Can I Ship Aerosols with USPS?

You can indeed ship aerosols with USPS! However, it’s important to distinguish whether the aerosols are flammable or not. Whether or not they are flammable will determine the type of service you’ll be able to use to ship them.

If Your Aerosols are Non-Flammable, You Can Use Any USPS Service

If you’re shipping non-flammable aerosols, you’re in luck! You can use any USPS service to ship non-flammable aerosols. That means you’re free to use USPS First Class Package Service, Priority Mail, or Priority Mail Express. Some examples of non-flammable aerosols include shaving cream, whipped cream, and cheese whiz.

According to USPS’ website, here’s what you need to do in order to get shipping:

• For non-metal primary receptacles, make sure that max capacity is 4 fluid ounces per mailpiece
• For metal primary receptacles, make sure that max capacity is 33.8 fluid ounces per mailpiece
• Affix Limited Quantity Y Label on the package
• Affix ID-8000, Class Hazard Class 9, Consumer Commodity sticker on the package
• Include a Declaration of Dangerous Goods with the parcel

For Flammable Aerosols, You Can Only Use Surface Transportation

If your aerosols are flammable, you’ll be restricted to USPS’ ground transportation services. Those services include Retail Ground at the Post Office, and Parcel Select Ground when you use online shipping software. Some examples of flammable aerosols include hairspray, spray paint, and disposable fuel.

According to USPS’ website, here’s what you need to do in order to get shipping:

• For non-metal primary receptacles, make sure that max capacity is 4 fluid ounces per mailpiece
• For metal primary receptacles, make sure that max capacity is 33.8 fluid ounces per mailpiece
• Affix the Limited Quantity Label to your package

Pro Tip: To find out if your aerosols are flammable, check the can or the packaging! It will usually indicate whether or not the contents or flammable on there.

What About International?

Unfortunately, USPS prohibits aerosols to be shipped internationally. In this case, it doesn’t matter whether they are flammable or non-flammable. Sorry!

Want more information on USPS’ policies for shipping aerosols? Check out the USPS packaging instructions for shipping aerosols to make sure you’re doing everything right.