Prohibited and restricted items
Some things can't be shipped at all. Others can, once you have told us about them and we have confirmed a suitable channel. Two minutes here can save your cargo from getting stuck at the warehouse.
Rules vary by country and channel
The same item may be allowed into one country and refused by another. Sea, air and express each have their own limits.
Our confirmation is what counts
This page is general guidance, not a complete list. Whether your item can ship is confirmed by our team when you order.
Declare everything accurately
Give the real description, quantity and value. The sender bears the consequences of anything hidden or misdeclared.
Prohibited
These can't be shipped
The categories below are refused almost everywhere in international transport, whichever service you choose.
Flammables and explosives
- Fireworks
- Lighters, matches
- Petrol, alcohol
- Compressed gas
Toxic, corrosive or radioactive
- Pesticides
- Strong acids, alkalis
- Mercury
- Radioactive material
Weapons and replicas
- Guns, ammunition
- Controlled knives
- Replica guns
- Stun devices
Drugs and controlled medicines
- Illegal drugs
- Narcotics
- Psychotropics
- Drug paraphernalia
Cash and securities
- Cash
- Counterfeit money
- Cheques, drafts
- Securities
Live animals and endangered species
- Live animals
- Ivory, rhino horn
- Endangered species products
- Unquarantined plants, animals
Infringing and illegal goods
- Counterfeit brands
- Pirated media
- Illegal publications
- Obscene material
Anything else banned by law
- Protected cultural relics
- Items banned at destination
- Threats to public safety
- Items refused by carriers
These are common categories, not a complete list.
Restricted
Tell us about these first
These aren't necessarily refused, but we need to know in advance and confirm a suitable channel before accepting them. Requirements differ a lot between countries and services.
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Items with batteries
RestrictedPhones, tablets, wireless earbuds, power tools, battery-powered toys. Power banks and loose batteries have far fewer options.
Tell us before you order
Whether the battery is inside the device, packed with it or shipped on its own, plus its type and capacity.
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Liquids and creams
RestrictedToner, shampoo, face cream, drinks, ink.
Tell us before you order
What it is, the size of each bottle and the total amount, whether it contains alcohol, and whether it is in its original packaging.
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Powders and granules
RestrictedMilk powder, seasoning powder, protein powder, loose face powder.
Tell us before you order
The ingredients and what it is for, and whether it is still sealed in its original packaging.
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Food
RestrictedSnacks, tea, dried goods, seasonings. Meat, egg and dairy products and fresh produce are refused by many countries.
Tell us before you order
Exactly what it is, the ingredients, whether it is sealed, and the expiry date.
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Medicine and supplements
RestrictedEveryday medicine, supplements, herbal medicine. Many countries limit types and quantities, and some require a prescription.
Tell us before you order
The name, the quantity, and whether it is for your own use or sent for someone else.
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Magnetic items
RestrictedSpeakers, headphones, magnets, motors. Air freight limits magnetism, so a test may be needed first.
Tell us before you order
Whether the cargo contains magnets, speakers or motors.
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Branded goods
RestrictedShoes, clothing, bags, watches and electronics carrying a brand name.
Tell us before you order
The brand, and whether you can provide proof of purchase or authorisation. Counterfeit goods can't be shipped.
Not sure? Ask us first
Tell us what the item is, what it is made of and how many there are. A photo helps. We will confirm whether it can ship and by which service, then quote.
Accurate declaration
A false declaration is at the sender's cost
When your cargo reaches our warehouse we open it, check it against what you declared and look for prohibited items. Customs also runs spot checks on the way out and on the way in. If the declaration doesn't match the cargo, this is what can happen.
Held
Customs or the carrier holds the cargo until the matter is settled. Other goods in the same shipment are delayed too.
Returned
The cargo is sent back to origin, and freight both ways plus handling is charged on top.
Fined
Customs can impose penalties under its rules, and serious cases carry legal liability.
The resulting costs and losses are borne by the sender.
What an accurate declaration looks like
- Be specific: write “cotton T-shirts”, not just “clothes”, “daily goods” or “gift”
- Give the real quantity and value, no more and no less
- Mention batteries, magnets, liquids and powders up front. Don't tuck them in with other goods
If we find a prohibited item during inspection, we record it in your order and our team contacts you about what to do next.
More in the help center
Something to ship? Ask for a quote
Tell us what you are shipping, from where and to where. We will get back to you with a plan and a price.