Prohibited Items List UK: What You Cannot Send by Post

Universally Prohibited Items (All Couriers)

No UK courier — Royal Mail, DPD, Evri, UPS, FedEx, or DHL — will accept any of the following items under any circumstances:

• Explosives and fireworks — including party poppers and Christmas crackers
• Flammable liquids — petrol, lighter fluid, acetone, paint thinner
• Compressed gases — aerosols, fire extinguishers, camping gas canisters
• Illegal drugs and controlled substances
• Firearms and weapons — including replica guns, swords, and knives (some exceptions for licensed dealers)
• Toxic and infectious substances — including clinical waste and biological samples
• Radioactive materials
• Human or animal remains
• Counterfeit goods
• Obscene material

Restricted Items (Courier-Dependent)

These items are accepted by some couriers but not others, or may require special packaging and declarations:

Lithium Batteries

Lithium batteries are the most common restricted item. Royal Mail allows them only when installed in a device (not loose). DPD, UPS, and FedEx accept them with proper UN3481 labelling. Evri does not accept loose lithium batteries at all. If you are shipping a laptop, phone, or tablet, it is usually fine as the battery is installed in the device.

Alcohol

Royal Mail does not accept alcohol. DPD, UPS, and FedEx will ship alcohol but require you to hold a valid alcohol licence and use specialist packaging. DHL Express ships alcohol internationally with proper customs documentation. You cannot send alcohol through Evri.

Perfume and Fragrances

Most perfumes contain alcohol and are classified as flammable. Royal Mail accepts perfume in limited quantities (up to 150ml domestically). DPD, UPS, and FedEx accept perfume with hazardous goods labelling. Evri does not accept any perfume or aftershave.

Food and Perishables

Non-perishable food is accepted by most couriers. Perishable items like fresh meat, dairy, and chilled goods require temperature-controlled shipping — DPD and DHL offer this. Royal Mail accepts chocolate and baked goods but not frozen or chilled items. International food shipments face strict customs restrictions.

Jewellery and Valuables

Most couriers limit the value of items they will cover. Royal Mail Special Delivery covers up to £2,500. DPD covers up to £5,000 with enhanced compensation. UPS and FedEx offer declared value coverage up to £50,000 for business accounts. Always check the compensation limit before sending high-value items.

Courier-Specific Restrictions

International Restrictions

Sending items abroad adds another layer of restrictions. Every country has its own prohibited items list. Common surprises include:

• Pork products — prohibited in many Middle Eastern countries
• Dairy and meat — banned from entering the EU from the UK post-Brexit
• Seeds and plants — require phytosanitary certificates for most countries
• Medicines — even over-the-counter medicines are restricted in many countries
• Ivory and animal products — banned under CITES globally

Check the destination country's customs website or see our customs declarations guide for more detail.

What Happens if You Send Prohibited Items?

If a prohibited item is detected, the parcel will be seized and destroyed. You will not be refunded. For serious items (drugs, weapons, counterfeit goods), the courier is legally obligated to report you to the police. You may face prosecution under the Postal Services Act 2000 or the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979.

Not Sure? Check Before You Ship

If you are unsure whether an item is accepted, contact the courier directly before booking. You can also use our price comparison tool to check which couriers serve your route — each listing shows key restrictions.