like food and medicine
- Paint, paint thinners, and removers (this includes wood stains and adhesives)
- Nail polish and nail polish remover
- Fuel or fuel-powered machinery, like gas lanterns, camp stoves, model cars, and lawn equipment
This list isn't exhaustive. Thousands of other items can fall under HAZMAT rules, so use the USPS HAZMAT Search Tool to check your item. It's your responsibility as the shipper to classify your items correctly at all times.
The USPS lithium battery exception for domestic shipments
Domestic shipments containing new electronic devices don't need a service type code or extra service code if the devices are in original, unopened packaging (or are manufacturer-certified new or refurbished) and don't require a lithium battery marking.
To qualify, the package must meet one of these:
- Only button cell batteries installed in equipment
- No more than 4 lithium cells
- 2 lithium batteries installed in the equipment they operate, like cell phones, tablets, digital readers, or glucose monitors
- No more than two mail pieces in a single consignment, per Pub 52, Section 34
This exemption doesn't apply to international shipments.
Shipping HAZMAT with USPS in 4 steps
Step 1: Find the Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
A Safety Data Sheet is a standardized document that covers your product's chemical composition, health and environmental hazards, and safe handling, storage, and transport guidance. Get it from the product manufacturer's website, or by contacting them directly. Once you have it, save the transport guidance for reference.
Step 2: Find your shipping instructions
Use Publication 52 and the USPS HAZMAT Tool to confirm whether your product can ship via USPS, which service levels it's restricted to, and how to package and label it. You'll need details from your SDS to find the right instructions.
Step 3: Follow marking and labeling requirements
Not every HAZMAT item uses the same warning label. There are dozens of USPS HAZMAT markings, so double check you're using the correct one before you hand off your parcel.
Step 4: Package, label, and ship your product
Seal your item according to Appendix C of Publication 52. For example, this may mean sealing liquids in multiple containers to prevent leaks. Attach your DOT HAZMAT label at the correct size, on the same side of the box as your shipping label.
When you're ready to create your label, select Shipment contains hazardous materials in the web app before you purchase a USPS label. You'll find it under the "options" dropdown in the side panel of your Orders page.
If you know your item is hazardous, select the checkbox and click Save. This makes sure your shipping label reflects that you're shipping a HAZMAT good, so USPS can identify and handle the package correctly throughout its journey.
Keep in mind that once you select this option, returned services will be restricted. Only Ground transportation is available for both web app and API users; Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express won't show as options. International USPS services also won't be available once you select this option. This keeps your shipment in compliance with USPS HAZMAT requirements.
Non-compliance fees and penalties
- If you reuse a box, remove any old HAZMAT markings or stickers before shipping, even if the current contents aren't hazardous. Starting July 12, 2026, packages flagged as non-compliant, including reused boxes with leftover HAZMAT markings, are subject to a $50 fee per shipment.
- Carriers, including USPS, use technology to check that your shipping label matches the HAZMAT markings on your package. This helps ensure a safe, smooth delivery and prevents delays, but a mismatch between your label and your package's HAZMAT stickers can delay your shipment.
- Starting July 12, 2026, USPS charges a $50 non-compliance fee per shipment flagged as containing undeclared hazardous materials. This includes shipments where the item qualifies as HAZMAT but "Shipment contains hazardous materials" wasn't selected before the label was purchased. When in doubt, use the USPS HAZMAT Search Tool to confirm whether your item needs to be declared.
- Since October 1, 2023, USPS inspectors have the authority to assess civil penalties for HAZMAT violations per incident. Shipping improperly prepared, undeclared, or prohibited HAZMAT can lead to civil and criminal penalties under federal law. Learn more in Poster 318 - Civil Penalty Notice.