Federal Register #2026-06376

USPS Proposed Rule Change: Mailing Standards for Firearms

This opportunity concerns a proposed regulatory change by the United States Postal Service (USPS) regarding the mailing of firearms: - Government Buyer: - United States Postal Service (USPS) - Office: USPS Headquarters Library, Washington, DC - OEMs and Vendors: - No specific OEMs or vendors are mentioned, as this is a regulatory update, not a procurement - Products/Services Requested: - No products or services are being procured; the rule addresses the mailing of firearms - The proposed rule would allow lawful handguns to be mailed under the same terms as rifles and shotguns - Firearms must be unloaded and mailed in compliance with all federal, state, and local laws - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Maintains restrictions on nonmailable firearms - Requires compliance with the Gun Control Act and related regulations - Mandates use of tracking and signature capture services for mailed firearms - Mailers must adhere to packaging and certification standards - This is a regulatory change, not a procurement or contract award

Description

The United States Postal Service is proposing to amend Publication 52, which governs the mailing of hazardous, restricted, and perishable mail, to align with a recent Department of Justice Office of Legal Counsel opinion. This opinion found Section 1715 of Title 18 U.S. Code, which prohibits mailing concealable firearms, unconstitutional as applied to constitutionally protected firearms. The proposed rule expands the scope of mailable firearms to include lawful handguns under certain conditions, such as being unloaded and complying with all applicable laws. The rule also maintains restrictions on nonmailable firearms and requires mailers to adhere to federal and state regulations regarding firearms.

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