The U.S. Postal Service announced recently it would modify mailing regulations of tobacco shipments from the United States to Army Post Office (APO), Fleet Post Office (FPO) and Diplomatic Post Office (DPO) destinations by expanding shipping options to include Priority Mail service with delivery confirmation.

Beginning August 27, those mailing these items to APO, FPO and DPO destinations where tobacco shipments are permissible will have Express Mail Military Service and Priority Mail service with delivery confirmation as shipping options.

The addition of Priority Mail service with delivery confirmation for the shipment of tobacco to these destinations enables shipments of small amounts of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products to service members in war zones and other destinations where Express Mail Military Service is unavailable.

The Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking Act (PACT) went into effect June 29 and subjects the mailing of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products to new mailing regulations. Today's announcement modifies only tobacco shipments to APO, FPO and DPO destinations. All other restrictions of PACT remain unchanged.

Packages containing tobacco items addressed to APO, FPO and DPO destinations are restricted to a total weight of 10 ounces or less. Mailers must show proof of legal age to purchase tobacco at the time of mailing and confirm the addressee is at least 18 years of age.

With only a few limited exceptions, the Postal Service no longer accepts or transports packages containing cigarettes or smokeless tobacco products. The general mailability ban extends to cigarettes, roll-your-own tobacco and smokeless tobacco. With the exception of tobacco shipments to APO, FPO and DPO destinations and those entirely within Alaska and Hawaii, tobacco shipments are permitted only via Express Mail service.

Click here to see comprehensive details of current mailing regulations for cigarette and smokeless tobacco mailings.