What You Can and Cannot Ship Internationally: A Quick Guide
Shipping internationally requires exercising caution and one should be well aware of the ground rules while shipping parcels internationally. From understanding customs rules to knowing what items are restricted or require special handling, it’s essential to be informed before you pack that box. In this blog, we will look into what you can and cannot ship internationally.
List of Prohibited and Restricted Items for International Shipping
Batteries & Electronics
- Damaged or defective batteries
- Loose batteries of any kind (e.g., power banks, USB chargers, household types)
- Power banks (if sent separately)
- Rechargeable wireless earbuds (e.g., AirPods, Galaxy Buds)
- More than 2 mobile phones, laptops, or small devices per shipment
- Samsung Galaxy Note7 and similar models
- Shipment trackers or active loggers
Liquids, Gels & Cosmetics
- Combination of liquids/gels and electronics in one parcel
- Aerosols, perfumes, aftershaves
- Nail polish, hair dyes, face creams
- Cosmetics (prohibited in the EU only)
Medications & Health
- Medications (prescription and non-prescription) – EU only
- Supplements – EU only
- Paracetamol
- Clinical or biological samples (e.g., tissue, fluids)
- Clinical testing kits (used or new, including COVID-19)
Food & Beverages
- Foodstuffs (prohibited in the EU only)
- Alcohol (restrictions apply outside the UK)
Tobacco & Related Products
- Cigarettes, cigars, tobacco
- Electronic cigarettes, vape pens, e-hookahs
- Any device that aerosolizes a nicotine/flavored substance
Hazardous, Dangerous & Bladed Items
- Flammable or corrosive substances
- Firearms, ammunition, tasers, replica weapons
- Knives, cutters, and bladed tools
- Party poppers, Christmas crackers
- Used car parts or engines (unless professionally cleaned)
Human, Animal & Plant Materials
- Human remains or ashes
- Live animals or insects
- Flowers and plants (prohibited in the EU only)
- Animal products, trophies, ivory, fur
- Plant-based materials (prohibited in the EU only)
Money, Valuables & Collectibles
- Cash and traveler’s cheques
- Credit/debit cards (activated or not)
- Precious metals or bullion
- Loose gemstones (cut, uncut, polished)
- Jewelry or watches over £4,000 total value
- Artwork or antiques over £5,000
- Commemorative coins or collectibles over £1,800
- Tax stickers (banderols)
Other Prohibited Items
- Counterfeit or pirated goods (IPR violations)
- Illegal drugs or narcotics (including cannabis or CBD products)
- Pornography (digital, printed, or filmed format)
- Illegal or offensive weapons
Note: The list is not an exhaustive one.
What You Can Send
The possibilities are nearly limitless, but here are just a few common items that are good to go:
- Important documents
- Cameras and photography equipment
- Mobile phones and accessories
- Clothing and footwear
- Fabrics and textiles
- Printed photos and albums
- Personal passports
To know more, get a quote here.
FAQ
Q.1 Which things are not allowed in international courier?
Items like cash, weapons, illegal drugs, loose batteries, live animals, perishables, and hazardous materials are generally prohibited. Each courier and destination may have specific restrictions.
Q.2 What items are not allowed in courier?
Commonly restricted items include aerosols, perfumes, alcohol, tobacco, firearms, explosives, and counterfeit goods. Check with the specific courier for detailed exclusions.
Q.3 Can I ship packaged food internationally?
In many cases, yes—but it depends on the type of food and destination country. Shelf-stable, sealed foods may be allowed, while perishables and homemade items are often restricted.
Q.4 What liquids can you ship internationally?
Only limited quantities of non-hazardous liquids (like sealed cosmetics) may be shipped, subject to packaging and airline safety rules. Flammable or pressurized liquids are usually prohibited.