Unique Packaging and Items that Cannot Be Shipped

Different Packaging

If you want to surprise a recipient with a unique package, try a different kind of packaging! For example, did you know you can mail a frisbee, plastic bottles (filled with art supplies, candy and other trinkets) candy boxes, flip flops, a piñata, and more.

As long as you put the proper labeling and postage on it, it’s good to go! Come see us at Postal Connections when you want to get creative with your unique packaging, we’ll help you with the best way to send your package and make sure it meets shipping regulation standards. And remember, we ship anywhere!

Unique Packaging | USPS Prohibited and Restricted items | Postal Connections

Can you ship it?

USPS, UPS and FedEx all have specific lists for prohibited and restricted items. Below is the USPS restricted and prohibited items list. Although prohibited by USPS, FedEx and UPS may allow some of these items to be shipped. Please check with your local Postal Connections before shipping if you aren’t sure.

USPS Prohibited and Restricted Items Lists

Prohibited Domestic Items:

  • Air bags
  • Ammunition
  • Explosives
  • Gasoline
  • Marijuana (medical or otherwise)

Gasoline | USPS prohibited and restricted items

Prohibited International Items:

  • Aerosols
  • Air Bags
  • Alcoholic Beverages
  • Ammunition
  • Cigarettes
  • Dry Ice
  • Explosives

  • Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
  • Gasoline
  • Marijuana (medical or otherwise)
  • Nail Polish
  • Perfumes (containing alcohol)
  • Poison

All prohibited domestic items are also prohibited from being shipped internationally. However, some items that are prohibited from being shipped internationally can be shipped domestically, with some restrictions.

Restricted Domestic Items:

  • Aerosols
  • Cigarettes & Tobacco
  • Dry Ice
  • Glues
  • Live Animals
  • Nail Polish
  • Perfumes
  • Paint

  • Poisons
  • Prescription Drugs
  • Alcoholic Beverages
  • Cremated Remains
  • Firearms
  • Lithium Batteries
  • Matches

Perishable items: Perishable items are materials that can deteriorate in the mail, such as live animals, food, and plants. Permissible perishable items are sent at the mailer’s own risk. These items must be specially packaged and mailed so that they arrive before they begin to deteriorate.

Fragile Items: Ordinary items that are breakable or fragile do not need special handling if they are packed with the right cushioning and marked clearly with the word fragile.

Restricted International Items:

  • Medical Devices
  • Lithium Batteries
  • Medicine or Drugs
  • Cigars: Cigars may be mailed internationally unless the country you are shipping to prohibits it.
  • Cigarettes and Smokeless Tobacco: Sometimes individuals may ship cigarettes and smokeless tobacco.

If you have any questions about whether the contents of your package can be shipped, ask your Postal Connections staff member.