39 USC § 3002a - Nonmailability of locksmithing devices

---
identifier: "/us/usc/t39/s3002a"
source: "usc"
legal_status: "official_legal_evidence"
title: "39 USC § 3002a - Nonmailability of locksmithing devices"
title_number: 39
title_name: "POSTAL SERVICE"
section_number: "3002a"
section_name: "Nonmailability of locksmithing devices"
chapter_number: 30
chapter_name: "NONMAILABLE MATTER"
part_number: "IV"
part_name: "MAIL MATTER"
positive_law: true
currency: "119-84"
last_updated: "2026-03-26"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
source_credit: "(Added Pub. L. 100–690, title VII, § 7090(a), Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4409.)"
---


# § 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 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)) 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.)