The U.S. Postal Service is warning the public about the serious risks of fireworks when placed in the mail.
“With July 4th quickly approaching, the U.S. Postal Service is reminding customers that while fireworks are a fun way to celebrate Independence Day, they are strictly prohibited in the mail system,” the Postal Service stated on Monday.
All types of fireworks, including sparklers, firecrackers, bottle rockets and Roman candles, are considered hazardous materials and are banned from air and ground transportation through the postal system.
“Shipping fireworks through the mail puts our employees, customers and transportation networks at serious risk,” Acting Postmaster General Doug Tulino said. “Even small items like firecrackers or bottle rockets can cause fires, explosions or injuries if mishandled.”
The Postal Service has a range of technology and inspection protocols in place to detect nonmailable items.
Anyone caught mailing fireworks can face civil penalties, criminal charges and other consequences.
The Postal Service says last year it opened 1,700 investigations into customer attempts to send hazardous materials through the mail, including fireworks and other explosives.
The USPS has published a full list of hazardous, restricted and perishable mail.