Prohibited and Restricted Items

Laws vary by country. The list of items below cannot ship or have limits on how they can ship or how much can ship. Please note that this list is not comprehensive and that restrictions are constantly changing. We'll do our best to update this page as we receive notices from our carriers but ultimately you are responsible for ensuring that the items you purchase comply with all government and carrier restrictions.

For your convenience we have provided examples of each item category. Simply click or tap the icon. Remember, prohibited items cannot ship at all. Limited items have reducesreduced shipping options on quantity or specific type of item and may require special documentation or have extra fees associated with them. If you have concerns about your product, please contact support@indianmailbox.com before you make your purchase.

 
Agriculture

Agriculture

Items grown on farms or in gardens or items used when cultivating soil; planting; raising, and harvesting plants, crops, fruits and vegetables.

Examples of items that cannot be shipped:

  • Seeds
  • Hay
  • Corn
  • Soybeans
  • Soil
  • Grains
  • Feed
  • Mowers
  • Tractors
Alcohol

Alcohol

Alcohol, beer and wine is prohibited to ship on all carriers

Examples:

  • Alcoholic Beverages - This item may not be shipped to your country
Animals

Animals

Animals or parts of animals

Examples of items that cannot be shipped:

  • Live Animals
  • Dead Animals
  • Animal Parts
  • Animal Tissue
  • Animal furs
  • Animal skin
Art and Antiquities

Art and Antiquities

Works of art, collectible objects, antiques of high value or considerable age.

Examples:

  • Artwork, Collectibles, etc... - Limited to a value no greater than $5,000 USD
  • Figurines - Limited to a value no greater than $5,000 USD
  • Paintings or Sculptures - Limited to a value no greater than $5,000 USD
  • Memorabilia - Limited to a value no greater than $5,000 USD
Biohazards

Biohazards

Biological substances that may contain contagions or other hazardous substances.

Examples of items that cannot be shipped:

  • Bodily Fluids
  • Cell Cultures
  • Lab Reagents
  • Medical Specimens
  • Tissue Samples
  • Tear gas
  • Human Remains
Cell Phone

Cell Phone

Mobile phones , smartphones, portable telephone that use wireless cellular technology to send and receive phone signals and other data.

Examples:

  • Cell Phone - Must be packed in special packaging such as a rigid container. Please place a special request asking for this to be completed
Chemicals

Chemicals

Raw chemicals but also some adhesives, pastes, sealants, cosmetics like peroxide, precursors for chemical weapons, etc... Refer to the Material Safety Data Sheet from the manufacturer to determine if the product can ship.

Examples of items that cannot be shipped:

  • Dry Ice
  • Adhesives
  • Sealants
  • Precursors to Chemical Weapons
  • Peroxide
  • Crazy Glue Adhesive
  • Disinfectants
Corrosive

Corrosive

Acids or bases that can react and cause corroding or eating away of a substance. Refer to the Material Safety Data Sheet from the manufacturer to determine if the product is corrosive or not.

Examples of items that cannot be shipped:

  • Hydrochloric Acid
  • Sulfuric Acid
  • Lye
  • Some Cleaners
  • Cosmetic derma-peel
  • Battery fluid
  • Dyes
  • Iodine
Counterfeit

Counterfeit

Items not produced by the original manufacturer in violation of copyright/trademark laws

Examples of items that cannot be shipped:

  • Knock-offs
  • Pirated Goods
  • Imitation products
Drug Contraband

Drug Contraband

Drug-related items restricted or banned by US law

Examples of items that cannot be shipped:

  • Narcotics
  • Illegal Drugs
  • Drug Paraphernalia
  • Drug Devices
  • CBD
  • Marijuana
E-Juice

E-Juice

Liquid used in e-cigarette devices and vaping devices

Examples:

  • E-liquid - Nicotine content must be 0mg.
  • E-Juice - E-juice/E-liquid must be 0mg Nicotine only
ECCN Regulated

ECCN Regulated

Items requiring an ECCN (Export Control Classification Number). Often relating to airplane and aerospace parts or computer parts. telecommunication devices, etc...

Examples of items that cannot be shipped:

  • Large microprocessors (like those used by satelite companies and space agencies)
  • Aircraft Parts
  • Aerospace Parts
Engines

Engines

Internal combustion engines, gas powered engines, like the kind used in a motor vehicle or other machine

Examples of items that cannot be shipped:

  • Internal combustion engines
Explosives

Explosives

Items susceptible to explosion or combustion

Examples of items that cannot be shipped:

  • Class 1 Dangerous Goods
  • Flares
  • Gun Powder
  • Matches
  • Fireworks
  • Flashbangs
  • Smoke Grenades
  • Ammunition/cartridges
  • Detonators
  • Fuses
  • Primers
  • Air bag inflators
Fertilizers and Pesticides

Fertilizers and Pesticides

Chemical/Organic products designed for use as fertilizer or pesticides. Refer to the Material Safety Data Sheet from the manufacturer to determine if the product can indeed ship.

