Shipping rules

Prohibited & restricted goods

For safety and legal reasons there are items we cannot accept or forward. This list aligns broadly with Royal Mail, UPS and FedEx international prohibitions. Destination countries may impose additional restrictions — when in doubt, contact us before ordering.

Parcels found to contain prohibited items cannot be shipped or returned to you and may be surrendered to authorities. Handling fees still apply.

Dangerous goods & hazardous materials

Never accepted
  • Explosives, fireworks, flares and ammunition
  • Flammable liquids and solids (petrol, lighter fluid, matches, firelighters)
  • Compressed gases (aerosols over courier limits, butane, CO₂ cartridges, diving tanks)
  • Corrosives (acids, alkalis, mercury, wet batteries)
  • Oxidising agents and organic peroxides (bleach, hair dye kits containing peroxide)
  • Toxic or infectious substances (pesticides, poisons, clinical waste)
  • Radioactive materials

Weapons

Never accepted
  • Firearms, firearm parts and replica/imitation firearms
  • Ammunition (live, spent or blank)
  • Knives, swords and bladed weapons (including flick knives and disguised blades)
  • CS gas, pepper spray, stun guns and tasers
  • Knuckle dusters, batons and other offensive weapons

Drugs & controlled substances

Never accepted
  • Illegal drugs and controlled substances of any kind
  • Psychoactive substances ("legal highs")
  • Drug paraphernalia
  • Cannabis and CBD products that exceed destination THC limits

Counterfeit & illegal items

Never accepted
  • Counterfeit goods, currency, stamps or vouchers
  • Stolen property
  • Pornographic or obscene material
  • Items whose import is illegal at the destination country

Live animals, plants & perishables

Never accepted
  • Live animals and insects
  • Animal remains, ivory and products from endangered species (CITES)
  • Perishable food requiring refrigeration
  • Plants, seeds and soil where import restrictions apply

Human remains & biological substances

Never accepted
  • Human or animal remains, including ashes
  • Blood, organs and pathology samples

Batteries & electronics

Restrictions apply
  • Loose lithium batteries (not installed in a device) — generally prohibited
  • Devices containing lithium batteries — allowed by most couriers with limits; battery must be installed
  • Power banks — restricted; many couriers refuse them entirely
  • Damaged, defective or recalled batteries — always prohibited

Alcohol, tobacco & vapes

Restrictions apply
  • Alcoholic beverages — restricted; courier- and destination-dependent, duty applies
  • Tobacco products — restricted or prohibited depending on destination
  • E-cigarettes, vapes and e-liquids — restricted; many couriers refuse them

High value & financial items

Restrictions apply
  • Banknotes, coins and bullion — prohibited by most couriers
  • Jewellery and watches above courier value limits
  • Precious metals and stones
  • Bank cards, passports and identity documents
  • Lottery tickets and gambling devices where restricted

Aerosols, perfumes & nail varnish

Restrictions apply
  • Perfumes and aftershaves (flammable) — surface/road services only in many cases
  • Aerosol toiletries (deodorant, hairspray) — quantity limits apply
  • Nail varnish and nail varnish remover — quantity limits apply

Restricted items may be carried by some couriers under specific conditions (packaging, quantity limits or surface-only transport). Available shipping options at checkout automatically reflect what each courier accepts.