Postal Explorer > Publication 51 - International Postal Prices and Fees > Prohibited and Restricted Articles

Link to "First‑Class Mail International Items, Matter for the Blind, and M‑bags"Link to contents for "Categories of International Mail"      Link to "Price Tables"

Prohibited and Restricted Articles

Articles prohibited in international mail include the following:

  1. Items that can injure postal employees.
  2. Items that can damage postal equipment or mail.
  3. Items that are prohibited from U.S. domestic mail.
  4. Items that are prohibited by the destination country.
  5. Most live or dead creatures.

Articles restricted in international mail include the following:

  1. Firearms, knives, and sharp instruments.
  2. Radioactive materials.
  3. Biological materials.
  4. Perishable matter.

Articles that are acceptable in one country might not be acceptable in another. Each destination country has special prohibitions or restrictions on particular goods. See the IMM and Individual Country Listings for additional details, or consult your local Post Office.

It is the mailer’s responsibility to ensure compliance with all domestic, international, and individual country rules and regulations for mailability.




Link to "First‑Class Mail International Items, Matter for the Blind, and M‑bags"Link to contents for "Categories of International Mail"      Link to "Price Tables"