Who is responsible for marking and declaring hazardous materials in the mail?

The mailer is responsible for marking and declaring hazardous materials in the mail because they are the party preparing the item for shipment. It is crucial for the mailer to accurately identify and label materials that may pose safety risks during transport. This includes adhering to regulations regarding packaging, documentation, and labeling of hazardous materials. The responsibility to communicate the proper handling, safety, and regulatory compliance lies primarily with the mailer, ensuring that all necessary precautions are taken before the package enters the mail system.

The USPS works to enforce regulations and guidelines but does not take on the responsibility of declaring hazardous materials; instead, it relies on mailers to provide the necessary information. The recipient typically does not have any obligation regarding the declaration of hazardous materials, while federal law enforcement agencies may monitor compliance with these regulations but are not responsible for marking or declaring items in the mail.