Skip to content

Prohibited Items List

Overview

For safety, legal compliance, and successful international shipping, certain items cannot be purchased or shipped through our service. This comprehensive list applies to all procurement requests and international shipments.

Important Notice:

  • Customers are solely responsible for verifying that requested products comply with this list
  • Orders containing prohibited items will be cancelled immediately
  • Customs seizures due to prohibited items are the customer's responsibility
  • Violations may result in account suspension or termination

Please review this list carefully before placing any order.


1. Globally Prohibited Categories

1.1 Dangerous Goods and Hazardous Materials

Explosives and Explosive Materials

  • Explosives, detonators, blasting caps
  • Fireworks, firecrackers, and pyrotechnics
  • Fuses, ignition devices, and detonating devices
  • Gunpowder, dynamite, TNT
  • Ammunition primers and percussion caps

Compressed/Liquefied Gases

  • Butane, propane, oxygen tanks
  • Aerosol products (sunscreen sprays, antiperspirants, spray paint)
  • Compressed gas cylinders
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Camping gas canisters

Flammable Liquids and Solids

  • High-concentration alcohol (over 70% concentration)
  • Paint, paint thinners, and varnish
  • Gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and other fuel products
  • Lighter refill gas and lighter fluid
  • Phosphorus, sulfur, magnesium
  • Matches and strike-anywhere matches
  • Adhesives containing flammable solvents

Corrosive and Oxidizing Substances

  • Sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, nitric acid
  • Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda), potassium hydroxide
  • Battery acid and electrolyte solutions
  • Bleach and chlorine compounds
  • Hydrogen peroxide (high concentration)
  • Mercury and mercury compounds

Toxic and Poisonous Materials

  • Cyanide compounds (potassium cyanide, sodium cyanide)
  • Arsenic and arsenic-based products
  • Pesticides, insecticides, and herbicides
  • Rat poison and rodenticides
  • Virus samples and infectious substances
  • Bacterial cultures and biological hazards
  • Medical waste and sharps

Radioactive Materials

  • Uranium, radium, plutonium
  • Any radioactive elements, isotopes, or containers
  • Radioactive medical devices
  • Nuclear materials and equipment

1.2 Controlled and Illegal Items

Weapons, Firearms, and Ammunition

  • Firearms, guns, pistols, rifles, shotguns
  • Bullets, ammunition, cartridges
  • Replica guns, toy guns that resemble real weapons
  • Air guns, BB guns, pellet guns, and related accessories
  • Crossbows, bows, and arrows (certain jurisdictions)
  • Stun guns, tasers, and electroshock weapons
  • Gun parts and accessories (scopes, magazines, triggers)

Controlled Knives and Bladed Weapons

  • Daggers, dirks, and stilettos
  • Three-edged knives and military knives
  • Spring-loaded automatic knives
  • Switchblades with self-locking mechanisms
  • Butterfly knives (balisongs)
  • Throwing stars, shurikens, ninja weapons
  • Swords and machetes (in certain countries)

Drugs and Precursor Chemicals

  • Heroin, cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine
  • Opium, morphine, and opiate derivatives
  • Ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, and precursor chemicals
  • Synthetic drugs (MDMA, LSD, ketamine)
  • Any narcotic substances or controlled substances
  • Drug paraphernalia and manufacturing equipment
  • Chemicals used in drug production

Currency, Securities, and Financial Instruments

  • Cash, banknotes, and coins (all currencies)
  • Checks, money orders, and traveler's checks
  • Stocks, bonds, securities, and certificates
  • Counterfeit currency and fake money
  • Blank checks and unsigned financial documents
  • Credit cards and debit cards (not registered to recipient)

Intellectual Property Violations

  • Pirated books, magazines, CDs, DVDs, Blu-rays
  • Counterfeit luxury goods (fake designer handbags, watches, clothing)
  • Unauthorized anime/game merchandise and bootleg products
  • Fake branded products (shoes, electronics, accessories)
  • Unauthorized reproduction of copyrighted materials
  • Products infringing on trademarks or patents

Sensitive and Prohibited Publications

  • Political propaganda materials against any government
  • Obscene publications, pornographic materials
  • State secret documents and classified information
  • Materials promoting terrorism or violence
  • Materials harmful to national security or public order
  • Hate speech or discriminatory materials

