Restricted and Prohibited Items for Inbound and Outbound Mail and Shipments
Carrier Restrictions:
Each carrier has specific restrictions on materials, which may vary by state or country. Verify restrictions with your carrier.
Perishable Items and Refrigeration:
- Packages with dry ice must be delivered within 24-48 hours.
- The Mailroom does not ship perishable or refrigerated items and cannot store temperature-sensitive packages.
- Perishable mail becomes the department's responsibility once the Mailroom notifies the department of receipt. It must be picked up immediately, as the Mailroom does not offer refrigeration.
Hazardous Materials:
- The Mailroom cannot accept or handle hazardous materials, including contagious chemicals, flammable liquids, or live animals. Hazardous materials are substances that could cause harm if mishandled, such as chemicals or flammable items.
- Some hazardous materials, including lithium batteries and liquid mercury, have specific shipping rules:
- Prohibited items cannot be sent via USPS and must use alternative carriers.
- Restricted items can be sent if all regulations are followed.
- Certain hazardous materials must be transported by ground, not by air.
- Separate hazardous materials from other packages and mark the container “HAZMAT.
Examples of Regulated Materials, but not limited to:
- Biological and Infectious Agents (Category A and B)
- Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and Genetically Modified Microorganisms (GMMOs)
- Synthetic Nucleic Acids
- Human and/or Animal Specimens
- Other hazardous materials included in the package (e.g., Dry Ice)
- Medical & Diagnostic Equipment
- Select Agents (Contact the Lab Safety Manager or the Environmental Health and Safety Manager regarding shipping select agents.)
Compliance and Penalties:
Avoid sending restricted or hazardous items to ensure safe and legal shipments and to prevent delays in customs. Violations can result in civil penalties of $250 to $100,000, cleanup costs, damages, and potential criminal penalties.
Additional Resources and Links:
- Environmental Safety - Hazardous Materials
- Environmental Safety - Hazard Communication Program
- USF SDS Database
- USPS HAZMAT Shipping Safety Tutorial
- Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Database
- Safecargo
- FedEx Domestic Prohibited and Restricted Items
- FedEx International Prohibited and Restricted Items
- USPS Domestic Shipping Restrictions
- USPS International Shipping Restrictions
- UPS Prohibited and Restricted Items
USF Mail Services
Andrew Revelli
USF Mailroom
Hayes Healy Lower Level
2299 Golden Gate Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94118
Hours:
Monday - Friday - 9 A.M. to 1 P.M.
Close on University observed holidays