Support/Shipping and USPS

What You Can’t Ship with USPS: Prohibited Items Guide

3 min read · Updated June 2026

Some items are simply off-limits with USPS — and others are allowed only if they’re packed and labeled a specific way. Knowing the difference keeps your package from getting flagged, returned, or worse.

TL;DR
  • Some items are never allowed; others are restricted (allowed with special handling).
  • It’s your responsibility to check the rules before buying a label.
  • The official source is USPS Publication 52 — always the final word.
!
Always check USPS Publication 52 first Before shipping anything that might be hazardous, restricted, or perishable, review the official guidelines in USPS Publication 52 (on the USPS Postal Explorer). These rules apply no matter which platform you use to buy the label.

Never allowed (domestic)

These can’t be shipped anywhere in the U.S. via USPS under any circumstances:

  • Airbags
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Ammunition
  • Explosives
  • Gasoline and other fuels
  • Marijuana — including for medicinal use. Exception: hemp-derived CBD products and marijuana seeds containing less than 0.3% THC and not intended for cultivation may be shipped.
  • Mercury and items containing metallic mercury — e.g. antique thermometers, barometers, and old blood-pressure monitors.

Restricted — allowed with special rules

These are considered hazardous materials (“hazmat”). You can often ship them, but only with the correct packaging and service. Common examples:

  • Aerosols (hairspray, air freshener)
  • Perfume and cologne (anything flammable)
  • Nail polish
  • Hand sanitizer and cleaning supplies
  • Lighters and lighter fluid
  • Dry ice
  • Lithium-ion batteries — including used electronics like phones, tablets, and laptops
i
Shipping a restricted item? Many everyday products are hazmat. If you’re sending any of the above, follow the packaging and service rules in our How to Ship Hazardous Materials guide first.

International is stricter

International shipments prohibit even more — including many of the “restricted” items above (aerosols, nail polish, perfume, lighters, dry ice, fresh fruits and vegetables, cigarettes and vapes, and more). When shipping abroad, double-check Publication 52 and the destination country’s rules before you buy.

Common questions

Can I ship perfume or nail polish?

Sometimes — domestically, with proper hazmat packaging and the right service. Internationally, usually not. See the hazmat guide.

What about CBD?

Hemp-derived CBD with less than 0.3% THC (and not for cultivation) can generally be shipped. Marijuana itself cannot.

Where’s the official list?

USPS Publication 52 is the authoritative source — always check it for anything you’re unsure about.

Not sure about a specific item? When in doubt, check Pub 52 or reach out — better safe than returned.