1.3 Special Restricted Items

Live Animals and Biological Materials

  • All live animals, birds, reptiles, fish, insects
  • Live plants, seeds, bulbs, and plant cuttings
  • Soil, sand, and earth materials
  • Animal specimens and taxidermy (without permits)
  • Exception: Certified service dogs with proper documentation and advance arrangement

Perishable and Temperature-Sensitive Items

  • Fresh meat, seafood, and poultry
  • Dairy products requiring refrigeration
  • Fresh flowers and plants
  • Frozen foods and ice cream
  • Items requiring specific temperature control

Valuables, Antiques, and Cultural Relics

  • Undeclared antiques and historical artifacts
  • Cultural relics protected by national heritage laws
  • Fossils and archaeological specimens
  • Ancient coins and rare collectibles
  • Items of significant cultural or historical value
  • Precious gemstones and uncut diamonds (require specialized transport and insurance)

Electronic Products and Batteries

  • Lithium batteries without UN38.3 certification
  • Battery components exceeding 100Wh capacity
  • Power banks without safety certifications (CE, UL, FCC)
  • Damaged or recalled batteries
  • E-cigarettes and vaping devices with lithium batteries (country-specific)
  • Hoverboards and electric scooters with uncertified batteries

Human Remains and Medical Materials

  • Human organs, tissues, and body parts
  • Blood and blood products
  • Human ashes and cremated remains (without proper permits)
  • Medical specimens and pathological samples

2. Country and Region-Specific Prohibitions

The following restrictions apply to specific destination countries. Always verify current regulations before ordering.

2.1 European Union (EU) and Western Europe

Applicable Countries: Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Portugal, Greece, and other EU member states.

Food and Agricultural Products

  • Fresh vegetables, fruits, and produce
  • Meat products (beef jerky, pork products, dried meat, sausages)
  • Dairy products (cheese, milk powder, butter, yogurt)
  • Egg products (egg yolk pastries, dried eggs, egg powder)
  • Honey and bee products
  • Powders without ingredient certification (protein powder, nutritional supplements, meal replacements)
  • Products containing meat or dairy (e.g., mooncakes with meat filling)
  • Seeds, nuts, and grains (unless certified)

Pharmaceutical and Medical Products

  • Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), especially products containing:
    • Animal ingredients (bear bile, deer antler, tiger bone, etc.)
    • Endangered species materials
    • Heavy metals or unknown ingredients
  • Prescription drugs without:
    • Valid doctor's prescription
    • Professional translation into local language
    • Proper labeling and dosage information
  • Chinese patent medicines (Lianhua Qingwen capsules, Yunnan Baiyao, etc.)
  • Dietary supplements without EU Novel Food approval
  • Over-the-counter drugs not registered in the EU
  • Injectable medications and controlled substances

Other Restrictions

  • Wooden packaging and products without ISPM 15 fumigation certificate
  • Signal jammers, GPS blockers, and communication interference devices
  • Medical devices without CE certification
  • Laser pointers exceeding 1mW power
  • Certain cosmetics without EU compliance (containing prohibited ingredients)
  • Tobacco products exceeding duty-free allowance

2.2 United States

Food and Agricultural Products

  • Food additives without FDA certification
  • Meat and poultry products (beef, pork, chicken)
  • Certain fruits and vegetables (citrus, avocados, mangoes, etc.)
  • Dairy products without USDA approval
  • Products containing CBD or hemp derivatives (state-specific)
  • Hairy crab and certain seafood products
  • Kinder Surprise eggs (toys embedded in food)

Pharmaceutical and Medical Products

  • Prescription drugs without FDA approval, including:
    • Foreign pharmaceuticals not sold in the US
    • Unapproved versions of approved drugs
  • Traditional Chinese medicine preparations
  • Unapproved dietary supplements and herbal remedies
  • Injectable medications and biologics
  • Products claiming to cure diseases without FDA approval

Electronics and Communications

  • Communication devices without FCC certification
  • Lithium batteries exceeding FAA limits (160Wh for cargo)
  • Radio frequency devices without FCC approval
  • Drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (restrictions vary)
  • Cell phone jammers and signal blockers

