Can You Ship Glue Through USPS? Rules, Packing Tips, and a Step by Step Guide

Introduction: Quick answer and why it matters

Short answer: yes, you can often ship glue through USPS, but it depends on the type and quantity. Water based school glue and most craft glues are fine, while cyanoacrylate super glue, spray adhesives, and solvent based epoxies can be restricted because they are flammable or classified as hazardous materials.

People ship glue all the time: Etsy sellers sending craft adhesive, contractors mailing small tubes of epoxy, teachers swapping supplies, or hobbyists trading model glue. Problems happen when a package leaks, is misdeclared, or violates USPS hazardous materials rules, and that can mean returns, fines, or lost mail.

This article shows exactly how to check whether your glue is allowed, how to package and seal it to pass inspection, labeling and paperwork to avoid rejections, and rules for domestic and international shipments. Follow the step by step packing tips to ship glue safely and legally.

USPS rules at a glance, is glue hazardous

Short answer, yes and no. When people ask can you ship glue through USPS they usually mean household glues like school glue or small bottles of super glue. Water based PVA glues and small retail tubes of cyanoacrylate are generally mailable when shipped in original, sealed containers and packed to prevent leaks.

USPS classifies adhesives based on their ingredients. The big divider is flammable solvents. If a glue contains solvents such as acetone, toluene, or methyl ethyl ketone, it is treated as hazardous material. Examples include many rubber cements and contact adhesives; these can be restricted from air transport, limited to ground only, or require special UN approved packaging and labeling.

Practical checklist: read the product label and safety data sheet for words like flammable, combustible, or a UN number. If you see those, do not assume standard retail packaging is enough; call USPS or use a hazmat shipper. If the glue is nonhazardous, pack to prevent leakage and include a packed upright orientation, absorbent material, and cushioning to avoid damage.

Which types of glue you can and cannot ship

If you wonder can you ship glue through USPS, here is a fast, practical breakdown by type and common examples.

Water based craft glues, allowed. Examples: Elmer’s white glue, PVA, school glues. These are nonflammable, mailable domestically, just seal the bottle and bag it for leaks.

Cyanoacrylate, conditionally allowed. Example: Super Glue. Small, sealed retail containers are usually mailable. Avoid loose tubes or large industrial quantities, and double bag to prevent accidental contact.

Solvent based adhesives, generally not allowed without hazmat handling. Examples: rubber cement, contact cement, model glues with toluene or acetone. These are often flammable and classified as hazardous material.

Aerosol adhesives, prohibited. Spray glues under pressure are not mailable because they are flammable and pressurized.

Epoxy resins and hardeners, check SDS and carrier rules. Some components are corrosive or reactive and may be restricted.

Always check the product safety data sheet for words like flammable, combustible, or DOT hazardous, and when in doubt call USPS or use a hazmat certified shipper.

How to check the rules fast, using SDS and Publication 52

When you type can you ship glue through USPS into Google, skip forums and do this instead. Fast, step by step.

1. Grab the SDS from the product page or manufacturer, for example Loctite or Aleene’s.
2. Read key SDS sections: Section 2 for hazards, Section 3 for ingredients, Section 9 for flash point and vapor pressure, Section 14 for transport information and UN number. If you see a UN number such as UN1133 or a hazard class like Class 3, the glue is likely regulated. Water based PVA glues usually list no UN number and are nonhazardous.
3. Open USPS Publication 52 at usps.com, search Publication 52, then check the tables for flammable liquids and adhesives to see allowed, restricted, or prohibited status and packing rules.
4. If unclear, call your local post office or the USPS hazardous materials desk before shipping.

Packing and labeling rules for shippable glues

When you ask can you ship glue through USPS, the answer often comes down to packing and proper disclosure. Follow these steps to meet USPS expectations and avoid a rejected parcel.

1. Inner container, then secondary protection. Keep glue in its original container when possible. Place the bottle or tube inside a sealed plastic bag, squeeze out excess air, and seal the bag with tape. For liquid or solvent based adhesives add absorbent material such as paper towels, loose cellulose, or vermiculite around the inner container to soak leaks.

2. Secure the cap. Tape the cap and threads with packing tape to prevent accidental opening. Wrap the sealed bag in bubble wrap or foam.

3. Box it right. Use a strong corrugated box sized so there is at least 2 inches of cushioning on all sides. Fill voids with foam peanuts or crumpled paper so the inner package cannot shift.

4. Labeling and declarations. If the glue is labeled flammable, pressurized, or otherwise hazardous, USPS requires a hazardous materials declaration and specific markings. Consumer grade, nonflammable glues usually do not need special labels, but always check product MSDS and USPS Publication 52 or ask your local Post Office before shipping.

5. Tips. Ship upright when possible, choose ground service for solvent adhesives, and document the product name and quantity on the outside if required.

Step by step checklist to prepare a glue package

1. Identify the product, read the SDS, confirm whether the glue is classified as flammable or hazardous. This decides everything, and answers the question can you ship glue through USPS for this specific product.

2. Check USPS rules and quantity limits for that hazard class, online or at your local post office. If in doubt, treat it as restricted and switch to ground transport.

3. Pick the right service. For solvent or flammable adhesives choose surface based services only, or a hazmat approved carrier. For water based craft glue, Priority Mail usually works.

4. Inner packaging first: cap taped, each bottle wrapped in bubble wrap, placed in a sealed zip bag with 2 inches of absorbent material.

5. Secondary protection: place bottles upright in a sturdy corrugated box, add foam or crumpled paper to prevent movement, close with heavy tape.

6. Labeling and paperwork: include the SDS, add any required hazard labels and a written declaration if USPS requires it.

7. At the counter: present the SDS, declare the contents, get the clerk to confirm acceptance, save your receipt and tracking number.

Common mistakes that cause rejections or fines

If you ask can you ship glue through USPS, the most common problems are predictable and easy to fix. Sending aerosol adhesives or spray cans will usually get a parcel rejected, because those products are treated as hazardous. Quick fix, switch to a non aerosol alternative or use a hazmat certified carrier.

Under packing is another frequent error. Example, super glue bottles leak and bond lids. Quick fixes, tape the cap, place the bottle in a sealed plastic bag with absorbent material, then double box with cushioning, label as liquid if required.

Failing to check import rules or not declaring hazardous items leads to delays and penalties. Quick fixes, review the receiving country rules, include the Safety Data Sheet, and declare hazardous contents on the shipping label or via USPS hazmat services.

Final insights and quick reference

Short takeaways, fast. If you wondered can you ship glue through USPS, the simple answer is sometimes. Nonflammable, water based adhesives in original, sealed retail containers are usually mailable. Flammable adhesives, aerosols, or products with a prohibited hazard class are not.

Rule of thumb, check two things before packing. Read the product SDS for words like flammable, corrosive, or a UN number. Then cross reference USPS Publication 52 or call the USPS Hazardous Materials Desk. If either flags the product, do not ship through USPS.

Quick checklist: SDS clear of hazardous classes, intact retail packaging, cushioned to prevent leaks, package labeled if required. For verification, use SDS searches and Publication 52.