Can I Ship It?

Shipping carriers enforce restrictions based on federal regulations from agencies like the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the International Air Transport Association (IATA). These rules exist to protect postal workers, aircraft, delivery drivers, and recipients from hazardous materials that could cause fires, explosions, chemical burns, or other injuries during transit.

Several items are universally banned across USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL: fireworks and explosives, gasoline and fuel, marijuana (federally illegal), counterfeit goods, ivory and endangered species products, and airbag inflators. Most carriers also prohibit strike-anywhere matches and cash currency. Always verify with the specific carrier, as rules can change.

• Allowed — The item can be shipped with standard packaging. No special permits, contracts, or hazmat documentation required.
• Restricted — The item can be shipped, but only under specific conditions. This may include ground-only transport, special packaging, quantity limits, hazmat labeling, or requiring a Dangerous Goods contract with the carrier.
• Prohibited — The item cannot be shipped through that carrier under any circumstances. Attempting to do so may result in criminal charges and fines up to $50,000 per violation.

Many everyday items (like perfume, nail polish, hand sanitizer, and aerosol cans) contain alcohol or pressurized gas. Because the cargo hold of an airplane undergoes pressure and temperature changes, these items pose an explosion risk. As a result, they are almost always restricted to ground/surface transportation only. Always select USPS Ground Advantage, UPS Ground, or FedEx Ground when shipping these items domestically. International air shipping is generally prohibited for consumers.

Penalties are severe. Shipping undeclared dangerous goods through UPS or FedEx can result in fines ranging from $5,000 to $50,000+ per violation. USPS violations can carry federal criminal charges under 18 USC 1716, including substantial fines and imprisonment. All carriers reserve the right to refuse, return, or destroy non-compliant shipments without notice. Additionally, shippers may be held liable for any injuries, damages, or clean-up costs resulting from prohibited shipments.