Other Restrictions

  • Cuban cigars and products from embargoed countries
  • Ivory and products made from endangered species
  • Items violating US intellectual property laws
  • Switchblade knives and automatic knives

2.3 Australia

Industrial and Construction Materials

  • Engineered stone materials (silica content restrictions)
  • Asbestos and asbestos-containing products
  • Unauthorized radioactive materials
  • Raw construction materials (timber, stone, cement)

Biological and Agricultural Products

  • All live animals and birds
  • Live plants, seeds, bulbs, and plant cuttings
  • Soil, sand, and materials containing soil
  • Fur products and animal skins
  • Products made from endangered species:
    • Ivory and elephant products
    • Coral and coral products
    • Turtle shell products
    • Pangolin scales and products
  • Fresh or dried fruits and vegetables
  • Meat, dairy, and egg products
  • Honey and bee products
  • Seeds and nuts

Pharmaceutical Products

  • Traditional Chinese Medicine without TGA approval
  • Prescription drugs without Australian registration
  • Products containing pseudoephedrine (restrictions apply)
  • Injectable medications
  • Herbal remedies not registered with TGA

Other Restricted Items

  • Tobacco leaves and raw tobacco
  • Kava beverages (personal use exemptions may apply)
  • Signal jammers and GPS blockers
  • Weapons and weapon parts
  • Laser pointers exceeding 1mW
  • Products related to self-harm or suicide

2.4 Other Countries and Regions

Canada

  • Dairy products and meat products
  • Prescription drugs without Health Canada approval
  • Products containing CBD (provincial regulations vary)
  • Ivory and endangered species products

Japan

  • Fresh fruits and vegetables
  • Meat and dairy products
  • Certain over-the-counter medications
  • Products exceeding radiation limits

United Kingdom (Post-Brexit)

  • Similar restrictions to EU (see Section 2.1)
  • Additional customs requirements for imports from EU
  • Meat, dairy, and plant products require health certificates

Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia, etc.)

  • Pork products and pork derivatives
  • Alcohol and alcoholic beverages
  • Religious materials not conforming to local beliefs
  • Publications and media with sensitive content

Singapore

  • Chewing gum (except therapeutic gum)
  • E-cigarettes and vaping devices
  • Toy guns and replica weapons
  • Certain publications and media

3. Consequences of Violations

3.1 Order Cancellation and Processing

Immediate Actions:

  • Orders containing prohibited items will be immediately cancelled upon detection
  • Payment will be refunded according to our refund policy
  • Processing fees and handling charges may be deducted from the refund
  • Cancellation notice will be sent via email with reason for cancellation

Timeline:

  • Detection during order review: Cancellation within 24 hours
  • Detection during procurement: Cancellation before payment to merchant
  • Refund processing: 7-14 business days after cancellation

3.2 Customs Seizure and Confiscation

Customer Responsibility: If parcels are seized, detained, or confiscated by customs authorities:

  • Customer bears all financial losses related to seized items
  • No refund will be issued for the product value
  • No refund for shipping fees or service charges
  • Customer is responsible for any customs fines or penalties
  • Goods may be disposed of, destroyed, or returned at customer's expense

Common Seizure Scenarios:

  • Product violates import regulations of destination country
  • Missing or incorrect customs documentation
  • Prohibited items discovered during customs inspection
  • Product fails safety or quality standards
  • Intellectual property infringement detected

Our Support:

  • We will provide available documentation to assist with customs inquiries
  • We can offer guidance on customs appeal procedures (if applicable)
  • We will share tracking and shipment information
  • However, we cannot guarantee successful customs clearance

For Items Involving Illegal Activities:

  1. Authority Cooperation:

    • We are legally obligated to cooperate fully with law enforcement and customs authorities
    • Customer information may be disclosed to authorities as required by law
    • Communication records and transaction details may be provided as evidence
  2. Customer Legal Responsibility:

    • Customer assumes all legal responsibility for ordering prohibited items
    • Criminal prosecution may result from attempting to ship illegal items
    • Customer is liable for all legal fees, fines, and penalties
    • We are not responsible for legal consequences faced by customers
  3. Account Actions:

