Prohibited shipping items, and why

What carriers and customs won't accept, what needs extra care, and what to do when you're not sure about something.

The basics

Why some items can't be shipped

Every carrier and every country has rules about what can travel through its network. Some rules are about safety, like hazardous materials on aircraft. Some are legal, like controlled substances. And some depend on the destination, because each country decides what it lets in.

We can’t accept a shipment that breaks any of these rules. The list below covers the common prohibited shipping items. It is a guide, not the full rulebook, so if something isn’t listed and you’re unsure, ask us.

Never accepted

What we can't ship at all

The carriers we use won't take these for international shipments, whatever the packaging or paperwork.

Cash and money-like papers

Cash, coins, and cheques or bonds that work like cash.

Firearms and weapons

Guns, ammunition and gun parts, plus anything that looks like a bomb or grenade, even a toy or prop.

Explosives and fireworks

Fireworks, flares, and anything else that can explode or ignite.

Hazardous chemicals

Toxic, corrosive or poisonous substances, like pesticides and strong cleaning chemicals.

Tobacco and vapes

Cigarettes, cigars, loose tobacco, hookah, vapes, e-cigarettes and their liquids, with or without nicotine.

Cannabis and drugs

Marijuana, CBD and anything with THC, even if it's legal in your state. Illegal drugs and kratom too.

Recalled or damaged batteries

Any battery that's been recalled, is swollen or damaged, or sits in a recalled device.

Counterfeit goods

Fakes and knock-offs of branded goods.

Live animals

Pets, insects and other live animals can't travel as parcels or in household moves.

Plants and cut flowers

Live plants and fresh flowers, sent as ordinary parcels.

Ashes and human remains

FedEx, UPS and DHL won't carry them. Call us and we'll explain the options.

Wet, leaking or smelly parcels

Carriers refuse any package that's damp, leaking or gives off a strong smell.

With conditions

Allowed, but ask us first

These can sometimes go, with the right service, paperwork or limits. Tell us what you have and we'll check.

Phones, laptops, cameras

Fine with the battery inside the device. Loose or spare lithium batteries are something we can't send for you.

Perfume, nail polish, sprays

These count as dangerous goods on planes. For personal shipments the answer is often no.

Alcohol

Carriers only accept it from licensed businesses, not from individuals.

Jewelry, gold and watches

Carrier cover is usually capped at $1,000, and some carriers and countries refuse them outright.

Medicines

Some countries allow a personal amount with a prescription. Always declare them.

Food

Sealed, shelf-stable food only, nothing that needs a fridge. Each country sets its own limits.

Seeds, wood, animal products

Often need a permit or a health certificate from the sender's side.

Anything over $2,500

If one kind of item is worth more than $2,500, the US needs an export filing (EEI). We'll tell you what's needed.

Prohibited or restricted?

Prohibited means it can’t be shipped at all, whatever the packaging or paperwork. Restricted means it can go, but only under conditions: special packaging, a particular service, a permit, or a limit on quantity.

The same item can be restricted with one carrier and refused by another, or allowed into one country and banned in the next. That is why we check each shipment rather than rely on a single list.

Shipping to India

India's courier rules are strict about a few things US senders often don't expect.

No gold, silver or jewelry by courier.
No drones. India doesn't allow drone imports.
No satellite phones without a license from India's telecom department.
No seeds.
Some electronics must carry India's BIS safety certification.

Shipping to Canada

Legal in the US doesn't mean legal at the Canadian border.

No cannabis or CBD in any form, even from a legal US store.
Alcohol and tobacco can't go as personal shipments.
Food gifts containing meat are refused.

Shipping to the UK

The UK is especially careful about food, plants and self-defense items.

No meat or dairy in personal parcels. That includes jerky.
Most plants and seeds need a plant health certificate.
No pepper spray, flick knives or replica guns.

Rules for leaving the US

The US has export rules of its own. When any one kind of item in a shipment is worth more than $2,500, or the item needs an export license, an Electronic Export Information (EEI) filing is required before it leaves.

Shipments to countries under US sanctions need government approval, and most can’t go at all. Whatever the destination, describe every item truthfully on the customs form. Vague or wrong descriptions are the most common reason shipments get held.

Quick checks before you pack

We'd much rather check upfront than have your shipment held or returned at customs.

