Comprehensive Guide to Prohibited Items for Shipping

We will not accept any parcel or package that is not packaged securely, as well as having some form of internal protection.

There are many restrictions on the shipment of certain items and all cannot be covered in this section, however, most are common sense.

As a guide, the following are strictly prohibited and should you attempt to send any of these items, then it could result in prosecution:

Aerosol cans and sprays, as well as other pressurised containers
Airbags
Airguns, BB guns, fake guns etc.
Alcohol (unless you are a licensed distributor and again dependent on the destination countries regulations)
Animal skins and by-products i.e: furs, horns, ivory, fish, meats, any chicken products etc.
Beans, Melon, and Honey
Articles of exceptional value e.g. antiques, artworks, precious stones, rare collectables etc.
Batteries (except dry cell)
Biological sample
Car Batteries and large bulky parts
Corrosive liquids
Counterfeit goods or pirated materials
Dangerous goods or materials i.e.: explosives, fireworks, radioactive substances, weapons, firearms, chainsaws etc.
Dry ice
Fire extinguishers
Firearms
Flammable liquids, solvents etc.
Furniture unless flat packed
Hazardous substances
Human bodily fluids or remains
Illegal drugs or substances
Jewellery including watches
Lighters and lighter fuel
Liquids and adhesives
Live or dead animals
Magnetic goods
Mattresses, unless rolled or vacuum packed
Money, bonds, cheques and cards
Paint unless it is non-hazardous and packaged correctly
Passports, birth certificates, death certificates etc.
Perishable food items or goods
Perfume and any other alcohol-based products
Plants and seeds
Plasma screens
Pornographic material
Prescribed medication
Refrigeration goods i.e.: fridges and freezers
Tobacco or tobacco products
Toner powder and cartridges for air transportation
Toxic materials or substances

The United Kingdom Prohibited and items:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/list-of-restricted-and-prohibited-goods

Nigeria Import Prohibited items:

Nigeria Export Prohibited items:

https://www.customs.gov.ng/ProhibitionList/export.php

The United State of America Prohibited and items:

https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/know-before-you-go/prohibited-and-restricted-items

DHL prohibited items:

https://www.dhl.co.uk/en/express/shipping/shipping_advice/prohibited_commodities.html

All countries vary as to restrictions and charges on certain imported goods. Should you have any doubts, then you should thoroughly check this accordingly with the relevant bodies.

Prohibited Items for Shipping: What You Need to Know

The following items will NOT be accepted for carriage unless otherwise agreed to by GCL. To obtain such agreement a business case will need to be conducted by GCL and the items approved for carriage will be recorded in writing with the Customer.

Antiques and works of art with a shipment value in excess of EUR 500,000
Banderols / Tax stickers with a shipment value in excess of EUR 500,000
Cigarettes, cigars, tobacco products and electronic cigarettes with a shipment value in excess of EUR 500,000.
Dangerous / hazardous goods including but not limited to perfumes, aftershaves, aerosols, flammable substances, dry ice, biological substances, UN classified dangerous goods and any goods specified as such under International Air Transport Association regulations (“IATA”), the Agreement on Dangerous Goods by Road (“ADR”) or International Maritime Dangerous Goods (“IMDG”) regulations.
Commemorative coins and medals with an individual value or total shipment value in excess of EUR 2,000
Financial and monetary commodities – examples include but are not limited to activated SIM cards for mobile phones, blank or activated credit or cash dispenser cards, blank cheques, event tickets, lottery tickets, money or postal orders, pre-paid phone cards, tickets (blank stock), traveller’s cheques, vouchers/tokens, unused stamps etc. Applicable to all shipments valued in excess of EUR 500,000
Jewellery and watches and with individual values in excess of EUR 5,000. The shipment must not exceed EUR 100,000
Medicinal cannabis
Toy guns, firearm parts, tasers and replica ammunition (includes rifle butts, trigger mechanisms, screws/bolts etc which are manufactured for the sole purpose of creating a functional firearm)

Counterfeit Goods

Counterfeit Goods are Prohibited

DHL’s security policy states that it is not allowed to transport counterfeit goods via the DHL network. DHL does not want to be associated with counterfeit goods and upon suspicion of such goods being imported, Customs will be informed. It is prohibited in many countries to introduce counterfeit goods and where proven the Customs authority will seize the goods and penalize the buyer.

If you are offered very low prices for branded goods that are sold on shopping websites or via other channels, you can normally assume that the goods are counterfeit. High quality branded goods that are often copied are:

Shoes
Clothing
Bags
Expensive Watches
CDs and DVDs
Perfumes
Electronics

All countries vary as to restrictions and charges on certain imported goods. Should you have any doubts, then you should thoroughly check this accordingly with the relevant bodies.

Please refer to our Terms and Conditions
Please read more about GCL customs clearance airport and seaport coverage.

Should you have any questions regarding these Terms and/or our Services, please don’t hesitate to CONTACT US.

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Manchester, United Kingdom.

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Understanding Prohibited Items

Prohibited items are goods that are not allowed to be transported under any circumstances, often due to safety, legal, or regulatory reasons. Understanding these restrictions is crucial for anyone involved in shipping or receiving goods across borders. Not only does this knowledge help prevent legal repercussions, but it also ensures compliance with local and international laws governing the transportation of goods.

Moreover, different countries have varying definitions of prohibited items, which can sometimes be ambiguous or misunderstood. For instance, while certain items may be restricted in one region, they may be permitted in another, leading to confusion among shippers and recipients alike. Therefore, it is essential to consult official resources or customs authorities to clarify what items are prohibited in a specific destination.

Categories of Prohibited Items

Prohibited items can be divided into several categories, each addressing specific health, safety, and security concerns. This includes hazardous materials which pose risks to the environment and public safety, and illegal substances that have no legitimate use. Understanding these categories not only assists in ensuring compliance but also helps identify what items can be safely shipped under controlled conditions.

Additionally, each shipping service, whether local or international, has its own list of prohibited items that often includes food products, alcohol, and personal effects. It's important for shippers and receivers to familiarize themselves with these lists and to understand that failure to comply can lead to strict penalties, including fines or legal action. Making the effort to comprehend these categories can prevent costly errors in the shipping process.

Legal Implications of Shipping Prohibited Items

Attempting to ship prohibited items can lead to severe legal consequences, including prosecution and significant fines. Laws governing the transportation of goods vary by country and often include stringent penalties for those who violate them. For individuals and businesses, this can mean not only immediate financial repercussions but also long-term damage to reputation and shipping relations.

In many jurisdictions, shipping prohibited items can result in confiscation of goods, as well as potential criminal charges against the shipper. Compliance with shipping regulations is not just recommended; it is essential to avoid these adverse outcomes. Failure to adhere to the laws can also complicate future shipping endeavors, leading to denial of service by shipping companies and border control agencies.

Where to Find Information on Prohibited Items

To navigate the complexities surrounding prohibited items, individuals and businesses should rely on official resources and governmental websites. These platforms typically provide detailed and up-to-date information regarding which items are prohibited or restricted in specific jurisdictions. By tapping into these reliable sources, shippers can easily access guidance that reflects the most current regulations.

In addition to governmental resources, many shipping companies maintain comprehensive lists of prohibited items on their websites. These lists are tailored to their policies and the jurisdictions they serve, offering essential insights to help customers avoid costly mistakes. Regularly checking these resources is a practical way to stay informed about changing regulations, ensuring compliance during shipping transactions.