International Shipping Restrictions: What You Cannot Ship

These items are banned by virtually all countries and carriers:

• Hazardous materials - Explosives, flammables, corrosives, radioactive materials, compressed gases. Includes everyday items like perfume (flammable), lithium batteries (some types), and aerosols.
• Weapons and ammunition - Firearms, ammunition, military equipment, even realistic replicas. BB guns and airsoft may be prohibited.
• Controlled substances - Illegal drugs universally, but also prescription medications and even OTC drugs restricted in many countries.
• Currency and monetary instruments - Cash, coins, travelers checks, money orders. Bearer negotiable instruments prohibited.
• Live animals - Requires special permits, licensed shippers, and quarantine arrangements. Not for regular parcel shipping.
• Human remains - Cremated remains may ship with proper documentation; otherwise prohibited.
• Counterfeit goods - Fake branded items will be seized and destroyed. Penalties may apply.

Every country has unique prohibited and restricted items. Here are notable examples:

• Australia - Extremely strict on food, plants, animals, biological materials. Even wooden items may need treatment certificates. Strict drug laws including some supplements.
• Canada - Restricts used mattresses/pillows, certain pet products, weapons including pepper spray and tasers. Cannabis illegal despite domestic legalization.
• China - Political materials, maps showing Taiwan separately, certain publications, religious items in quantity, used clothing.
• Germany/EU - Products must meet CE standards, restricts certain supplements and vitamins, strict food rules, aggressive IP enforcement.
• India - Satellite phones prohibited, certain electronics require licenses, gold/jewelry restrictions, some food items.
• Japan - Strict on food (especially meat), medications (even Sudafed-type), some cosmetics, strict customs examination.
• Saudi Arabia/Gulf States - Pork products, alcohol, religious items of other faiths, anything considered immoral, Israeli-origin goods.

Consequences vary by severity and intent:

• Seizure and destruction - Most common outcome. Items destroyed with no compensation. You may or may not be notified.
• Return to sender - For borderline items or documentation issues. You pay return shipping (expensive internationally).
• Fines - Customs may assess penalties for prohibited imports. Ranges from nominal to thousands of dollars.
• Criminal charges - For intentional smuggling, weapons, drugs, or counterfeit goods. Can face prosecution in destination country.
• Account suspension - Carriers may suspend shipping privileges for violations, especially repeat offenses.
• Recipient liability - In some cases, the recipient faces fines or prosecution even if sender is at fault.

The safest approach: when in doubt, don't ship it. Verify rules before sending.