224 Old Markings

A mailpiece displaying any image, text, or label that does not reflect actual contents is not acceptable for mailing. Certain hazardous, restricted, and prohibited materials are nonmailable by statute or regulation. For safety and legal compliance, the Postal Service must assume that all markings and labels on a package accurately reflect its contents.

Reused packaging, boxes, and containers with labels or markings associated with hazardous, prohibited, or restricted materials must have those labels or markings fully removed or obliterated (refer to Exhibit 224). If they remain legible, the packaging may be considered nonmailable and will be treated as containing the indicated materials.

Postal Service employees are not permitted to alter or remove labels or markings, even if requested to do so by the mailer. Only the mailer or their authorized representative may do so.

Common examples of reused packaging include boxes for cleaning supplies or alcoholic beverages. Many cleaning products are classified as hazardous materials and are prohibited from mailing; alcohol is classified as restricted and is prohibited from mailing.

Exhibit 224 

Reused Packaging