Mailing regulations

[cynbrat]

I would like to hear what others have to say about the post office rules regarding the non-shipment of liquids to overseas places.  I was in the post office yesterday getting ready to mail a care package to my mother in the Philippines.  She is a fan of Bath and Body sprays, Cucumber Melon being her favorite, so I went and got her 3 bottles (you pay for 2 and get 1 free).  Being the honest citizen that I am  I listed the body sprays in my customs declaration form.  When I reached the counter the clerk told me I couldn't mail it because anything that is packaged in aerosol form, whether it be cologne or lotion, is taboo!  Ok, let's get real here.  Would I purposely ship an explosive devise to my own mother packed in a body spray bottle or Aveeno lotion in a pump dispenser?  I'm sure a lot of people have gotten away  with sending liquids overseas by fudging on their declaration forms.  And there are those who also use the post office to mail tons of liquids overseas.  They get away with it while I, a law-abiding, tax-paying citizen has to put up with ridiculous shipping requirements put in place because of some fanatics who tried everything in their power to destroy the United States of America, but have failed so far!

Thanks for letting me vent! I look forward to reading your comments.  Have a great day everyone!

[Falconer02]

Well that sucks. Sorry to hear of the inconvenience. I imagine it is only partially the problem of a 'potential bomb'-- aerosol cans can explode if put in hot temperatures. Not that it wouldn't cause an immense amount of damage to an individual, but it may explode and leak/stink up other packages that it is with. This is only an assumption though.

I have gotten away with this, but only is the US. I sold a paintball gun online and had to ship it out. The gun came with some spray to lubricate some metal peices and I just hid it tight within the box and just said "nope" when they asked me if there was anything in aerosol form.

Have a great day everyone!

Right back at ya

[cynbrat]

You're right Falconer2 - the possibility that aerosol cans would explode in mid-air due to the pressure inside the airplane was the MAIN reason for not allowing any liquids to be shipped via USPS air mail. The postal clerk gave that fatal plane crash in South Florida as an example.  If I recall, they had huge canisters in their cargo hold that were combustible, not 6 fluid ounce bottles of bottle spray.  What cracks me up is when I told the postal clerk that when you travel, the airlines allow you to pack liquids in your checked baggage and in your carry on as well, he was totally surprised!  So go figure, all that liquid sloshing inside lots of luggage located in a pressurized cargo hold does not an explosion make, UNLESS.....and this is where I end this discussion.