USPS Offers Exception for Shipping Hand Sanitizer

The US Postal Service has created a process for shippers/mailers to request a “special exception” to the Publication 52 requirements for shipping hand sanitizers by ground or, in limited cases, domestic air.  

From USPS:

To better support our customers during this period of increased demand, mailers can obtain special exception through the Manager, Product Classification to increase the quantity of these items containing ethyl and isopropanol alcohol sent via surface transportation.

Additionally, mailers can also be granted special authorization by the Manager, Product Classification to ship limited quantities of ethanol alcohol in domestic air transportation.

If a mailer holds a valid authorization or exception form the Manager, Product Classification, the following criteria must be met upon acceptance of the items:

• The mailer must produce a copy of the USPS letter containing the applicable mailing requirements with Manager, Product Classification, signature, upon the first mailing of these items at each postal facility. Note: It is suggested that the facility maintains copies of such letters on file for future reference.


• The outer package must have the appropriate text marking “Contains xxx” followed by their assigned unique authorization number that will begin with either HSA, HSB, HSD or HSE. Note: This information is included in the letter and may be hand or type written prominently on the package. Examples of text markings:

“Contains Air-Eligible Ethyl Alcohol - Authorization No. HSA - xxxxxx”
“Contains Air-Eligible Ethyl Alcohol - Authorization No. HSB - xxxxxx”
“Contains Surface Eligible Ethyl Alcohol - Exception No. HSE - xxxxxx”
“Contains Surface Eligible Isopropyl Alcohol - Exception No. HSD - xxxxxx”

Please note that these materials are strictly prohibited in international mail international, Army Post Office (APO), Fleet Post Office (FPO) and Diplomatic Post Office (DPO)” destinations.

For additional information, refer to Publication 52 Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail, Section 343 and Appendix C - 3A or 3D for the appropriate Packaging Instruction.

If you have questions, please contact the Pricing & Classification Service Center (PCSC) at [email protected] or Product Classification at [email protected] 

Read more from USPS here. 

Tags: coronavirus, covid19, hazmat shipping, USPS