USPS Packaging Instruction 10B

Excepted Quantity Provision

Some types of hazardous materials, as permitted in 337 and 49 CFR § 173.4a, may be prepared for mailing using the excepted quantity provision. The excepted quantity provision, although applicable to international shipments by commercial shippers, is limited to domestic mail, and its use is prohibited in international and APO/FPO/DPO mail.

Proper Shipping Name and ID Number

• Not applicable.

Prototype Testing Requirement

• The complete mailing package must be capable of withstanding the test criteria in 49 CFR § 173.4a(f).

Mailability

• International Mail: Prohibited.
• Domestic Mail: Permitted via air or surface transportation (highway, rail, or vessel).

Required Packaging

Primary Receptacle

• Each primary receptacle must be constructed of plastic, glass, porcelain, stoneware, earthenware, or metal. Plastic inner packaging must have a thickness of not less than 0.2 mm (0.008 inch).
• Each inner packaging with a removable closure must have its closure held securely in place with wire, tape, or other positive means.
• Each primary receptacle having a neck with molded screw threads must have a leak-proof, threaded-type cap.
• Closures must not react chemically with the material.

Secondary Packaging

• Each primary receptacle must be securely packed in secondary packaging with cushioning material in such a way that, under normal conditions of transport, will not break, be punctured, or leak.
• Secondary packaging must completely contain the contents in case of breakage or leakage, regardless of package orientation.

Absorbent and Cushioning Material

For liquids, secondary packaging must contain sufficient absorbent material that:

• Will absorb the entire contents of the primary receptacle.
• Will not react dangerously with the material or reduce the integrity or function of the packaging materials.
• The absorbent material may be the cushioning material.

Outer Packaging

• A strong outer packaging that is capable of firmly and securely holding the primary receptacle(s) and cushioning material is required. Refer to 339.4.
• Placement of the material in the package must not violate 49 CFR § 173.21.
• Outer packages must be of such a size that there is adequate space to apply all necessary markings.

Marking

Labels and markings must be placed on the address side of the mailpiece unless specified differently in 221.1 and 325.1.

• Mailpieces must be durably and legibly marked with the following marking:



• The “*” must be replaced by the primary hazard class, or when assigned, the division of each of the hazardous materials contained in the package. The “**” must be replaced by the name of the mail owner or mail service provider, if not shown elsewhere on the package.
• The marking must be located on the address side of the mailpiece, not be less than 100 mm (3.9 inches) by 100 mm (3.9 inches), and must be durable and clearly visible.

Documentation

• For ground transportation (highway or rail), no shipping paper is required.
• For surface transportation by vessel, a shipping paper is required and must include the statement “Dangerous Goods in Excepted Quantities” and indicate the number of packages.
• For transport by air, a Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods is not required.