---
kind: "section"
citation: "39 U.S.C. § 3002a"
title: "39"
title_heading: "Postal Service"
number: "3002a"
heading: "Nonmailability of locksmithing devices"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/39/3002a"
units:
  - "Part IV — Mail Matter"
  - "Chapter 30 — Nonmailable Matter"
---

# §3002a. Nonmailability of locksmithing devices

- (a) Any locksmithing device is nonmailable mail, shall not be carried or delivered by mail, and shall be disposed of as the [Postal Service](/usc/39/102.md?p=1) directs, unless such device is mailed to—
  - (1) a lock manufacturer or distributor;
  - (2) a bona fide locksmith;
  - (3) a bona fide repossessor; or
  - (4) a motor vehicle manufacturer or dealer.
- (b) For the purpose of this section, “locksmithing device” means—
  - (1) a device or tool (other than a key) designed to manipulate the tumblers in a lock into the unlocked position through the keyway of such lock;
  - (2) a device or tool (other than a key or a device or tool under [paragraph (1)](#b-1)) designed for the unauthorized opening or bypassing of a lock or similar security device; and
  - (3) a device or tool designed for making an impression of a key or similar security device to duplicate such key or device.

## Source credit

(Added Pub. L. 100–690, title VII, § 7090(a), Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4409.)