Shipping restrictions are rules carriers and governments place on what you can and can't ship. Some items are prohibited entirely (cash, explosives), some are restricted (batteries, alcohol, perfume, medication), and rules vary by carrier, service, and destination. Violating them can get your package confiscated, returned to sender, or held in customs.
The most common restricted items are batteries, perfume, alcohol, medication, and cash — each with its own carrier rules. International shipments add another layer: destination-country restrictions can block items that are legal to ship domestically, and customs may return a package to sender if it violates the destination's rules.
This article is your overview; the linked guides cover each item in depth. If you're shipping internationally, also check incomplete address delivery issues that compound customs problems.
What It Means
What's Restricted vs. Prohibited
- Prohibited: cannot be shipped at all under any service (e.g., cash in most services, explosives, illegal drugs).
- Restricted: can be shipped only under certain conditions — special packaging, labeling, service, or documentation (e.g., batteries, alcohol, perfume, medication).
- Destination rules: an item legal domestically may be banned by the destination country; check before shipping internationally.
Common Restricted Categories
- Hazardous materials (hazmat): batteries, aerosols, perfume (flammable), lighters.
- Controlled substances: medication, alcohol, tobacco.
- Valuables: cash, coins, bullion.
- Perishables and live items: food, plants, animals.
Why It Happens
Why Restrictions Exist
Restrictions protect safety (hazmat can catch fire — see batteries), comply with law (controlled substances like medication and alcohol), prevent smuggling and money laundering (cash), and respect destination-country rules. Customs enforces these at the border — a non-compliant package can get returned to sender or seized.
How Long It Lasts
How Long Compliance Takes
- Domestic restricted items: follow carrier rules (labeling, service choice) — usually same-day if you know the rules.
- International: add customs forms and possibly longer customs processing.
- Prohibited items: can't be shipped — don't try; see return to sender for what happens if you do.
Should You Be Concerned?
Should You Be Concerned?
If you're shipping everyday goods, restrictions rarely apply. Be concerned when shipping batteries, perfume, alcohol, medication, or cash; internationally (destination rules differ); or anything flammable, pressurized, or controlled. A held package can turn into a lost package if customs sits on it.
What You Can Do
What You Can Do
- Check the carrier's prohibited/restricted list before shipping (USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL each publish one).
- For restricted items, use the right service, packaging, and labeling — see the linked guides.
- For international, complete customs forms accurately; see customs.
- If your package is held, see package stuck in customs.
- If it's returned, see return to sender.
- Don't ship prohibited items like cash — use insured, trackable alternatives.
When to Contact the Carrier
When to Contact the Carrier
Contact the carrier before shipping if you're unsure an item is allowed — they'll tell you the service, packaging, and labeling requirements. If a package is held in customs or returned to sender, contact support with the tracking number.