🚫 International Shipping Prohibited Items

Complete guide to items you cannot ship internationally - avoid delays, fines, and confiscation

⚠️ Important Warning

Shipping prohibited items can result in:

  • Package confiscation and destruction
  • Fines up to $250,000
  • Criminal prosecution
  • Permanent ban from carrier services

When in doubt, don't ship it!

Universally Prohibited Items

These items are banned by ALL international carriers (USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL):

🔥 Hazardous Materials

  • Explosives: Fireworks, flares, gunpowder, ammunition
  • Flammable Liquids: Gasoline, paint thinner, alcohol over 70%
  • Flammable Solids: Matches, lighter fluid
  • Gases: Aerosols, compressed gas, propane
  • Oxidizers: Bleach, pool chemicals, hydrogen peroxide
  • Toxic Substances: Pesticides, poisons, mercury
  • Radioactive Materials: Any radioactive substances
  • Corrosives: Acids, wet batteries, drain cleaners

🚨 Dangerous Goods

  • Weapons: Firearms, ammunition, gun parts
  • Knives: Switchblades, butterfly knives
  • Self-defense items: Pepper spray, stun guns
  • Drugs: Narcotics, marijuana, CBD products
  • Prescription drugs: Without proper documentation
  • Counterfeit goods: Fake designer items
  • Currency: Cash, coins (except collectibles)
  • Human remains: Except cremated with documentation

🔋 Electronics & Batteries

  • Loose lithium batteries: Not installed in devices
  • Damaged batteries: Swollen, leaking, or recalled
  • Power banks: Over 100Wh without approval
  • Wet cell batteries: Car batteries
  • E-cigarettes: With lithium batteries (some carriers)
  • Hoverboards: Due to battery fire risk

🍖 Perishables & Biologicals

  • Fresh foods: Meat, dairy, produce
  • Live animals: Except some insects via USPS
  • Plants: Seeds, soil, live plants (most countries)
  • Biological substances: Blood, tissue samples
  • Infectious materials: Bacteria, viruses
  • Animal products: Ivory, certain furs

Carrier-Specific Restrictions

Item USPS UPS FedEx DHL
Perfume/Cologne ❌ Prohibited ⚠️ Ground only ⚠️ Ground only ⚠️ Limited
Nail Polish ❌ Prohibited ⚠️ Ground only ⚠️ Ground only ⚠️ Limited
Cigarettes ❌ Prohibited ✓ Allowed ✓ Allowed ✓ Allowed
Lottery Tickets ❌ Prohibited ✓ Allowed ✓ Allowed ✓ Allowed
Lithium Batteries (installed) ✓ Allowed ✓ Allowed ✓ Allowed ✓ Allowed
Alcohol (personal) ❌ Prohibited ⚠️ Licensed only ⚠️ Licensed only ⚠️ Licensed only

Country-Specific Prohibited Items

🇦🇺 Australia

  • Wood products
  • Seeds and nuts
  • All food items
  • Soil and sand
  • Used sports equipment

🇨🇳 China

  • Political materials
  • Religious items
  • Used electronics
  • Printed matter (some)
  • Maps (incorrect borders)

🇩🇪 Germany

  • Nazi memorabilia
  • Violent video games
  • Certain symbols
  • Some medications
  • Energy drinks (some)

🇮🇳 India

  • Maps (incorrect borders)
  • Satellite phones
  • Gold (commercial)
  • Beef products
  • Pornographic material

🇯🇵 Japan

  • Rice (commercial)
  • Many medications
  • Pornography
  • Counterfeit goods
  • Some cosmetics

🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia

  • Alcohol (all forms)
  • Pork products
  • Non-Islamic religious items
  • Playing cards
  • Adult content

Items That Require Special Documentation

📋 May Ship with Proper Documentation

Medical/Pharmaceutical

  • Prescription medications (with prescription)
  • Medical devices (FDA approval)
  • Supplements (ingredient list)
  • Cosmetics (safety data sheet)

Commercial Goods

  • Textiles (fiber content label)
  • Electronics (FCC compliance)
  • Toys (safety certification)
  • Food products (ingredient list)

How to Check If Your Item Is Prohibited

  1. Check this guide first - Review the lists above
  2. Carrier websites:
  3. Country restrictions: Check destination country's customs website
  4. Call the carrier: When in doubt, call customer service
  5. Declare honestly: Always declare contents accurately on customs forms

💡 Pro Tips

  • Never try to hide or misdeclare prohibited items - packages are X-rayed
  • Remove all batteries from devices when possible
  • Ship perfume and cosmetics domestically, then use local services
  • Use "documents only" services for papers to avoid goods restrictions
  • Consider digital alternatives for media and printed materials
Check Shipping Rates Learn About Customs Forms