Prohibited versus restricted
Two terms are often used interchangeably, but they mean different things.
- Prohibited items may not be sent at all, either out of the origin country, into the destination country, or through a carrier’s network. No paperwork changes this.
- Restricted items may be shipped only under conditions. These can include a licence or permit, a health or safety certificate, special packaging, quantity limits, a licensed importer, or use of a particular carrier service.
A product can be fine in one country and banned in the next, and the rules can differ between the carrier and the government. A parcel therefore faces up to three layers of rules: the export rules of the origin, the import rules of the destination, and the carrier’s own terms. The strictest of the three governs in practice.
Why goods are barred or limited
Governments restrict trade in goods for several reasons, and understanding the reason often makes the rule easier to predict.
- Safety. Items that could injure people during transport or use, such as explosives, flammable materials, certain batteries and pressurised containers.
- Health. Food, medicines, medical devices, cosmetics and supplements may need approvals to protect consumers.
- Biosecurity. Plants, seeds, soil, meat, dairy and animal products can carry pests and diseases, so many countries limit or inspect them tightly.
- Security and law enforcement. Weapons, ammunition, certain electronics with encryption or military uses, and illegal drugs.
- Protected species and cultural property. Products made from endangered animals or plants, and antiques or artefacts, are limited by international conventions and national laws.
- Intellectual property. Counterfeit goods are typically seized and destroyed, and genuine goods may be restricted where the rights holder has registered controls.
- Economic or political policy. Sanctions and embargoes may bar trade with certain countries or parties.
- Public morals and local law. Some countries bar items such as certain publications, gambling devices or alcohol.
- Currency and financial controls. Cash, certain financial instruments and some high-value items can face limits.
Categories sellers meet most often
The following categories are common sources of problems for online sellers. The rules differ widely, so the list shows where to look, not what is allowed.
- Batteries and electronics. Lithium batteries are regulated as dangerous goods in air transport, and loose batteries and some battery-powered devices may face limits or special marking. Air carriers in particular treat many batteries as dangerous goods with strict packing and marking rules.
- Liquids, aerosols and perfumes. Often flammable or pressurised, so carriers may refuse them or limit quantities.
- Food and supplements. Many destinations require labelling, ingredient disclosure or permits, and some ban categories such as fresh produce or meat entirely.
- Cosmetics and personal care. Ingredient rules vary by region.
- Medicines and medical devices. Usually licence-controlled, with prescription medicines often barred from ordinary parcels.
- Plants, seeds and animal products. Commonly subject to phytosanitary or veterinary certificates.
- Alcohol and tobacco. Frequently restricted by age checks, licences and excise taxes.
- Knives, replica weapons and similar items. Rules vary, and some destinations ban what others accept.
- Branded goods. Items that infringe trademarks may be seized.
- Cash, gift cards and valuables. Many carriers exclude them or limit liability.
What happens when a banned item is found
Consequences range from mild to serious. A carrier may refuse a parcel at drop-off or return it. Customs may hold, return or seize it, and in some cases destroy it, without refund of the shipping cost. Repeated problems can lead to penalties or suspended carrier accounts, and some offences carry criminal liability for the sender. Insurance and carrier liability generally do not cover goods that were not allowed to be shipped. These situations are a frequent cause of customs delays, and a seller can end up unable to recover either the goods or the money.
How to check before you ship
- Check the destination rules first. The customs and agriculture or health authorities of the destination often publish lists of controlled goods. Look at the product category and the specific rule.
- Check the origin’s export rules. Some items need an export licence, particularly technology, antiques and certain chemicals.
- Read the carrier’s prohibited and restricted lists. They are generally published in the service terms and sometimes differ by service level, so a product that goes by ground may not be permitted by air.
- Use the right classification. Accurate harmonized codes help identify whether a product is controlled.
- Obtain required documents. A permit or certificate generally has to be obtained before shipping and must accompany the parcel or be referenced in the declaration.
- Describe the product honestly. Hiding a restricted item behind a vague description is misdeclaration, and it is the most reliable route to a seizure and a penalty.
- Ask when in doubt. Carrier customer service, a customs adviser or the destination authority can confirm a doubtful case. Get the answer in writing where possible.
- Keep marketplace policies in mind. Selling platforms add their own bans on top of legal ones.
Product lists change as laws, sanctions and safety rules are revised, and compliance obligations rest with the sender. Treat any list, including this one, as a starting point and confirm the current rule for the exact product and route.