Does it have a battery? Tell us the brand and model.
Is it a liquid, a spray, a powder or a magnet?
Is it food, a plant, seeds, or made from an animal?
Is any single item worth more than $1,000?
Where is it going? The destination's rules can change the answer.
Not sure? Call +1 (404) 793-8759 or add a note to your quote request and we’ll check before pickup.

Questions about restricted items

Can’t find yours? Call us and talk to a person.

+1 (404) 793-8759 All questions

Yes, when the battery is inside the phone, laptop or camera it powers. Loose or spare lithium batteries are a different story: carriers treat them as dangerous goods, and we can't send them for you. Recalled or damaged batteries are refused everywhere.

Not as a private person. Carriers only accept alcohol from licensed businesses shipping under a contract, and many countries restrict it on arrival too.

They count as dangerous goods on planes because they're flammable, so they need a trained shipper and special paperwork. Most of the time the answer for a personal shipment is no. Ask us before you pack them.

Sealed, shelf-stable food often can go. Anything that needs a fridge can't. Many countries also ban meat and dairy in personal parcels, the UK among them, so tell us what it is and where it's going.

Sometimes. Many countries allow a personal amount with a prescription, and some ban certain medicines outright. Always declare them, and ask us first.

FedEx, UPS and DHL don't carry them. USPS does, on one service and only to countries that allow it. Call us and we'll explain your options gently and clearly.

The shipment can be held, returned or destroyed, and extra charges or fines may apply. It's much easier to check before pickup.

What our customers say

Real reviews from Google, shown word for word.

4.5Rated on Google

“I used TYS Global Logistics for moving my entire 2-bedroom house. I spent over a month comparing different moving companies because I wanted a good rate without compromising on the service. TYS offered me the cheapest rates, along with flexible timing as per my availability. Their team handled my belongings carefully, and I received proper tracking updates throughout the shipment. The delivery was delayed by one day, but they informed me about it in advance and explained the reason properly. Overall, it was a good experience. I would definitely consider using their service again.”
JJalak PandyaLocal Guide on Google
“I used TYS Global Logistics to send my belongings and had a really smooth experience. The team was helpful and handled everything properly. My items arrived safely and the pricing was also good. Overall, I’m happy with the service.”
DDiti KelaiyaGoogle review
“Overall, a good experience with TYS Global Logistics. Used their service to move some furniture and household items. The packing was done properly, and the team handled everything carefully. There was a small delay in delivery, but they kept me updated. Overall, good service and reasonable pricing.”
DDhvani KanziyaGoogle review
“Used TYS Global Logistics for moving my household items. Good service, reasonable pricing, and everything was handled carefully. Overall, it was a smooth and good experience. Special thanks to Krutik from their team for his support throughout the process.”
NNikita SinghGoogle review
“Good experience with TYS Global Logistics. The team was helpful, the process was smooth, and everything was handled carefully.”
HHansaliya PritGoogle review
“Affordable service”
KKinjal PatelGoogle review

“I used TYS Global Logistics for moving my entire 2-bedroom house. I spent over a month comparing different moving companies because I wanted a good rate without compromising on the service. TYS offered me the cheapest rates, along with flexible timing as per my availability. Their team handled my belongings carefully, and I received proper tracking updates throughout the shipment. The delivery was delayed by one day, but they informed me about it in advance and explained the reason properly. Overall, it was a good experience. I would definitely consider using their service again.”
JJalak PandyaLocal Guide on Google
“I used TYS Global Logistics to send my belongings and had a really smooth experience. The team was helpful and handled everything properly. My items arrived safely and the pricing was also good. Overall, I’m happy with the service.”
DDiti KelaiyaGoogle review
“Overall, a good experience with TYS Global Logistics. Used their service to move some furniture and household items. The packing was done properly, and the team handled everything carefully. There was a small delay in delivery, but they kept me updated. Overall, good service and reasonable pricing.”
DDhvani KanziyaGoogle review
“Used TYS Global Logistics for moving my household items. Good service, reasonable pricing, and everything was handled carefully. Overall, it was a smooth and good experience. Special thanks to Krutik from their team for his support throughout the process.”
NNikita SinghGoogle review
“Good experience with TYS Global Logistics. The team was helpful, the process was smooth, and everything was handled carefully.”
HHansaliya PritGoogle review
“Affordable service”
KKinjal PatelGoogle review

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