Postal Service Considering Ban on Inert Munitions Shipping

Washington, D.C. The Postal Service is proposing new standards to prohibit the mailing of replica or inert munitions and other simulated explosive devices. The proposed ban is meant to ensure the safety of postal employees as well as to minimize disruptions. In 2006 alone, the Postal Service recorded 849 suspicious incidents involving mail that exhibited characteristics of possible explosives. Postal facilities were evacuated on 100 separate occasions due to these occurrences. Postal Inspectors or local emergency first responders reacted to each of these occurrences to assess the items which resulted in budget impacts as well as creating unnecessary stress for employees.

Canada initiated a similar ban over a year ago which was also reported by UXOInfo.com in an article posted in November 2006. The ban will surely impact ordnance collectors as well as the UXO industry. Many UXO contractors ship inert items for use in geophysical prove out (GPO) sites across the country.

The Postal Service is seeking public comments on the proposed rule before April 7, 2008. Details on the proposed rule including a point of contact for submitting comments can be found in the Federal Register posting which can be viewed using the download link below.