WASHINGTON — As holiday gift shipments surge nationwide, the U.S. Postal Service is reminding customers that one popular present comes with rules many may overlook: perfume, which is legally classified as a hazardous material in the mail stream.

Perfume can be shipped within the United States by ground transportation, according to the USPS , Air shipment is allowed only when the sender has received prior authorization. The product cannot be mailed internationally or to military or diplomatic addresses because of its flammability.

The USPS limits each package to a combined total of 16 ounces of perfume. Individual bottles must be tightly sealed, placed inside secondary packaging such as a sealable plastic bag and cushioned with absorbent material in case of breakage or leakage.

The Pos

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