Prohibited and restricted items in international shipping
Most logistics companies have a list of items considered restricted or prohibited to ship. While restricted products can still be shipped under certain conditions, prohibited items will simply be refused for shipping by courier companies. At the same time, different restrictions may apply to individuals and companies when shipping internationally. Get advice from our experts and be informed of the current international restrictions when shipping goods domestically and abroad.
Are you wondering which items are allowed and which are restricted?
WHAT IS PROHIBITED?
Types of shipping restrictions and prohibitions
Alcohol
Individuals: Shipping alcohol between individuals isn’t allowed in most countries; therefore, when opting to send alcohol through the post or by courier, individuals do it at their own risk.
Companies: Light alcoholic beverages are allowed to be shipped as freight or by online authorised shops whilst heavy alcoholic drinks should only be shipped through authorised logistics providers.
Tobacco, cigarettes and cigars
Individuals: It is forbidden to ship any type of tobacco between individuals in most countries. By deciding to post cigarettes, individuals are doing it at their own risk.
Companies: Businesses producing or distributing tobacco products can ship them via authorised logistics providers.
Individuals: Shipping small quantities of liquids may be allowed in some countries and by some couriers. For others, mailing liquids may be considered strictly forbidden.
Companies: Businesses producing or selling liquids are allowed to ship them by post or courier under special agreements or through authorised entities.
Lithium batteries
Both individuals and companies are allowed to send items containing batteries by post or courier. It is advised to keep the batteries inside the devices without being fully charged.
Single-cell batteries:
No more than 2 cells, ≤20Wh
Multi-cell batteries:
No more than 4 cells, ≤100Wh
Perishable goods
Individuals: Fresh food and other perishable goods are forbidden to be shipped by individuals due to the high possibility of getting damaged and damaging other surrounding packages. When choosing to ship perishable goods, individuals do it at their own risk.
Companies: Businesses producing and selling perishable goods are allowed to ship them under certain conditions and fulfilling the necessary requirements. Temperature-controlled shipping services are typically used to transport perishable goods.
Fragile items
Individuals: Fragile items can easily get damaged during transport and, therefore, shouldn’t be shipped by individuals. By deciding to ship fragile items, individuals are doing it at their own risk.
Companies: Businesses shipping fragile items usually have pre-agreed terms with courier companies and are therefore allowed to ship them.
Toxic, flammable or hazardous products
Individuals: Products containing toxic, flammable or hazardous substances are forbidden to ship. By choosing to send these types of products, individuals do it at their own risk.
Companies: Businesses producing or distributing products containing toxic, flammable or hazardous components can ship them through authorised logistics providers.
Firearms & ammunition
The shipment of firearms and ammunition is strictly regulated. Therefore only authorised businesses are allowed to ship firearms and ammunition through licensed and specialised logistics providers.
ARE YOU A BUSINESS?
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List of restricted and prohibited items in courier services
Restricted items in courier services
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Electronic cigarettes
- Watches
- Medical cannabis
- Perfumes
- Food
- Fragile items
- Articles of high/unusual value
- Biological substances, Category B and exempt human or animal specimens
- Dangerous goods
- Firearms and weapons (including inert and replica explosive weapons)
- Objects with sentimental value
- Flowers or other plants
- Seeds
- Items that can damage other parcels during the transport
- Prescription drugs
Prohibited items in courier services
- Ammunition
- Cigarettes and tobacco products
- Fireworks
- Hazardous waste
- Bank bills, notes or currency (other than coins)
- Bullion
- Loose precious and semi-precious stones
- Human remains
- Live animals
- Animal parts and trophies
- Narcotics
- Illegal objects
- Pornography
- Gold
- Fur
Check prohibited items based on courier company
NEED MORE INFORMATION?
Shipping restricted or prohibited items by mail or courier
Even if an item is forbidden or restricted to ship, can I still decide to mail it as an individual?
Will the courier company check the content of my package?
What happens if someone discovers prohibited or restricted items in my parcel?
- The restricted or prohibited items may be removed from the package and the remaining goods delivered normally;
- The package may be ceased or destroyed;
- The package may be returned.
Can I, as a company, export restricted items with any logistics provider?
Is there any insurance covering restricted and forbidden items?
- the type of items
- the chosen shipping service
- previous agreements between the shipper and the courier provider
- incoterms