APO Shipping Restrictions

A range of items is universally recognized as non-mailable when it comes to military shipments. Aerosols top this list due to their pressurized containers, which can explode under certain conditions and pose a significant hazard. Similarly, alcohol and common items containing alcohol like hand sanitizer and mouth wash is banned because of both its flammability and the legal complexities it presents across different jurisdictions. Electronics can be tricky due to the risk of data breaches and the potential for GPS-enabled devices to compromise operations security. Know that used electronics are forbidden as they pose safety risks during transit. Lithium batteries have very specific mailing requirements that must follow the dangerous good protocol. Note that brand new unopened items with lithium batteries, meeting the qualification for mailing, can be sent only when they are not listed in base-specific restrictions. These items are considered the usual culprits because they consistently appear on restricted lists and can cause safety issues during transport. It’s imperative to review the full list of prohibited items provided by the carrier and adhere to it strictly. By avoiding these common mistakes, shippers can prevent their packages from being confiscated or returned, ensuring a seamless delivery process.

Read More: Shipping Hazardous Materials and Dangerous Goods

When sending packages to military personnel, it’s crucial to consider the content’s appropriateness. Offensive imagery, which includes pornographic material and depictions of semi-nudity, is strictly prohibited. Not only do these items violate military standards and regulations, but they can also have a negative impact on morale and discipline within the unit. Additionally, content that may be politically or culturally insensitive is not allowed, as it can cause unrest or be damaging to international relations. The military enforces these standards to maintain a professional and respectful environment for all service members. Before packing your shipment, ensure that all contents, including books, magazines, and other media, are free from offensive material. This mindfulness contributes to the well-being of the recipients and the integrity of military operations, helping your package to reach its destination without incident.

Note: Bulk quantities of religious materials are also prohibited. It is okay to send a bible or religious item to a person but you can’t send a whole box of them.

When shipping to military bases, it’s not just about what you send, but also where you send it. Base-specific restrictions can include a variety of items, such as over-the-counter medicines and supplements, coffee, beef jerky and meat products, and even coffee. Pharmaceuticals can only be mailed by an entity registered by the Drug Enforcement Administration and should not be sent by family members.  Meats and animal products are showing up on the list at more and more bases these days. Coffee, a seemingly benign item, can also be subject to restrictions as it is rationed in some countries. Restrictions can depend on the base’s location and the agreements with local vendors or host country regulations. Understanding these nuances is crucial for a hassle-free shipping experience. Before gathering your items to send it’s best to check the base specific restrictions to get the most current list of restrictions for the zip code you’re shipping to because they can change from deployment to deployment and with regulation changes. This proactive approach ensures that service members receive their packages without complications, and shippers avoid the frustration of returned or confiscated items.

Lithium batteries are a common energy source for many electronic devices, but they pose significant risks when shipped to military bases. These batteries are known for their high energy density, which can lead to overheating and, in some cases, combustion. For this reason, most carriers have strict regulations regarding the shipment of lithium batteries. A brand new unopened cellphone or item with lithium batteries installed are mailable if rules and customs requirements are followed. They often require that the batteries be contained within the devices they power and meet the restrictions on mailability. When planning to ship electronics that contain lithium batteries, it’s crucial to check the carrier’s guidelines and ensure compliance with all safety measures. Following these precautions helps prevent accidents during transit, protecting both the shipment and the personnel handling it, and ensuring the safe arrival of your package.

Read More: Shipping Hazardous Materials and Dangerous Goods

Sending cash or gift cards in a package to a military base comes with inherent risks. It’s important to understand that packages can be opened and inspected during the customs process or by military postal service personnel to ensure that contents adhere to the base’s restrictions. During these inspections, items like cash and gift cards can easily go missing, causing not only financial loss but also disappointment for the intended recipient. Moreover, sending cash through the mail is generally discouraged due to the risk of theft. Gift cards can be a thoughtful way to provide a service member with a flexible spending option, but it’s safer to consider alternatives such as electronic gift cards or money transfers through secure services. These methods provide a more secure way to send funds, allowing service members to receive your gift without the risk of physical loss.