Starting July 12th, 2026, USPS is implementing a $50 Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) noncompliance fee for packages with improper hazardous materials labeling. Here’s what you need to know — and how Poshmark has you covered.
You’re fully covered through July 31, 2026, with Poshmark absorbing 100% of the USPS hazmat fee — you pay nothing until August.
| Date Range | Your Cost if Flagged | Poshmark Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Now – July 31, 2026 | $0 | 100% |
| August 1st, 2026 – Onward | $5 | 90% ($45 of $50) |
THE FEE IS EASY TO AVOID
- Inspect your box. The most common cause isn’t the item — it’s an old hazmat label on a reused box.
- Remove or fully cover any markings before you ship — stickers, symbols, old barcodes.
- Shipping electronics? Check the electronics shipping guide for lithium-ion battery requirements.
WHAT TO DO BEFORE YOU SHIP
The good news: this fee is easy to avoid. The most common cause isn’t the item inside — it’s reusing a box that still has old hazmat labels on it.
👀 Check reused packaging
Check all sides for hazmat stickers, warning symbols, or old barcodes from previous shipments
🧹 Make sure old markings aren’t visible
Completely blot out or remove all existing hazmat labels — partial coverage still counts as flagged.
📱Shipping Electronics
Review the electronics shipping guide before packing — lithium-ion batteries have specific packaging requirements.
⌨️ Think you were charged by mistake?
Contact Poshmark Support and the team will look into it for you.
WHAT POSHMARK SELLERS NEED TO KNOW
Sellers are responsible for shipping in compliance with USPS hazmat requirements and Poshmark’s Terms of Service, including the Prohibited Items Policy.
After August 1, 2026, if you are charged:
- You’ll receive an email notification with order details and next steps.
- $5 will be deducted from your redeemable balance, and Poshmark will pay USPS the remaining $45.
- The charge appears as “USPS charge for hazmat noncompliance: $5.00” in your balance activity.
- If your balance goes negative, it will automatically correct from your next sale or redemption.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why am I being charged a USPS hazmat non-compliance fee?
USPS is charging $50 for each shipment flagged for hazmat non-compliance. In support of our seller community, Poshmark has you covered: through July 31, 2026, you pay $0 — Poshmark absorbs 100% of the fee. Starting August 1, your out-of-pocket cost is just $5 — Poshmark pays the remaining $45. Please note that the $5 fee is subject to change, and we will notify you in advance of any updates.
How long does Poshmark’s 100% coverage last?
Poshmark will cover 100% of the cost for any package postmarked through July 31, 2026. Starting August 1, 2026, the $5 seller portion applies. Please note this fee is subject to change, and we will notify you in advance of any updates.
What items are considered hazmat?
“HAZMAT” stands for hazardous materials. For online sellers this falls into two categories: regulated contents (perfume, nail polish, aerosol sprays, electronics with lithium-ion batteries) and reused boxes with old markings — even if your item is harmless, a box with an old hazmat sticker will be flagged.
What if I didn’t know my item was hazmat?
The most common cause isn’t the item itself — it’s reused packaging with old hazmat labels still on it. Check your box before you ship and remove or fully cover any existing hazmat markings. If you’re shipping electronics, review our electronics shipping guide.
What counts as a hazmat label?
Any label or marking on a package that indicates hazardous contents, including old labels from a previous shipment. The policy applies even if your item isn’t hazardous — a dress shipped in a box with a leftover hazmat sticker can still get flagged.
What if I think the charge is an error?
We’ve got your back. If you believe your package was mistakenly flagged, please reach out to Poshmark Support and our team will gladly look into it for you.
Does this apply to returns?
No. This fee applies to outbound seller shipments only.
Still have questions? We’re here to help. Head over to our Support Center for more details.
