Massachusetts Residents are Forbidden from Mailing These 6 Items

At times, some Massachusetts laws seem a bit crazy. Antiquated rules surrounding facial hair, sleeping nude, and even how you're allowed to sing the national anthem are still on the books in Massachusetts. However, many of the laws in Massachusetts, as overbearing as they might seem, are in place to help protect people and keep its residents safe.

Despite the laws, Massachusetts is a great place to live and its residents are proud to call it home. There are many reasons to love the Bay State but those laws surrounding public safety rank as one of the top reasons folks love living here.

When it comes to the U.S. Postal Service safety and security are a top priority. Massachusetts citizens, along with those across America use the mail and rely on the Postal Service to ship numerous types of items for personal and business purposes. However, many items are illegal to ship, for a variety of reasons. Check out the list below via the United States Postal Inspection Service.

Six Items That Are Prohibited or Restricted to Mail in Massachusetts

AMMUNITION

"Small arms ammunition is categorized as explosive materials by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Ammunition that is designed to be fired from a pistol, revolver, rifle, or shotgun, as well as associated primers and blank cartridges (including those designed for tools) and propellant powder for use in any firearm, is prohibited from mailing. Under federal law, it is illegal to send these types of ammunition, domestically or internationally, via the U.S. Mail. Small arms ammunition poses a significant danger to Postal employees, equipment, and customers, and you could be subject to civil penalties and criminal charges, if you send them through USPS."

FIREARMS

"The shipment of firearms through the U.S. Mail is highly regulated by the Gun Control Act of 1968 and USPS Publication 52, Hazardous, Restricted and Perishable Mail.
The Postal Inspection Service is regularly engaged with our federal, state and local partners to thwart any loss associated to firearms, stop any illicit of firearms trafficking through the mail and ensure the safety of our infrastructure, employees and customers."

FIREWORKS

"These brilliant celebratory displays of color and design are beautiful to behold in the sky when handled legally and properly. However, they are illegal to ship through the United States Postal Service (USPS). Illegal shipments of fireworks pose a significant hazard while in air transportation and endanger the lives of Postal employees and the traveling public."

MERCURY

"Liquid mercury on its own or contained in various items is prohibited in the mail. Liquid mercury is a hazardous substance that produces toxic vapors if exposed to air and causes mercury poisoning if the vapors become inhaled. Older styled thermometers, blood pressure gauges, and barometers — which often contain liquid mercury– may become damaged or broken during the shipping process. The threat of serious illness or injury caused by exposure to a leaking mercury package is never worth shipping the item."

CERTAIN HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

"Other items that appear safe because they are used during everyday activities around the house also pose a significant risk during transportation and are considered hazardous materials. Some common items that you might not think of include flammable aerosol products (spray disinfectants, spray paints, and hairspray), lithium batteries, safety matches, perfume, and cosmetic products such as nail polish and nail polish remover. Although some of these materials are allowed to travel through the mail, there are strict quantity limits, packaging, and marking requirements. Additionally, some items are not allowable in airmail but may be sent with ground delivery only."

LITHIUM BATTERIES

"Lithium batteries power numerous electronics from cell phones, laptops, and tablets to wireless headphones, toys, and portable tools. What is not generally known is that these batteries are considered hazardous materials and remain highly regulated in transportation. When improperly prepared and shipped, packages containing lithium batteries are prone to catch fire and possibly explode during handling. When correctly prepared, declared, and shipped in quantities below the USPS threshold, these risks can be reduced and avoided. It is important to note that larger lithium batteries such as those needed for e-bikes, scooters, and electric cars are prohibited from being mailed at all."

When in doubt, check out the rules and regulations at your local post office.