Can You Ship It Internationally?

Many household items can’t go in the mail.
Hazardous materials come in a wide variety of forms and can be chemical, biological, radioactive, or a combination.

The Postal Service's™ definition of a hazardous material includes many common household and consumer products. They may not be dangerous on your shelf at home, but they can become a hazard when shaken or when the temperature or pressure changes.

Some common hazardous materials include…

• Perfumes
• Nail polish
• Flea collars or flea sprays
• Aerosols
• Bleach
• Pool chemicals
• Paints
• Matches
• Batteries
• Fuels or gasoline
• Airbags
• Dry ice
• Mercury thermometers
• Cleaning supplies
• Items previously containing fuel
• Glues
• Fireworks

Not sure if what you’re sending is hazardous or prohibited?  Just call 1-800-ASK-USPS or your local Post Office.

International Measuring Tips
For every type of international mail, there’s a minimum and maximum size. Here’s a quick rundown of our size guidelines for items sent overseas.

Just because your mailpiece exceeds the maximum length, height, or thickness of one shape, doesn’t mean you can’t send it. It’ll just be classified as the next largest shape. It also requires more postage if it’s a certain shape or size that is difficult to process on mail processing equipment. 

International package size restrictions depend on the service and the country.
Go to Postal Explorer to see country restrictions ›

Sending within the U.S.? 
See our domestic guidelines ›

Standard Shape and Size Guidelines for International Mail

Global Express Guaranteed® Packages

• Maximum combined length and girth is 108". Meaning the combined measurement of the longest side and the distance around the thickest part can’t be more than 108".
• Some countries have additional size and weight restrictions.

Express Mail International® Packages

• Maximum size dimensions for Express Mail International service vary by country.

Go to Postal Explorer to see the International Country Listings ›

• If you’re using Express Mail International Flat Rate supplies, the contents should reasonably fit inside.
• Some countries have additional size and weight restrictions.

Priority Mail International® Packages

• Maximum size dimensions for Priority Mail International parcels vary by country.

Go to Postal Explorer to see the International Country Listings ›

• If you’re using Priority Mail International Flat Rate supplies, the contents should reasonably fit inside.
• Some countries have additional size and weight restrictions.

First-Class Mail International™ Packages

• Maximum weight is 4 lbs.
• Maximum length, height and depth combined is 36".
• Rolls must be within the following dimension:
  • Minimum length: 4"
  • Minimum length plus twice the diameter combined: 6 3/4"
  • Maximum length: 36"
  • Maximum length plus twice the diameter combined: 42"

First Class Mail International™ Large Envelopes

• Package prices apply if any of these three dimensions are exceeded; if they are square, lumpy or rigid, have clasps or similar closures, have an address that is written parallel to the shorter edge, and if they are more than 6" long, 4 1/4" high, or less than 0.009" thick.
• Light-colored envelopes are required.

First Class Mail International™ Letters

• Extra postage is needed for envelopes if they are square, lumpy or rigid, have clasps or similar closures, have an address that is written parallel to the shorter edge, if their length divided by their height is less than 1.3 or more than 2.5.
• Some countries have additional size and weight restrictions.

First Class Mail International™ Postcards

• Maximum thickness is 0.016".