Prohibited & Restricted Items
Certain items cannot be shipped through our forwarding service due to international courier regulations, aviation safety requirements, or customs restrictions.
Customers are responsible for ensuring that any items sent to our warehouse comply with applicable shipping and customs regulations.
If prohibited items arrive at our warehouse, we may refuse shipment, return the parcel, or dispose of the item where necessary.
Shipping regulations vary by courier and destination country.
Prohibited Items
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Dangerous or Hazardous Materials
Items classified as dangerous goods are not accepted.
Examples include:
• Explosives, fireworks or pyrotechnics
• Flammable liquids such as petrol or lighter fluid
• Gas cylinders or pressurised containers
• Corrosive substances
• Toxic chemicals
• Oxidising materials
• Industrial chemicals or cleaning agents -
Weapons & Controlled Items
• Firearms or weapon parts
• Ammunition
• Tasers or stun devices
• Knives or bladed weapons
• Military equipment -
Illegal or Controlled Substances
• Illegal drugs
• Narcotics
• Drug paraphernalia
• Controlled pharmaceuticals -
Biological or Animal Products
• Live animals
• Animal remains
• Biological samples
• Medical specimens -
Restricted Wildlife or Agricultural Products
• Live plants or seeds
• Soil or agricultural materials
• Items derived from endangered species
• Ivory or animal products restricted by international regulations -
Currency & Financial Instruments
• Cash or banknotes
• Bearer bonds
• Lottery tickets
• Gambling tickets -
Counterfeit or Illegal Goods
• Counterfeit products or replicas
• Items that infringe intellectual property rights
• Illegal materials prohibited by law -
Food & Beverages
• Fresh fruit & vegetables
• Meat, fish, dairy
• Prepared fresh/frozen meals• Agricultural products e.g. seeds, plants
• Homemade food e.g. cakes
• Beverages susceptible to leaking
Restricted Items
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Some items may be restricted depending on courier policies or destination country regulations.
These may include:
• Lithium batteries or power banks
• Perfumes and fragrances
• Aerosols and pressurised sprays
• Alcoholic beverages
• Cosmetics or chemical-based products
• Printer toner cartridges
• Paints, varnishes or solvents
• Household cleaning chemicals
Lithium Batteries & Electronics
Lithium batteries are commonly found in devices such as smartphones, laptops and tablets.
Due to fire risk, lithium batteries are regulated for air transport.
In many cases:
• Batteries installed within electronic devices can be shipped
• Loose batteries or damaged batteries are usually prohibited
Shipping eligibility may vary depending on the courier and destination country.
Customer Responsibilities
Customers are responsible for ensuring that items sent to our warehouse comply with courier and customs regulations.
Customers must also provide accurate declared values and customs information when preparing parcels for shipment.
Import duties, taxes and customs charges imposed by the destination country are the responsibility of the recipient and are not controlled by UK Worldwide Forwarding.
Failure to comply with shipping regulations may result in parcels being refused, returned, seized, or destroyed by customs authorities.
If a Prohibited Item Arrives
If a prohibited item is delivered to our warehouse we may:
• Refuse shipment
• Require the item to be returned to the sender
• Dispose of the item where required by law or courier policy
Any additional return or handling costs may be charged to the customer.
Unsure About an Item?
Certain items may require additional documentation or may only be shipped through specific couriers.
If you are unsure whether an item can be shipped internationally, please contact us before arranging delivery to your forwarding address.