Military Mail Restrictions
Each country has customs regulations that apply to all incoming mail. These may include prohibitions on certain kinds of food or entertainment products. Military units may also have additional restrictions imposed by the unit commanders, such as those on size and weight, to ensure logistics support can handle the mail along with other necessities. The maximum length of a package in any category is 72 inches. In addition, Military ZIP Code™ restrictions may be revised as military units move to different locations. While there are specific restrictions for each five-digit military (APO/FPO) Post Office™ area, generally speaking, it is prohibited to mail the following:
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obscene articles (pictures, paintings, cards, films, videotapes, etc.)
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any matter depicting nude or seminude persons, pornographic or sexual items, or non-authorized political materials
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bulk quantities of religious materials contrary to the Islamic faith. Items for the personal use of the recipient are permissible
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pork or pork by-products
All applicable restrictions for about 3,000 overseas military ZIP Codes are entered into the United States Postal Service® computer terminals and published in the Postal Bulletin. Or, for specific restrictions to an APO/FPO location, you can call 1-800-ASK-USPS or consult your local Post Office.
Note: The intent of the customs prohibition against mailing religious items stems from the host country's concern about distributing these materials to its citizens. Mailing a Bible or other individual religious item if it is solely for the personal use of the service member should not be an issue.
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