Customize USPS Hazmat Labels with AfterShip Returns
Overview
AfterShip Returns now supports customized hazardous materials (hazmat) labeling for return shipments via the United States Postal Service (USPS). This ensures merchants comply with USPS’s strict requirements when handling returns that include dangerous goods.
What you'll learn
How it works
FAQs
Key takeaways
Appendix
Additional resources
How it works
Merchants are responsible for identifying the hazmat class of their products and ensuring all return shipments comply with USPS regulations. For detailed guidance, refer to the USPS Hazmat Shipping Safety Guide.
USPS requires specific label elements for hazardous materials. As a general guideline, hazmat return labels must include:
a. A service indicator "H" for identification
b. The phrase “HAZMAT - Surface Transportation Only” below the return address (for surface-only shipments)
c. The word “HAZMAT” following “USPS TRACKING #” , above the tracking barcode
AfterShip Returns supports customized USPS return labels via our shipping partner VESYL. When a return includes items classified as hazmat by USPS, AfterShip can automatically apply the required label customizations.
Merchants can request one of two hazmat labeling configurations:
a. Apply to all USPS return labels by default, or
b. Apply conditionally, based on specific product tags or types.
Important considerations
To enable hazmat label customization, merchants must provide:
Product tag or product type: Tag all hazmat products in your catalog, or specify the product types that require hazmat labeling. AfterShip will use this information to determine when to apply USPS hazmat label references.
Hazmat class: Indicate the correct hazmat class for each tagged product. This ensures accurate labeling per USPS requirements.
| Value | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| Air eligible ethanol | Air eligible ethanol package | |
| Class 1 | Toy propellant/safety fuse package | |
| Class 3 | Package | |
| Class 7 | Radioactive materials package | |
| Class 8 | Corrosive | Corrosive materials package |
| Wet battery | Nonspillable wet battery package | |
| Class 9 | New lithium individual | Lithium battery marked – ground only package |
| Used lithium | Lithium battery – returns package | |
| New lithium device | Lithium batteries, marked package | |
| Dry ice | Dry ice package | |
| Unmarked lithium | Lithium batteries, unmarked package | |
| Magnetized materials package | Magnetized materials package | |
| Division 4.1 | Mailable flammable solids and safety matches package | |
| Division 5.1 | Oxidizers package | |
| Division 5.2 | Peroxides package | |
| Division 6.1 | Toxic materials package (with an LD50 of 50 mg/kg or less) | |
| Division 6.2 | Infectious materials package | |
| Excepted quantity provision | Excepted quantity provision package | |
| Ground only | Ground only | |
| ID8000 | ID8000 consumer commodity package | |
| Lighters | Lighters package | |
| Limited quantity | Limited quantity ground package | |
| Small quantity provision | Small quantity provision package |
The most common hazardous materials (hazmat) classes include lithium batteries, explosives, flammable liquids, flammable solids, and compressed gases. Merchants can learn more about these classes by referring to the USPS Hazardous Materials Table.
FAQs
1. Do I need to identify every hazmat item individually?
Not necessarily. You can use product tags or product types to group hazmat products for automated label handling.
2. Does this work for international returns?
This customization currently supports USPS domestic returns only.
3. What happens if I don’t label hazmat packages properly?
USPS may reject the package, issue fines, or suspend shipping privileges. If that HAZMAT causes damage additional litigation could result in compensation.
4. Can I enable hazmat labeling for all USPS returns?
Yes. Let AfterShip Support know to apply hazmat labeling by default for all USPS returns.
Key takeaways
Hazmat compliance made easy: Customize USPS return labels to meet hazmat shipping regulations.
Support via VESYL: Labels are generated through shipping partner VESYL with hazmat indicators included.
Flexible configuration: Merchants can apply hazmat labels based on product tags or product types.
Support multiple hazmat classes: Over 20 hazmat classifications are supported, including lithium batteries, corrosives, and flammable items.
AfterShip feature support: Merchants are required to coordinate with the AfterShip support team to set up this feature.
Appendix
Hazmat (Hazardous Materials): Substances that pose risks to health, safety, or property during transportation. Common hazmat items include lithium batteries, flammable liquids, and corrosive materials.
Hazmat Class: A USPS-defined classification system used to categorize different types of hazardous materials. Each class has specific labeling and shipping requirements.
VESYL: AfterShip’s shipping partner that facilitates USPS label generation and supports hazmat label customization.
Service Indicator “H”: A required USPS label marking that indicates a package contains hazardous materials. Used to alert carriers and handlers.
HAZMAT - Surface Transportation Only: Label text required by USPS for hazardous materials that must be shipped by ground transportation.
Ground-Only Shipping: A restriction for certain hazardous materials that cannot be shipped via air and must travel by ground transportation only.
Compliant Shipping: Ensuring packages meet legal and regulatory requirements for shipping hazardous materials, including labeling, handling, and documentation.
Additional resources
USPS Hazardous Materials Safety Guide
USPS Pub 52 Appendix A - Hazmat Table
Updated on: 04/06/2025