Prohibited & Restricted Items

Last updated: May 3, 2025

1. Your Responsibility

It is your sole responsibility as the shipper to ensure that the items you intend to ship via Shipzen comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and restrictions of the origin country, destination country, and the chosen shipping carrier. Failure to comply can result in shipment delays, seizure by customs, fines, penalties, destruction of goods, and account termination.

Shipzen reserves the right to refuse, return to sender (at your expense), or dispose of any package found to contain prohibited or restricted items.

2. General Prohibited Categories

The following list provides general categories of items that are typically prohibited or heavily restricted for international shipping. This list is not exhaustive, and specific restrictions can vary significantly by country and carrier. Always verify the specific rules for your destination country and chosen carrier before shipping.

  • Weapons & Ammunition:Firearms (including parts), ammunition, explosives, fireworks, gunpowder, tasers, pepper spray, knives (certain types may be restricted), swords, replica weapons.
  • Hazardous Materials (Hazmat/Dangerous Goods):Flammable liquids/solids (e.g., perfumes with high alcohol content, nail polish, paints, lighters, matches), corrosive substances (e.g., batteries - especially lithium batteries outside of devices, acids, cleaners), gases (e.g., aerosols, propane tanks), oxidizers, poisons, radioactive materials, infectious substances.
  • Drugs & Controlled Substances:Illegal narcotics, prescription drugs (unless compliant with strict import regulations of the destination country and carrier rules, often requiring specific documentation), psychotropic substances, synthetic cannabinoids, drug paraphernalia.
  • Currency & Negotiable Instruments:Cash (banknotes, coins), traveler's checks, money orders, negotiable stocks/bonds, credit/debit cards (activated), lottery tickets, gambling devices.
  • Perishables:Food items requiring refrigeration or with short shelf lives, fresh fruits/vegetables (often restricted), meats, dairy products (subject to strict regulations).
  • Live Animals & Plants:Live animals, insects, reptiles, animal carcasses (some exceptions for taxidermy with permits), plants, seeds, soil, cut flowers (often restricted).
  • Pornography & Obscene Materials:Materials deemed obscene or illegal in the origin or destination country.
  • Counterfeit Goods & Intellectual Property Violations:Fake or knock-off products, items infringing trademarks or copyrights.
  • Human Remains & Body Fluids:Ashes, body parts, blood, urine, etc.
  • Alcohol & Tobacco:Alcoholic beverages and tobacco products are heavily regulated and often prohibited or require special licenses and tax payments for import. Check destination country rules carefully.
  • Precious Metals & Stones:Gold, silver, platinum (bullion or loose), loose diamonds/gemstones (often restricted or require high-value shipping services). Jewelry may be shippable but subject to value limits and insurance requirements.
  • Items Requiring Special Permits:Certain electronics, cultural artifacts, biological samples, chemicals, etc., may require specific import/export licenses you are responsible for obtaining.
  • Standalone Lithium Batteries:Loose lithium-ion or lithium-metal batteries are generally prohibited. Batteries installed in or packed with equipment have specific regulations regarding quantity, packaging, and labeling (IATA regulations apply).

3. Carrier and Country-Specific Restrictions

In addition to the general list above, each shipping carrier (DHL, FedEx, UPS, USPS, etc.) has its own list of prohibited and restricted items. Furthermore, every country has unique import restrictions.

It is crucial to check the specific regulations for BOTH the carrier you select AND the destination country before sending your items to Shipzen or requesting shipment.Useful resources include:

  • The official website of your chosen shipping carrier.
  • The official customs or border protection agency website for the destination country.
  • Contacting Shipzen support if you are unsure, although the ultimate responsibility for compliance remains with you.

4. Consequences of Shipping Prohibited Items

Attempting to ship prohibited items can lead to:

  • Refusal of shipment by Shipzen or the carrier.
  • Return of the item to the sender (at your cost).
  • Confiscation and/or destruction of the item by customs or the carrier without compensation.
  • Fines, penalties, and potential legal action.
  • Suspension or permanent closure of your Shipzen account.
  • Voiding of any shipping insurance.

5. Disclaimer

This list is intended as a guideline and is subject to change without notice based on evolving laws, regulations, and carrier policies. Shipzen is not liable for any loss, damage, or expense incurred due to your failure to comply with shipping restrictions.

6. Contact Us

If you are unsure whether an item is permitted for shipment to your destination country using a specific carrier, please contact Shipzen Customer Support before sending the item to our facility:

Shipzen Customer Support
Email: support@shipzen.net
[Link to Contact Page or Dashboard Support Section]