Postal Explorer > Publication 52 - Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail > Appendix C USPS Packaging Instructions for Mailable Hazardous Materials > USPS Packaging Instruction 5A

USPS Packaging Instruction 5A

Oxidizing Substances, Organic Peroxides

An oxidizing substance or an organic peroxide that can qualify as an ORM-D material is permitted in the domestic mail, provided that all applicable requirements in 345 are met.

Proper Shipping Name

• Consumer Commodity.

ID Number

• Various (see Appendix A).

Mailability

• International Mail: Prohibited.

• Domestic Mail: Permitted, with restrictions, via air transportation (Express Mail, Priority Mail, and First-Class Mail), or surface transportation sent as Standard Mail or Parcel Post.

Required Packaging

Primary Receptacle

• For liquids, the capacity of the primary receptacle must not exceed 1 pint (.0473 liters).

• For solids, the weight of the contents of the primary receptacle must not exceed 1 pound (.0453 kg).

• Multiple primary receptacles are permitted up to a total weight of 25 pounds per mailpiece.

Absorbent and Cushioning Material

• Enough absorbent and cushioning material must surround the primary receptacle to prevent breakage and absorb all potential leakage.

Secondary Packaging

• For liquids only, the cushioning and primary receptacle must be packed in a secondary leak-resistant packaging or material that is securely sealed.

Outer Packaging

• Strong outer packaging that is capable of firmly and securely holding the primary receptacle and cushioning material is required.

• Each mailpiece must not exceed a total weight of 25 pounds.

Marking

• For air transportation, each mailpiece must be clearly marked on the address side with "Consumer Commodity ORM-D AIR."

• For surface transportation, each mailpiece must be clearly marked on the address side with "Surface Only" or "Surface Mail Only" and "Consumer Commodity ORM-D."

• A complete return address and delivery address must be used.

Documentation

• For air transportation, a mailable material must have a properly completed shipper's declaration for dangerous goods that is prepared in triplicate affixed to the outside of the mailpiece.

• The shippers declaration must be properly completed and signed by the mailer.