USPS Packaging Instruction 3C

Flammable Liquid or Gas Lighters

A lighter equipped with an ignition element and containing fuel is classified as a Class 3 flammable liquid. A lighter containing a flammable gas is classed as a Division 2.1 flammable gas. A lighter that contains either flammable liquid or flammable gas is permitted in domestic mail via surface transportation only with prior written approval, provided all the applicable requirements of 343.25 are met.

Proper Shipping Name and ID Number

• Lighters or Lighter Refills, UN1057.

Required Authorization

• The design of the lighter must be certified by the lighter testing agency authorized by the DOT Associate Administrator for Hazardous Material Safety, per 49 CFR 173.21(i) and 173.308, and an Approval Number (LAA****) must have been issued. The vendor in whose name the authorization is being sought must submit a written request to the director of Pricing and Classification Service Center (see 213 for address).

Mailability

• International Mail: Prohibited.
• Domestic Mail: Permitted only via surface transportation.

Required Packaging

Primary Receptacle

• The design of the lighter must be approved by DOT (see “Required Authorization” above).

Cushioning Material

• Sufficient cushioning material must be used to absorb shock and protect the lighter from breakage.

Outer Packaging

• The packaging must be designed to protect the lighter‘s sparking mechanism from accidental ignition caused by friction or external pressure during transport.
• The outer packaging must be of sufficient strength to prevent the inner contents from breaking or bursting through.

Marking

• The address side of each mailpiece must be clearly marked with “Surface Only” or “Surface Mail Only” and “Lighters” or “Lighter Refills” followed by the LAA**** Number.
• A complete return address and delivery address must be used.

Note: At the time of the mailer’s first mailing at each Postal Service facility, the mailer must present to that facility a legible photocopy of the PCSC director’s approval letter.