USPS Packaging Instruction 3D

Ethanol-based Flammable Liquids and Solids

Certain limited quantities of flammable liquids and solids containing ethyl alcohol are permitted in the domestic mail via air transportation, with special authorization from the director, Product Classification, when all applicable requirements in 343.25 are met.

Proper Shipping Name

• Consumer Commodity.

ID Number

• Various (refer to Appendix A).

Mailability

• International Mail and APO/FPO/DPO: Prohibited.
• Domestic Mail: Permitted via air transportation with special authorization; or via surface transportation by following Packaging Instruction 3A.

Required Packaging

• Separate packaging requirements apply, dependent on the percentage of ethyl alcohol and primary receptacle used.

For content not more than 70% ethyl alcohol:

Primary Receptacle

• A nonglass primary receptacle must not exceed 16 ounces for liquids or 1 pound for solids.
• A glass primary receptacle must not exceed 8 ounces for liquids or 1/2 pound for solids.
• The primary receptacle must have a screw cap (with minimum of one and one-half turns), soldering clips, or other means of secure closure (friction tops are not acceptable).
• Multiple primary receptacles are permitted when the total aggregate mailpiece weight does not exceed 25 pounds.
• The total volume of flammable liquid in the mailpiece must not exceed 96 ounces.
• The total volume of flammable solids in the mailpiece must not exceed 16 pounds.

Absorbent Cushioning Material

• Enough cushioning material must surround the primary receptacles to prevent breakage and absorb any potential leakage.

Secondary Packaging

• The cushioning and primary receptacles must be packed in securely sealed secondary packaging.

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.

• Each package must bear the text “Contains Air-Eligible Ethyl Alcohol — Authorization No. #” on the outer packaging in at least 14-point type.
• A complete return and delivery address must be used.

For content more than 70% ethyl alcohol:

Primary Receptacle

• The primary receptacle must not exceed 8 ounces for liquids or 1/2 pound for solids.
• The primary receptacle must have a screw cap (with minimum of one and one-half turns), soldering clips, or other means of secure closure (friction tops are not acceptable).
• Multiple primary receptacles are permitted when the total aggregate mailpiece weight does not exceed 16 pounds.
• The total volume of flammable liquid in the mailpiece must not exceed 48 ounces.
• The total volume of flammable solids in the mailpiece must not exceed 8 pounds.

Absorbent and Cushioning Material

• Enough cushioning material must surround the primary receptacles to prevent breakage and absorb any potential leakage.

Secondary Packaging

• The cushioning and primary receptacles must be packed in securely sealed secondary packaging.

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.

• Each package must bear the text “Contains Air-Eligible Ethyl Alcohol — Authorization No. #” on the outer packaging in at least 14–point type.
• A complete return and delivery address must be used.