USPS Packaging Instruction 2C

Fire Extinguishers

A fire extinguisher containing a Division 2.2 compressed, nonflammable gas assigned UN1044 that can qualify as a Limited Quantity surface material is mailable if it does not contain a methyl bromide gas mixture or sulfuric acid, and, if the gas is nonflammable, nonpoisonous, or noncorrosive, as specified in 49 CFR § 173.309(a). All applicable requirements in 342 must be met, and it must be properly packaged as follows.

Proper Shipping Name

• Consumer Commodity.

ID Number

• UN1044.

Note: Fire extinguishers assigned UN0275, UN0276, UN0323, and UN0381 are prohibited from mailing. However, fire extinguishers assigned UN1774 are mailable as Class 8 corrosives subject to the limitations for corrosives in 348.

Mailability

• International Mail: Prohibited.
• Domestic Mail: Permitted with restrictions via air transportation and permitted via surface transportation.

Required Packaging

Primary Receptacle

• The primary receptacle must be a DOT specification 2P or 2Q container that meets the requirements in 49 CFR § 173.309(a)(4).
• Only one primary receptacle not exceeding 1 liter (33.8 ounces) is permitted per mailpiece.

Cushioning Material

• Sufficient cushioning material must surround the primary receptacle to absorb shock and prevent damage.

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.

Marking

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

• For air transportation, mailpieces must bear the DOT Limited Quantity air mark (with the symbol “Y” in the center), an approved DOT Class 9 hazardous material warning label (if applicable), Identification Number “ID8000,” and the proper shipping name “Consumer Commodity.”
• For surface transportation, the outer packaging must bear an approved DOT Limited Quantity surface mark designating surface transportation, prepared under 342.4(c).
• A complete return and delivery address must be used.

Documentation

• For air transportation, a properly completed Shipper‘s Declaration for Dangerous Goods must be prepared in triplicate and affixed to the outside of the mailpiece.