222.1 General — All Express Mail International Shipments
Except for the items noted in 222.2, any item not prohibited in international mail may be sent using Express Mail International service. For additional individual country prohibitions, refer to the “Country Conditions for Mailing” in the Individual Country Listings.
The following items are prohibited in all Express Mail International shipments:
- Coins.
- Banknotes.
- Currency notes, including paper money.
- Securities of any kind payable to bearer.
- Traveler’s checks.
- Platinum, gold, and silver.
- Precious stones.
- Jewelry.
- Watches.
- Other valuable articles.
Note: International postal money orders are admissible in Express Mail International shipments, but they are negotiable only if the proper form is used.
Mailers are eligible for the Flat Rate Envelope price only with the use of the USPS-produced Express Mail Flat Rate Envelope (Item EP13-F — 12-1/2 inches by 9-1/2 inches) or the Express Mail Legal Flat Rate Envelope (Item EP13-L — 15 inches by 9-1/2 inches). The contents must fit securely in the envelope and be confined within the envelope, with the provided adhesive as the means of closure. The envelope flap must be able to close within the prefabricated folds. Tape may be applied to the flap and seams for closure or to reinforce the envelope, provided the design of the envelope is not enlarged by opening the sides of the envelope and taping or reconstructing the envelope in any way. All other Express Mail International standards and customs requirements apply.
See the Individual Country Listings for countries that offer Express Mail International service. Mailers are responsible for determining customs requirements and complying with them. Before mailing merchandise, mailers should confirm whether an import license is required for that class of goods.
Express Mail International mailpieces are sealed against inspection.
Express Mail International shipments containing merchandise are insured against loss, damage, or missing contents up to $100 at no additional charge. Indemnity is paid by the U.S. Postal Service as provided in 935 and in DMM 503 and 609. Additional insurance coverage up to a maximum of $5,000 may be purchased at the sender’s option (see 222.7).
Express Mail International shipments containing nonnegotiable documents are insured against loss, damage, or missing contents up to $100 at no additional charge. Indemnity is paid by the U.S. Postal Service as provided in 935 and in DMM 503 and 609.
Express Mail International items are not insured against delay in delivery, and indemnity payments are not made in the event of delay. Postage refunds for delay are considered only for shipments sent to countries with Express Mail International With Guarantee service under 221.2.
Additional merchandise insurance coverage above $100, up to a maximum of $5,000, may be purchased at the sender’s option. See the Individual Country Listings for merchandise insurance limits. See Notice 123, Price List, for the fee schedule for optional Express Mail International merchandise insurance coverage.
