USPS Packaging Instruction 8C

Manufactured Devices that Contain Small Amounts of Mercury

A corrosive is any liquid or solid that causes visible destruction or irreversible alteration in human skin tissue at the site of contact or a liquid that has a severe corrosion rate on steel or aluminum.

A Class 8 manufactured article that contains minute amounts of mercury (such as compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) that meets the standards below is permitted in domestic mail provided all the applicable requirements in 348.22(g) are met.

Proper Shipping Name

• Mercury contained in manufactured articles

ID Number

• UN3506

Mailability

• International Mail. Prohibited
• Domestic Mail: Permitted via air or surface transportation when packaging requirements are met.

Required Packaging

Primary Receptacle

• Each primary device, article, or apparatus must be a securely sealed glass, or equivalent material, enclosure.
• Each device, article, or apparatus must be cushioned and separated from other items and must not exceed 100 milligrams (mg) (0.0035 ounce) of mercury.
• Multiple devices are permitted within a single mailpiece, provided the aggregate mercury quantity does not exceed 1 gram (g) (0.035 ounce) of mercury within the mailpiece.

Absorbent and Cushioning Material

A noncombustible absorbent/cushioning material, capable of containing any leakage in case of breakage, must surround each device.

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 mailpiece must bear the marking “Manufactured Devices Containing Less Than 100 mg Mercury.”
• For air transportation, mailpieces must bear the DOT Limited Quantity air mark (with the symbol “Y” in the center), an approved DOT Class 8 hazardous material warning label, the identification number, and the proper shipping name
• For surface transportation, the outer packaging must bear an approved DOT Limited Quantity surface mark designating surface transportation, prepared under 348.4(b).
• 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.