USPS to Test Smaller Hazmat Labels for Small Quantities

In their most recent Postal Bulletin, USPS announced a pilot program that would allow mailers to use smaller versions of the Excepted Quantity and Limited Quantity hazardous materials markings required on outer packagings.  

To use smaller labels, mailers will be required to incorporate the label into the address label of the parcel or place it immediately adjacent to the address label. The use of smaller limited quantity labels aligns with DOT hazmat special permit (SP 20801) , which was recently modified to allow the use of a smaller label.

Ship hazardous materials with USPS? Lion’s Hazmat Postal Shipper online course covers the unique US Postal Service (Publication 52) requirements for sending small quantities of hazardous materials by post.

How to Request Authorization

The Council for the Safe Transport of Hazardous Articles (COSTHA) provided more details in a bulletin sent to their members on June 21.

To request authorization to use the smaller limited or excepted quantity markings, mailers should contact USPS’ Product Classification group, at:

Manager, Product Classification
475 L’Enfant Plaza SW Rm 4446
Washington DC 20260
 
According to COSTHA, who reached out to USPS directly, requests for authorization should include:

• a description of the general products you are shipping;
• company name and address;
• requestor contact information (name, email, phone, etc.); and
• a picture of the proposed marking (size) on the postage label/address side of the package

Hazmat Limited Quantities Training

Not all hazardous materials shipments are subject to the full text of US DOT’s Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR). Be confident you know the rules that apply to limited quantities of hazardous materials/dangerous goods shipped by  highway (49 CFR), air, (IATA DGR), or vessel (IMDG Code) with the Shipping Limited Quantities and Consumer Commodities Online Course.

Tags: COSTHA, excepted quantity, hazardous materials, hazmat, labels, limited quantity, USPS