What You Can't Send (Prohibited Items)

Domestic Shipping Prohibited Items

The following items cannot be shipped under any circumstances:

✦ Most Common Items

• Cash (legal tender, banknotes, coins, traveller’s cheques)

• Loose precious or semi-precious stones, raw gold

• Counterfeit documents, fake currency

• Perishable foodstuffs

• Narcotics (illegal drugs, cannabis-derived products, CBD, marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, “Canadian loud”)

• Illicit drugs (stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens, cannabis)

✦ Hazardous & Dangerous Items

• Flammable or corrosive goods (e.g., dry ice, biological substances, premium motor spirit)

• Firearms, ammunition, explosives (including replicas, tasers, air guns, firearm parts such as assault rifles)

• Poison, acid, cylinders filled with gas

✦ Human, Animal & Plant Materials

• Animal trophies, parts, or remains (e.g., ivory, shark fins, pangolin scales)

• Animal ashes, by-products not tested/approved for human consumption

• Clinical/biological samples (bodily fluids, tissues)

• Live animals, insects, larvae, pupae

• Human remains or ashes

✦ Restricted/Regulated Goods

These items may be shipped under strict regulatory conditions and approvals:

• Pharmaceutical products (controlled and non-controlled)

• Drones

• Military wares

• Alcohol (commercial quantities)

• Tobacco

• Used clothing (bale materials)

• Used foreign furniture

International Shipping Prohibited Items

✦ Most Common Prohibited Items

These are everyday products people frequently attempt to ship, unaware that they are restricted or prohibited due to safety, regulatory, or customs concerns.

• Combination of liquids/gels and electronic items in the same parcel

• Aerosols, perfumes, and aftershaves (including eau de parfum and eau de toilette)

• Batteries – damaged, defective, or loose (includes power banks, USB chargers, and household batteries)

• Cash – including legal tender, banknotes, coins, and traveller’s cheques

• Cosmetics (EU only) – such as makeup, hair dye, and face creams

• Credit and debit cards – activated or unactivated

• Foodstuffs (EU only)

• Compressed gas

• Red or vegetable oil

• Fake currency – often unknowingly packed or concealed

• Medications (EU only) – includes prescription drugs, non-prescription medicines, and supplements

• Nail polish – due to its flammable contents

• Paracetamol

• Counterfeit documents – such as fake passports, ID cards, or licenses

• Rechargeable wireless earbuds – including Apple AirPods, Samsung Galaxy Buds, and similar devices

✦ Alcohol, Cigarettes & Narcotics

These substances are strictly prohibited due to international drug control laws, addiction risk, and import/export restrictions.

• Alcohol– Allowed within the UK; restrictions may apply internationally

• Cigarettes, cigars, tobacco products

• Heroin

• Methylamphetamine

• Cocaine

• Marijuana

• E-cigarettes, vape pens, e-hookahs, e-pipes


• Narcotics– illegal drugs, cannabis-derived products, CBD

✦ Electronic Devices

Restrictions apply when shipping electronic devices to ensure safety and compliance with international regulations.

• More than 2 mobile phones, laptops, or small electronics per shipment

• Batteries must be inside devices; pack securely

• Shipment value must not exceed £5,000

• Prohibited: Samsung Galaxy Note7 & Note7 devices

✦ Hazardous & Dangerous Items

These items are considered dangerous for transport and are strictly prohibited due to safety, regulatory, or environmental concerns.

• Bladed items (knives, cutters)

• Flammable or corrosive goods (e.g., dry ice, biological substances)

• Firearms, ammunition, explosives (including replicas, tasers, air guns, firearm parts)

• Party poppers, Christmas crackers

• Used car parts and engines (allowed only if professionally cleaned)

✦ Human, Animal & Plant Materials

These items are restricted due to ethical, environmental, and health safety regulations.

• Animal trophies, parts, remains (e.g., ivory, shark fins)

• Animal ashes, by-products not for human consumption

• Clinical/biological samples (bodily fluids, tissue, testing kits incl. COVID-19)

• Flowers, plants (EU only), live animals, insects, larvae, pupae

• Human remains or ashes

✦ Money, Valuables & Tax Items

High-value goods and tax-related items are restricted due to risks of theft, fraud, or regulatory violations.

• Antiques, fine art over £5,000

• Banderols/tax stickers

• Bullion (precious metals)

• Commemorative coins, medals over £1,800

• Jewellery/watches over £4,000

• Loose precious or semi-precious stones

✦ Other Prohibited Items

These items are banned due to legal restrictions, intellectual property rights, or moral and safety concerns.

• Counterfeit goods (IPR breach)

• Offensive bladed weapons

• Illicit drugs (stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens, cannabis)

• Pornography (printed, film, or digital format)

• Shipment trackers/active loggers