Publication 52 - Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail > 3 Hazardous Materials > 33 Hazard Classes > 333 Consumer Commodity
Consumer commodity is a hazardous material that is packaged and distributed in a quantity and form intended or suitable for retail sale and designed for consumption by individuals for their personal care or household uses. This term can also include certain drugs or medicines.
Not all hazardous material permitted to be shipped as a Limited Quantity qualify as a consumer commodity. The Postal Service does not apply the consumer commodity category to materials intended for air transportation in Hazard Class 5, Class 8, and portions of Class 9. (see 334). The Consumer Commodity category is unique to the United States, and its use is prohibited with international mail.
It is the responsibility of the mailer to know the correct DOT hazard class of a hazardous material before mailing (see 323).
When assistance is needed to determine eligibility for mailing, the mailer may request a ruling from the PCSC as outlined in 215.
