Shipping goods internationally from the UK is subject to strict regulations. Many everyday items are classified as prohibited shipping items unless you have special permissions or licenses. Failing to comply can lead to seized parcels, fines or even criminal penalties. This guide covers the main categories of prohibited items to ship internationally from the UK, what each category means, and how to handle them.
Many carriers even forbid shipping everyday valuables like cash or jewelry without special procedures. For example, some couriers explicitly list cash or precious metals among prohibited items. Similarly, controlled drugs (illicit substances and many prescription medicines) and offensive weapons (e.g. flick knives, pepper spray) are categorically banned. Below we break down each major category of prohibited or restricted export.
Firearms, Weapons, and Explosives
Under UK law, firearms (including parts and realistic replicas), ammunition and explosives (e.g. fireworks, detonators) are classified as strategic goods. Exporting any genuine firearm, ammunition or related equipment without an Export Control Joint Unit licence—or, for explosives, Home Office/HSE approval—is a criminal offence. In practice, you cannot ship guns, gun parts, ammunition or pyrotechnics from the UK unless you hold the proper export licence.
This covers items such as pistols, rifles, BB and airsoft guns, grenades, ammunition, fireworks, flares, stun‑guns and mock explosives.
Controlled Substances (Illicit Drugs and Chemicals)
All illicit drugs and precursor chemicals are strictly prohibited under Border Force and Home Office regulations. This ban covers narcotics (e.g., cocaine, heroin, MDMA), cannabis (including CBD), performance‑enhancing substances, prescription medicines without a licence, and any chemicals used in drug manufacture. Even certain over‑the‑counter medications or industrial chemicals may require paperwork—and, in practice, unlicensed shipments are not allowed.
Hazardous Materials and Dangerous Goods
Any flammable, explosive, pressurised or toxic item must go via a specialist courier or approved DG service—such as Impact Express’s Dangerous Goods Service, which handles dry ice, batteries and more.
Always declare dangerous goods on your customs forms, attach the correct UN labels and secure any required approvals to stay compliant and avoid severe fines or jail time.
| Hazardous Category | Common Examples | Shipping Rules |
| Aerosols | Spray paint, deodorant, hairspray | All aerosols are UN1950 DG |
| Flammable Liquids | Alcohol (>70% ABV), gasoline, solvents | Generally prohibited; requires DG shipping |
| Explosives/Flammables | Fireworks, ammunition, lighter fluid | Prohibited without HSE licence |
| Corrosives | Acids (battery acid), alkalis (bleach) | Prohibited without special packaging |
| Dry Ice (CO₂) | Dry ice for food transport | Allowed with DG labelling (surface only) |
| Batteries (lithium ion) | Power tools, phones, laptops | Installed only, with DG compliance |
Animal and Plant Products
Due to biosecurity laws, animal and plant products face strict controls: live animals must travel with specialist couriers, while many goods—meat, dairy, eggs, hides, fur—are banned or require permits; fresh plants and timber need phytosanitary certificates.
USDA‐style health certificates often apply to food and plant items, and CITES permits are mandatory for anything from endangered species (e.g., ivory, rhino horn, exotic woods, orchid bulbs).
The UK Border Force enforces these rules—see government travel guidance or contact the CITES Permit Office for details.
Endangered Species and CITES Products
Under CITES, you cannot export ivory, rhino horn, tiger bone or most reptile furs/leathers—antique or not—without certification.
No raw or processed parts of protected species may leave the UK. Timber from protected trees (e.g. mahogany, rosewood) can also be restricted.
Examples include ivory jewelry, tortoiseshell inlays, exotic leather bags (crocodile, ostrich), sandalwood and certain animal-based medicines. All items must appear on an approved list or have CITES permits; otherwise their export is illegal.
Rough Diamonds
Uncut (“rough”) diamonds have their own rules. UK law mandates a Kimberley Process (KP) certificate on every rough diamond shipment. You cannot export raw diamonds without this Kimberley Process certificate from the Government Diamond Office. Polished or set diamonds are not as tightly controlled, but any unpolished stone falls under KP. Apply for a KP certificate for each export consignment. Exports to or from non-KP countries can be seized.
Obscene or Prohibited Media
Indecent and obscene materials—including pornographic media or any content deemed legally obscene under the UK Obscene Publications Act—are banned from international shipment.
Examples include explicit adult DVDs, unclassified adult films or graphic books, banned hate material and certain extremist literature; such items may be seized and could also breach the destination country’s laws. They must never be sent internationally from the UK under any circumstances.
Bladed and Sharp Items
UK couriers (e.g. UPS) impose age-verification on sharp or bladed items—knives, scissors, razor blades, machetes—when shipping to residential addresses. Use an “Adult Signature Required” service, label the parcel clearly, and verify the destination country’s weapon‑import laws. No export licence is normally needed, but always declare the contents correctly.
Other Restricted Items
Several other items fall under special rules or local laws:
- Alcohol: High-proof spirits (over 70% ABV) are flammable goods; below that they often require customs paperwork and can be taxed heavily. See our Wine & Alcohol Guide.
- Currency: There are limits on taking cash across borders (£10,000) but shipping cash is discouraged. Carriers often forbid sending money.
- Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Sending fake branded goods can get seized and prosecuted under IP laws.
- Government and Military Goods: Export of defense equipment or military tech is strictly controlled (beyond this guide).
Summary Table of Prohibited Shipping Items
| Item Category | Examples (Not Sendable Without Permit) | Notes/Action |
| Firearms & Weapons | Guns, ammunition, pepper spray, knuckle-dusters | UK export licence required |
| Explosives & Pyrotechnics | Fireworks, flares, detonators | HSE licence or banned |
| Controlled Drugs & Precursors | Cocaine, cannabis, steroids, pill presses | Completely banned |
| Hazardous Materials (Dangerous Goods) | Aerosols, paint, bleach, gasoline | Restricted labelling; often banned |
| Dry Ice | Dry ice shipments for perishables | Use specialised DG service |
| Corrosives & Toxics | Acids (battery), strong cleaners | Banned without DG packaging |
| Live Animals & Plants | Pets (without permit), unregulated seeds | Prohibited or need health cert. |
| Endangered Species Products | Ivory, rhino horn, exotic leathers | CITES permit required |
| Rough Diamonds | Uncut diamonds | Kimberley Process cert. required |
| Obscene Media | X-rated films, banned literature | Prohibited |
| Cultural Artifacts | Archaeological finds, national treasures | May need export licence |
| Bladed Tools & Knives | Pocket knives, razor blades | Age-verified delivery; declare |
Each of these categories may incur extra customs checks or paperwork. Always complete international customs forms accurately, and declare the contents and values truthfully. Mis-declaring a prohibited item (e.g. labeling a weapon as “metal parts”) is illegal.
Why Compliance Matters
Shipping prohibited items can have serious consequences. According to government guidance, you risk unlimited fines or prison if a dangerous or illicit shipment causes an incident. Even without an accident, couriers will detain non-compliant parcels and may refuse service. Customers shipping dangerous goods should use an experienced carrier; for example, Impact Express trains its staff in IATA regulations and can help safely ship things like lithium batteries and dry ice.
Need Expert Help Shipping Liquids Globally?
Impact Express offers international shipping and fulfilment services for eCommerce retailers—including dangerous goods.
Our team is trained in Dangerous Goods compliance, customs documentation, and courier coordination to help your products reach global customers safely and efficiently.
Contact us today to discuss your needs.