Examples of items that cannot be shipped:

  • Fertilizers
  • Fungicides
  • Herbicides
  • Insecticide
  • Rodenticides
  • Sodium Nitrates
  • Ammonium Sulphate
  • Organic Nitrogenous Fertilizers
Firearms

Firearms

Items related to guns or other devices designed to inflect damage by launching one or more projectiles at a high speed.

Examples of items that cannot be shipped:

  • Air Guns
  • Ammunition
  • Gunpowder
  • Paintball Guns and Balls
  • Magazines
  • Scopes/Sights
  • Stun Guns
  • Tasers
  • Gun Parts
  • Replica Firearms
  • Firearm related products
  • Gunsmithing Equipment
  • Reloading Devices
Flammable / Combustible

Flammable / Combustible

Items are capable of being easily ignited and of burning quickly. Refer to the Material Safety Data Sheet from the manufacturer to determine if the product is indeed flammable or combustible.

Examples of items that cannot be shipped:

  • Epoxy
  • Glue
  • Fuel
  • Matches
  • Lighters
  • Paint
  • Nail Polish
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Cellulose Nitrate Film
  • Flammable Essential Oils
  • Flammable Flavorings
  • Flammable Extracts
  • Alcohol
  • Resins
  • Printing Ink
Gambling

Gambling

Devices used in gambling or game of chance activities

Examples of items that cannot be shipped:

  • Gambling Devices
  • Poker Chips
  • Slot Machines
  • Roulette Wheels
  • Tokens
Hazardous Material & Dangerous Goods

Hazardous Material & Dangerous Goods

Any item or agent (biological, chemical, radiological, and/or physical), which has the potential to cause harm to humans, animals, or the environment. Any item classed as Dangerous Goods. Refer to the Material Safety Data Sheet from the manufacturer to determine if the product can indeed ship.

Examples of items that cannot be shipped:

  • Fire Extinguishers
  • Antifreeze
  • Chemical Strippers
  • Chlorine Bleach
  • Drain Cleaners
  • Anything regulated by DOT as hazardous
Hoverboards

Hoverboards

A self-balancing scooter (also self-balancing board) is a self-balancing personal transporter consisting of two motorized wheels connected to a pair of articulated pads on which the rider places their feet.

Examples of items that cannot be shipped:

  • Hoverboards
Human Remains

Human Remains

Bodies and / or ashes

Examples of items that cannot be shipped:

  • Ashes
Ivory

Ivory

A hard creamy-white substance composing the main part of the tusks of an elephant, walrus, or narwhal, often (especially formerly) used to make ornaments and other articles. Tusk, Horns or Teeth from Elephants, Hippopotamus, Sperm Whales, Killer Whales, Narwhals, Wart Hog, and Elk

Examples of items that cannot be shipped:

  • Powdered Ivory
  • Jewelry
  • Statues
  • Boxes
  • Raw Ivory
Jewelry

Jewelry

Personal ornaments, such as necklaces, rings, or bracelets, that are typically made from or contain jewels and precious metal. >$5,000 USD

Examples of items that cannot be shipped:

  • Jewelry with a value greater than $5,000 US
Lead Acid Batteries

Lead Acid Batteries

Batteries that utilize lead and acid cores, such as car batteries.

Examples of items that cannot be shipped:

  • Auto Batteries
Lithium Batteries (packaged with product)

Lithium Batteries (packaged with product)

Lithium Ion, Lithium Polymer and Lithium Metal batteries

Examples:

  • Lithium batteries packed with equipment (such as power tools) or more than 2 devices containing a lithium battery (such as laptops and cell phones) - USPS, Airmail, Skypostal and Aramex are not available for this item. Must be less than 100Wh. If packed with equipment, the limit is 2 spare batteries per package. If contained inside the device, max weight per package is 5kg. Special packaging is required.
Loose Lithium Batteries

Loose Lithium Batteries

Lithium ion, lithium polymer, lithium metal batteries and lithium power banks not installed in devices are prohibited to ship

Examples of items that cannot be shipped:

  • Lithium batteries not packed with equipment
  • Lithium Power Banks
  • Loose or Spare Lithium batteries
Loose Precious Stones

Loose Precious Stones

Loose polished or unpolished minerals or stones of high value. Usually used in jewelry or ornaments.

