GLS prohibited and restricted items for international shipping
Before scheduling a delivery service with GLS, check their list of prohibited and restricted items for shipping in the UK, Europe, or internationally. For your convenience, we have compiled an up-to-date list of GLS prohibited and restricted items, making it easier for you to ensure compliance with the GLS courier company and the shipping countries’ restrictions.
GENERAL RESTRICTIONS
GLS list of international prohibited items
Differentiating between strictly prohibited and restricted (non-compensation) items when shipping internationally with GLS can be challenging. Since GLS does not provide separate categories, you need to check the GLS shipping restrictions for your specific route. Remember that each country may have its own set of rules and regulations in place.
Here is a list of commonly prohibited items by GLS for international shipping:
- Alcohol
- Artworks, antiques with a value of more than 750 EUR per parcel, collector’s items
- Counterfeit goods
- Firearms, explosives, weapon parts, ammunition
- Goods that are insufficiently packed
- Goods that require special handling (e.g. fragile or have to be transported upright or lying on a certain side)
- Goods that possess a low value themselves but whose damage or loss could cause high consequential damages (e.g. data storage devices with sensitive data)
- Hazardous goods or waste of any kind
- Human remains, blood reserves, organs, live or dead animals
- Livestock and plants
- Money or documents with monetary value (e.g. bills, stamps, securities, savings books)
- Parcels with a goods value of over 5,000 EUR
- Perishable or temperature-sensitive goods
- Phone cards and pre-paid cards (e.g. for mobile phones)
- Precious metals and stones, jewellery, real pearls, luxury watches
- Prescription drugs and drugs that must be transported separately from other goods (e.g. from tyres, hazardous goods), vaccines, insulin, and narcotics
- Suitcases/travelling bags that are not packed in a cardboard box
- Tobacco products
- Valuables worth more than 500 EUR per parcel
Consequences of shipping prohibited items with GLS
If a prohibited item is found by GLS, the parcel will not be delivered to the recipient.
The specific actions taken by GLS may depend on the country’s regulations and the nature of the prohibited item. In some cases, the item may be disposed of or returned to the sender. It is important to note that sending prohibited items can have legal consequences and may result in fines or penalties for the sender.
To avoid any issues, it is best to review the list of prohibited items provided by GLS or consult with their customer service before sending a parcel to ensure compliance with their shipping guidelines.
GLS shipping restrictions – countries not covered
In addition to following the GLS shipping restrictions, you should be aware of any regulations imposed by local governments. We suggest checking the rules that are relevant to the countries of origin, transit, and delivery of your shipment. Even though GLS provides transport services in over 40 countries, there are certain locations where they do not operate, including:
- Iran
- North Korea
- Russia
- Sudan
- South Sudan
- Syria
- Ukraine
- Yemen
Shipping with GLS through Eurosender
Our collaboration with GLS and multiple other international couriers allows us to offer a vast logistics network to over 220 countries and territories throughout the world. To ensure smooth delivery, it is crucial to verify that your parcel complies with the GLS prohibited items list and any other shipping restrictions.
After confirming the requirements, use our booking tool to quickly determine the shipping cost from various courier providers and schedule the delivery in less than 5 minutes!
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FAQ on GLS international shipping restrictions
Are GLS shipping restrictions applicable for all types of delivery services?
GLS shipping restrictions may differ slightly depending on the type of service you choose. For example, when shipping via air freight, GLS is required to comply with both their own guidelines and IATA shipping regulations.
We recommend contacting GLS directly before making any delivery arrangements to verify if your item meets the necessary criteria for shipping.
Does GLS inspect parcels upon collection?
While GLS is not required to inspect parcels being sent within the same free-trade zone, such as the European Union, their courier drivers reserve the right to refuse collection if they identify any irregularities, such as improperly packed parcels.
To ensure the safe delivery of your items, it is always recommended to pack them properly. Please note that GLS may not collect any prohibited items that they discover during the collection process.
Is there any insurance for shipping prohibited items with GLS?
Shipping items listed as prohibited by GLS is not allowed, and the courier does not assume any liability if such articles are sent through their network.
The same rule applies to restricted items sent without the necessary shipping documents or authorisation.
GLS allows business clients who have a contract with them to ship restricted items under specific conditions.
Can I send restricted or prohibited items through Eurosender?
To guarantee a smooth delivery, we recommend not including any restricted or prohibited items in your shipment. If your parcel contains such items, it will not be eligible for any insurance coverage, which means you will assume all risk when sending it.