What can’t you Ship Internationally: A Guide to Restricted & Prohibited Items
Sending an international courier from Chennai? Whether it's a gift for your loved ones abroad or a business sample, it’s important to know that not everything can fly across borders. Every country has its own customs laws, and failing to follow them could result in delays, penalties, or even destruction of your parcel.
At Asia Express, we want your shipment to arrive safe, fast, and hassle-free. That’s why we’ve prepared this easy guide to help you understand what items are restricted or prohibited in various destination countries.
✈️ What Are Restricted & Prohibited Items?
- Prohibited items are completely banned from import.
- Restricted items can be shipped only with prior approvals, licenses, or documentation.
🌍 Country-Wise Customs Sensitivities (Examples)
Australia
🔒 Very strict on biosecurity
- ❌ Prohibited: Spices, pickles, seeds, herbal powders, wooden articles
- ⚠️ Restricted: Cosmetics, health supplements (require certification)
- 🧾 What’s Needed: Ingredients list, invoices, and in some cases, clearance from AQIS (Australian Quarantine)
USA
📦 Checks everything closely
- ❌ Prohibited: Food without FDA approval, raw turmeric, coconut shell crafts, explosives
- ⚠️ Restricted: Branded clothes, electronics (require FCC compliance), supplements
- 🧾 What’s Needed: Commercial invoice with clear product details, proof of value
UK & EU
💰 Very particular about value & labeling
- ❌ Prohibited: Perishables, cosmetics without ingredient listing
- ⚠️ Restricted: Medicines, health care products
- 🧾 What’s Needed: HS code, value declaration, EU compliance certifications
UAE & Middle East
📜 Heavy documentation for religious, cultural, and personal care items
- ❌ Prohibited: Alcohol, pornographic material, religious literature
- ⚠️ Restricted: Perfumes, cosmetics, protein powders
- 🧾 What’s Needed: Arabic labeling, certificate of origin, approvals
Canada
🐝 Eco and health regulation sensitive
- ❌ Prohibited: Unlabeled health products, homemade food
- ⚠️ Restricted: Vitamins, electronics with Bluetooth
- 🧾 What’s Needed: FDA-style compliance, proof of purchase, manufacturer’s details
🚫 Commonly Prohibited Items (All Countries)
- Firearms, ammunition, and weapons
- Liquids, aerosols, and flammable items
- Pornographic content
- Currency, traveler’s cheques, and high-value negotiables
- Drugs (prescription or recreational)
- Counterfeit goods and pirated content
⚠️ Commonly Restricted Items
- Branded items (Nike, Apple, Adidas, etc.)
- Food items and homemade pickles
- Ayurvedic products and herbal powders
- Cosmetics and creams
- Synthetic hair, wigs, or beard props (especially to Australia & Canada)
- Batteries (especially lithium-ion ones)
🧾 What Happens If You Ship Restricted/Prohibited Items?
- 🚫 Parcel can be confiscated or destroyed
- 🕒 Shipment will face long delays
- 💸 Additional charges may apply: inspection fee, penalty, or return cost
- 📄 You may be asked for additional documents, licenses, or certificates
✅ Pro Tips:
- ✔️ Always declare clearly. Vague words like “personal items” or “gifts” can cause trouble.
- ✔️ Contact us before sending anything unusual – we can guide you on documentation and eligibility.
- ✔️ Double-check product contents (especially with cosmetics or food)
- ✔️ Don’t risk customs rejection — one wrong item can delay or void your full shipment.
📞 When in Doubt, Reach Out
At Asia Express, we specialize in international courier services from Chennai to over 250+ global destinations via air mode.
We do not handle customs clearance, as it is processed by the respective destination country. However, we are happy to guide you on what to ship and what to avoid.
💬 Still unsure if your item is allowed?
📱 Call us / WhatsApp us before booking your shipment.
Avoid the risk of loss, return, or customs delays. Let Asia Express help you ship safe, smart, and smoothly — anywhere in the world.