    • Immediate account suspension for serious violations
    • Permanent account termination for repeated violations or illegal items
    • Forfeiture of account balance for fraudulent activities
    • Ban from creating new accounts
    • Possible reporting to relevant authorities

3.4 Repeat Violations

Escalating Penalties:

  • First Violation: Warning notice and order cancellation
  • Second Violation: Account warning and temporary restriction (7-30 days)
  • Third Violation: Account suspension pending review
  • Subsequent Violations: Permanent account termination

4. Verification and Compliance

4.1 Our Verification Process

Pre-Order Review:

  • Product link and description verification
  • Comparison against prohibited items database
  • Country-specific regulation checks
  • Risk assessment for customs clearance

Warehouse Inspection:

  • Physical inspection of received products
  • Verification of product specifications
  • Check for undeclared or misdescribed items
  • Compliance with shipping carrier regulations

Right to Refuse:

  • We reserve the right to refuse any order containing prohibited items
  • We may refuse service to customers with repeated violations
  • Refusal decisions are final and not subject to appeal

4.2 Customer Responsibilities

Before Placing Orders:

  1. Review this list thoroughly before ordering any products
  2. Verify destination country regulations for specific product categories
  3. Check with local customs if you have doubts about import regulations
  4. Provide accurate product descriptions and complete information
  5. Understand carrier restrictions for your chosen shipping method

Declaration Accuracy:

  • Provide truthful and accurate product descriptions
  • Do not request false declarations for customs purposes
  • Declare correct product values and quantities
  • Do not attempt to circumvent customs regulations

Communication:

  • Respond promptly to our inquiries about product compliance
  • Provide additional documentation if requested
  • Inform us immediately if you have concerns about product legality

5. Important Reminders

5.1 Before Ordering

Essential Checks:

  1. Carefully review this Prohibited Items List
  2. Verify your destination country's specific import regulations
  3. Check if the product requires any permits, licenses, or certifications
  4. Understand customs duties, taxes, and potential delays
  5. Confirm product specifications and compatibility with local standards

If Uncertain:

  • Contact our Customer Service Team before placing your order
  • Provide detailed product information including links, photos, and specifications
  • Request verification and wait for official confirmation
  • Do not proceed with payment until you receive approval

5.2 Sources for Verification

Official Resources:

  • EU: European Commission - Customs and Taxation
  • USA: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), FDA, USDA
  • Australia: Australian Border Force (ABF), Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
  • Canada: Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
  • UK: HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)

Carrier Resources:

  • DHL Prohibited and Restricted Items List
  • FedEx Prohibited Items Guide
  • UPS Restricted Articles
  • EMS Country-Specific Restrictions

5.3 Changes and Updates

Regular Updates:

  • This list is updated regularly based on:
    • Changes in international regulations
    • Updates from shipping carriers
    • New customs policies
    • Seasonal or temporary restrictions

Stay Informed:

  • Check this page before each order
  • Subscribe to our notifications for major updates
  • Follow carrier announcements for restrictions
  • Review destination country customs updates

6. Contact and Support

Need Assistance?

Before Ordering: If you are unsure whether a product is prohibited or restricted:

Provide the Following Information:

  • Product name and description
  • Product link or source
  • Destination country
  • Quantity and specifications
  • Any relevant certifications or documentation

After Order Placement: If you have concerns about an existing order:

  • Contact customer service immediately
  • Provide order number and details
  • Request cancellation if necessary (before procurement)

Essential Reading:


Disclaimer

Important Legal Notice:

This Prohibited Items List is provided for informational purposes only and is subject to change without notice. While we make every effort to maintain accurate and up-to-date information:

  • Regulations may change at any time by governments, customs authorities, or carriers
  • This list may not be exhaustive or cover all prohibited items
  • Country-specific restrictions may vary and change frequently
  • Customers are ultimately responsible for verifying current regulations

AgentsBen is not responsible for:

  • Customs seizures due to prohibited items
  • Legal consequences from attempting to ship illegal items
  • Changes in regulations after order placement
  • Losses resulting from customer failure to verify restrictions

By using our service, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to comply with this Prohibited Items List and all applicable laws and regulations.


Note: This list is subject to change based on international regulations, carrier policies, and government requirements. Always verify current restrictions before ordering.