Prohibited and Restricted Items (What You Can’t Ship)

Some items cannot be shipped internationally due to airline safety rules, carrier restrictions, and destination-country regulations. Other items may be allowed only with limits, special handling, or specific documentation.

Before you ship, check:

• Whether the item is prohibited (not allowed)
• Whether it is restricted (allowed with conditions)
• Your destination country’s specific rules

Prohibited vs. Restricted: What’s the Difference?

Prohibited items (not allowed)

Items that cannot be shipped via Boxit4me services because they are unsafe, illegal, or blocked by carriers/customs.

Restricted items (allowed with conditions)

Items that may be shippable depending on:

• Quantity limits
• Packaging requirements
• Carrier/service level (economy vs express)
• Documentation requirements
• Destination-country regulations

If you are unsure, treat the item as restricted and check your destination rules.

Common Prohibited Items (Typical Examples)

These categories are widely prohibited across international shipping networks:

1. Explosives, flammables, and hazardous materials

• Fireworks, flares, ammunition components
• Gas canisters and fuels
• Highly flammable chemicals and solvents

2. Illegal items and controlled goods

• Narcotics and illegal substances
• Counterfeit goods (replicas)
• Items banned by destination law

3. Weapons and weapon parts

• Firearms and parts, suppressors
• Certain knives and weapon accessories (destination-specific)

4. Perishables and temperature-sensitive goods

• Fresh food, dairy, meat, frozen items (unless explicitly supported)
• Items that can spoil, leak, or rot in transit

5. Live animals and biological materials

• Live animals, insects, plants (often restricted or prohibited)
• Biological samples (non-consumer shipments)

Common Restricted Items (Often Allowed With Limits)

These items are frequently restricted rather than fully prohibited, but rules vary by carrier and destination:

Batteries and power banks

• Lithium batteries may be allowed inside devices but restricted as standalone batteries.
• Quantity and watt-hour limits can apply.

Perfumes, liquids, aerosols

• Perfume and alcohol-based sprays are often restricted due to flammability.
• Liquids can be allowed with strict packaging and quantity limits.

Electronics

• Laptops, phones, tablets often allowed, but batteries still apply.
• Extra documentation may be requested for high-value items.

Cosmetics and personal care

• Creams, gels, aerosols, nail polish remover may be restricted.
• Leakage prevention is critical.

Supplements and food products

• Many destinations restrict supplements, powders, or ingredients.
• Customs may request certificates or ingredient lists.

High-value items

• Luxury goods, watches, jewelry may be allowed but frequently trigger customs verification.
• Invoices/proof of purchase are often requested.

Safe Alternatives (If Your Item Is Restricted)

If your item is restricted, you can often switch to a safer option:

• Perfume/aerosol spray → solid perfume, roll-on (non-aerosol), non-flammable alternatives
• Power bank → buy locally, or ship only devices with batteries (where allowed)
• Liquid cleaners → wipes or dry alternatives
• Pressurized items → non-pressurized versions

Packaging Guidance (To Prevent Leaks, Damage, and Delays)

Even when an item is allowed, poor packaging can cause carrier rejection or damage:

Liquids / cosmetics

• Seal caps and openings
• Use leak-proof bags
• Add absorbent material and cushioning

Electronics

• Use strong outer packaging
• Prevent movement with cushioning
• Protect screens and corners

Fragile items

• Double-box if needed
• Use sufficient padding
• Avoid empty space inside the carton

What Happens If You Try to Ship a Prohibited Item?

Prohibited items can lead to:

• Shipment cancellation
• Carrier rejection
• Customs seizure (destination dependent)
• Delays and extra fees due to inspections or return handling

To avoid issues, confirm restrictions before requesting shipping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are batteries always prohibited?

Not always. Many shipments allow batteries inside devices with limits, while standalone batteries and power banks are more restricted. Rules vary by destination and carrier.

Are perfumes always prohibited?

Perfumes are commonly restricted due to alcohol content. Some routes may allow them with special conditions, but many do not.

Why do rules vary by country?

Because customs regulations, safety policies, and controlled goods lists differ by destination.

Where can I check rules for my destination?

Use Boxit4me’s destination guidance.

Next Step

Before you ship, confirm your destination’s restricted categories and requirements.