USPS Packaging Instruction 9C

Miscellaneous Hazardous Materials

A Class 9 miscellaneous hazardous material that qualifies as a consumer commodity or ORM-D material is permitted in domestic mail provided all applicable requirements in 349 are met.

Proper Shipping Name

• Consumer Commodity.

ID Number

• Various (see Appendix A).

Mailability

• International Mail: Prohibited.
• Domestic Mail: Permitted via air or surface transportation. Flammable materials are prohibited from air transportation.

Required Packaging

Primary Receptacle

• For liquids, the capacity of the primary receptacle must not exceed 1 pint.
• For solids, the weight of the primary receptacle and its contents must not exceed 1 pound.
• Multiple primary receptacles are permitted.

Cushioning Material

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

Outer Packaging

• A strong outer packaging that is capable of firmly and securely holding the primary receptacle and cushioning material is required.
• Each mailpiece must not exceed a total weight of 25 pounds.

Marking

• For air transportation, packages must bear the DOT square-on-point marking including the symbol “Y,” an approved DOT Class 9 hazardous material warning label, Identification Number “ID8000,” and the proper shipping name “Consumer Commodity.”
• For surface transportation, each mailpiece must be clearly marked on the address side with “Consumer Commodity ORM–D” and “Surface Mail Only” or “Surface Only.”
• Optionally, each mailpiece may bear an approved DOT limited quantity square-on-point marking, designating surface transportation, and prepared under 349.4b, instead of an ORM-D marking.
• A complete return address and delivery address must be used.

Documentation

• For air transportation, a mailable material must have a properly completed shipper‘s declaration for dangerous goods prepared in triplicate and affixed to the outside of the mailpiece.