Examples of items that cannot be shipped:

  • Loose Diamonds
  • Loose Gems
  • Loose Rubys
  • Loose Sapphires
  • Loose Emeralds
Means of Payment

Means of Payment

Items used as currency or for payment

Examples of items that cannot be shipped:

  • Currency
  • Coins
  • Stamps
  • Gold Bullion
  • Money Instruments
  • Cash
  • Credit Cards
  • Gambling Devices
  • Lottery Tickets
  • Checks
  • Tokens
  • Bonds
Medical Devices

Medical Devices

Items used for aiding in the diagnosis, monitoring or treatment of medical conditions. Medical/Dental equipment and supplies

Examples of items that cannot be shipped:

  • Prescription devices
  • Dental equipment
  • Veterinary equipment
Nail Polish

Nail Polish

Flammable nail polish and nail care items. Refer to the Material Safety Data Sheet from the manufacturer to determine if the product is indeed flammable.

Examples of items that cannot be shipped:

  • Flammable Nail Polish
  • Nail Polish Remover
Paint

Paint

Protective or decorative coating. Refer to the Material Safety Data Sheet from the manufacturer to determine if the product can indeed ship.

Examples of items that cannot be shipped:

  • Flammable Paint
  • Spray-paint
  • Paint thinner
  • Printing Ink
Perishable Food

Perishable Food

Food and foodstuffs with a limited shelf life or requiring refrigeration/freezing to avoid spoilage.

Examples of items that cannot be shipped:

  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  • Meat
  • Sausage
  • Caviar
Plants

Plants

Live Plant: A young tree, vine, shrub, or herb planted or suitable for planting. Dead or Dried Plants.

xamples of items that cannot be shipped:

  • Flowers
  • Seeds
  • Soil
  • Roots
  • Grass
  • Hay
  • Logs
  • Pine Cones
  • Fungus
Poison

Poison

A substance that is capable of causing the illness or death of a living organism when introduced or absorbed.

Examples of items that cannot be shipped:

  • Class 6.1 and 6.2 items
  • Nicotine
  • Rat Poison
  • Toxic Materials
Political

Political

Printed, audio or visual material relating to the government or the public affairs of a country.

Examples of items that cannot be shipped:

  • Books
  • Pamphlets
  • Audio Recordings
  • Video Recordings
Pornography

Pornography

Printed or visual material containing the explicit description or display of sexual organs or activity.

Examples of items that cannot be shipped:

  • Books
  • Magazines
  • Videos
  • Pictures
Prescription Drugs

Prescription Drugs

A pharmaceutical drug that legally requires a medical prescription from a doctor to be dispensed.

Examples of items that cannot be shipped:

  • Prescription Drugs
  • Viagra
  • Steroids
Pressurized Canisters

Pressurized Canisters

Products packaged in containers using pressurized gas. Refer to the Material Safety Data Sheet from the manufacturer to determine if the product can indeed ship.

Examples of items that cannot be shipped:

  • Aerosols
  • Fire Extinguishers
  • Compressed Gas
  • Gas cartridges
  • Helium
  • Propane
  • Car Shock Absorbers
Radioactive Material

Radioactive Material

Items emitting or relating to the emission of ionizing radiation or particle. Items will be marked with a radioactive placard.

Examples of items that cannot be shipped:

  • Radioactive Material
  • Medical isotopes
  • Density gauges
Soil

Soil

Soil or soil enhancing products

Examples of items that cannot be shipped:

  • Dirt
  • Mud
  • Peat
  • Sand
  • Clay
Stamps

Stamps

US Postage Stamps. For collectible stamps please see Art and Antiques.

Examples:

  • Uncancelled/unused US postage stamps - This item may not be shipped to your country
Tactical Equipment

Tactical Equipment

Military or Law Enforcement equipment and weaponry

Examples of items that cannot be shipped:

  • Body Armor
  • Gas Masks
  • Hand Cuffs
  • Lock Pickers
  • Night-Vision/Infrared Goggles
  • Rifle Scopes
  • Military and Law Enforcement Items
  • Thermal Imaging
  • Any item regulated by CBP, ITAR, or the US Departments of Commerce, State or Treasury
Tactical Knives

Tactical Knives

Knives that are intended for use as a weapon

Examples of items that cannot be shipped:

  • Butterfly Knives
  • Switchblades
  • Concealable Blades
  • Daggers
  • Push Knives
  • Ballistic Knives
  • Bayonets
  • Stabbing Weapons
  • Bayo Knife
Tobacco and Nicotine Products

Tobacco and Nicotine Products

Any product prepared from the leaves of the tobacco plant by curing them. Nicotine in any form

Examples of items that cannot be shipped:

  • Tobacco
  • Nicotine Products
  • Cigars and Cigarettes
  • Chewing tobacco
  • Tobacco wrapping papers
  • Nicotine Patches
  • Liquid nicotine
Weapons

Weapons

A weapon, arm, or armament is any device used with intent to inflict damage or harm to living creatures, structures, or systems

Examples of items that cannot be shipped:

  • Crossbows
  • Clubs
  • Pepper Spray
  • Firearms and Firearm Parts
  • Knives and Stabbing Weapons
  • Tasers
  • Crossbows
  • Billy Clubs