Within the last several years, many shipping companies have added items to their list of prohibited items. Are you planning on sending a package outside of America’s borders? If so, then you need to brush up on what you can and can’t ship internationally. All of these items have been prohibited by USPS due to safety concerns; some of these items are forbidden for obvious reasons, but you might be surprised by some of the widespread prohibited items.
Nail Polish and Perfume
If you’re trying to ship your favorite hue of OPI or your signature scent, you’ll be disappointed to know that you can’t send nail polish or perfumes (containing alcohol) internationally. The USPS has banned the two beauty products due to their flammability. However, there are certain loopholes on the nail polish ban. You are responsible for finding out the flashpoint and toxicity of the particular polish you want to send, but certain “consumer commodity” nail polishes may be sent internationally.
Aerosols, Dry Ice, and Poison
While you can ship aerosols domestically, with restrictions, they are completely banned from international shipping. Similarly, dry ice can be sent within American borders as long as it’s being used to refrigerate something. On the international front, dry ice is wholly prohibited. Even some poisons can be shipped domestically, but none can be shipped internationally.
Cigarettes, E-Cigs, and Alcoholic Beverages
For the most part, cigarettes and smokeless tobacco are banned from international shipping. On the other hand, cigars can be sent to any country that does not prohibit the shipping of cigars. There are particular exceptions that allow people to send tobacco; you must mail the products at an actual post office and declare what you’re shipping.
It doesn’t matter if you’re trying to send a bottle of wine to Thailand or hard liquor; alcoholic beverages of all kinds cannot be shipped internationally. You can ship using a box that used to carry alcohol as long as you remove all labels.
Fresh Fruit and Vegetables
Fresh fruit and vegetables are banned from international shipping, as they can potentially rot in transit. They are also considered to be a health hazard, and the smell of rotting produce can simply be a nuisance. You’re better off sending dried fruit instead.
Explosives, Gasoline, Ammunition, and Air Bags
Explosives, gasoline, air bags, and ammunition and firearms are banned in both domestic and international shipping. You can’t ship these items at all because they are considered to be apparent safety hazards. Gasoline and explosives are very flammable. However, the only loophole lies in the shipment of firearms; licensed firearm dealers and manufacturers can ship or receive firearms—as long as they're unloaded.
