Compliance
Prohibited Items Policy
MailNero strictly prohibits the use of its platform to ship illegal, dangerous, or carrier-prohibited items. This policy outlines what may not be shipped through our service and summarizes your responsibilities as a user.
1. Illegal Drugs & Controlled Substances
Shipping illegal drugs or controlled substances through the mail is a federal crime under 21 U.S.C. § 843 and other applicable statutes. MailNero strictly prohibits the use of its platform to ship:
- Marijuana, cannabis, or cannabis-derived products (regardless of state law, as federal law governs interstate mail)
- Cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, fentanyl, or any Schedule I–V controlled substance
- Prescription medications without a valid prescription and proper labeling
- Synthetic drugs, analogues, or designer drugs
- Drug paraphernalia intended for illegal use
- Any substance controlled under the DEA's Controlled Substances Act
2. Explosives & Weapons
MailNero prohibits the shipment of firearms, explosives, and related materials except as specifically permitted by carrier policy and applicable law with all required licenses, disclosures, and packaging compliance. The following are strictly prohibited without full legal authorization:
- Handguns, pistols, revolvers, or other concealable firearms (prohibited via USPS for non-licensed individuals)
- Explosive devices, grenades, blasting caps, or IED components
- Black powder in quantities exceeding carrier limits
- Fireworks, flares, or pyrotechnic devices (unless carrier-approved)
- Tasers, stun guns, or other electronic weapons (varies by jurisdiction)
- Silencers, suppressors, or unregistered NFA items
Federally licensed firearms dealers (FFLs) must comply with all ATF regulations, carrier-specific firearms shipping policies, and state law when shipping firearms. Improper firearms shipping is a federal felony.
3. Hazardous Materials
Hazardous materials (HAZMAT) must be shipped in strict compliance with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR Parts 100–185) and IATA standards for air shipments. MailNero prohibits undeclared or improperly packaged hazardous materials, including:
- Flammable liquids (gasoline, acetone, etc.)
- Corrosive acids and bases
- Compressed gases (aerosols, propane, etc.)
- Lithium batteries (beyond carrier limits)
- Radioactive materials without authorization
- Toxic or infectious biological substances
- Wet cell batteries (lead acid)
- Mercury-containing devices
- Dry ice beyond permitted quantities
- Pool chemicals (oxidizers)
Some hazardous materials may be shipped with proper declaration, packaging, labeling, and carrier pre-approval. It is your responsibility to obtain all required permits and comply with all applicable regulations before shipping any HAZMAT via MailNero.
4. Counterfeit & Fraudulent Goods
Shipping counterfeit goods through the mail is a federal crime under the Trademark Counterfeiting Act (18 U.S.C. § 2320) and may also violate customs laws and international treaties. MailNero expressly prohibits:
- Counterfeit branded products (clothing, electronics, accessories, pharmaceuticals, etc.)
- Fake currency, forged documents, or fraudulent identification
- Pirated software, media, or copyrighted content
- Products falsely labeled as authentic or misrepresenting their origin
- Goods that infringe on any patent, trademark, or copyright
5. Stolen Property
Shipping stolen goods through any carrier is a federal offense under the National Stolen Property Act (18 U.S.C. § 2314–2315) when transported across state lines. MailNero strictly prohibits:
- Property obtained through theft, burglary, or robbery
- Items fraudulently obtained through false pretenses or scams
- Packages received as part of reshipping or parcel mule schemes
- Property that is the subject of a law enforcement hold or seizure
- Items purchased with stolen payment credentials
MailNero cooperates fully with law enforcement investigations involving stolen property. Accounts found to be facilitating the shipment of stolen goods will be immediately terminated and reported to appropriate authorities.
6. Carrier-Prohibited Items (USPS, UPS, FedEx)
In addition to items prohibited by law, each carrier maintains its own list of prohibited or restricted items. You are responsible for reviewing and complying with current carrier policies. Common carrier-prohibited items include:
- Handguns and concealable firearms (non-FFL)
- Cigarettes and smokeless tobacco (to consumers)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Live animals (most species)
- Air bags (loose/uninstalled)
- Marijuana (all forms)
- Money, currency, and negotiable instruments
- Gambling devices (where restricted)
- Ivory and endangered species products
- Fireworks
- Hazmat without proper declaration
- Perishables without proper packaging
- Marijuana and cannabis products
- Kratom and analogues
- Human remains or ashes (special handling required)
- Certain batteries (undeclared lithium)
- Alcohol (without required permits)
- Fur products from protected animals
This is a representative summary only. Carrier prohibited items lists change periodically. Always consult the carrier's current published policy before shipping.
7. Restricted International Shipments
International shipments are subject to the import and export regulations of both the originating and destination countries, U.S. export control laws (including EAR and ITAR), and applicable trade sanctions administered by OFAC.
- OFAC-sanctioned countries: MailNero does not facilitate shipments to or from countries subject to U.S. Treasury OFAC sanctions (e.g., North Korea, Iran, Cuba, Syria, Russia in certain categories);
- Export-controlled items: Certain technology, software, military equipment, and dual-use goods require export licenses under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) or ITAR;
- Customs compliance: Users are responsible for accurate customs declarations, duty payment, and compliance with the destination country's import laws;
- Restricted destinations: Some carriers restrict service to certain countries entirely — check carrier websites for current coverage.
8. Other Prohibited Items
The following additional items are prohibited on the MailNero platform:
- Live animals (without carrier authorization)
- Human remains or body parts (without proper authorization)
- Obscene or pornographic material
- Child exploitation material (CSAM) — federal crime
- Hate group materials or materials promoting violence
- Surveillance equipment (where restricted)
- Unlicensed lottery tickets or gambling instruments
- Soil, plants, or agricultural materials (without USDA permits)
- Night-vision or thermal imaging devices (export restricted)
- Mercury thermometers (USPS prohibited)
- Items under active legal hold or seizure order
- Any item prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local law
9. Consequences of Violations
MailNero enforces this policy seriously. Violations — confirmed or reasonably suspected — will result in one or more of the following actions:
- Immediate account suspension — pending investigation;
- Permanent account termination — for confirmed violations;
- Forfeiture of account balance — to the extent permitted by law;
- Reporting to law enforcement — including USPIS, DEA, FBI, or ATF as appropriate;
- Civil liability — MailNero may pursue legal action for damages resulting from violations;
- Carrier reporting — carrier networks may be notified and may take independent action.
MailNero reserves the right to refuse service, restrict access, or terminate any account at any time for abuse, unlawful activity, or conduct that poses a risk to the platform, its users, or the public.
10. Reporting Prohibited Use
If you are aware of or suspect that someone is using MailNero to ship prohibited items or engage in fraudulent activity, please report it to us immediately:
Reports may be made anonymously. MailNero takes all abuse reports seriously and investigates them promptly.
11. Legal Compliance Resources
The following resources may help you determine whether your shipment is compliant:
- USPS Publication 52 – Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail
- 49 CFR – DOT Hazardous Materials Regulations
- Bureau of Industry and Security – Export Administration Regulations
- OFAC Sanctions Programs
- DEA Controlled Substances Schedules
Disclaimer: This policy is intended as a general compliance guide and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and carrier policies change frequently. Users are solely responsible for verifying compliance with all applicable local, state, federal, and international regulations before using MailNero to ship any item. When in doubt, consult a qualified legal professional or contact the carrier directly before shipping.