Prohibited & Restricted Shipping Items
Not everything can be shipped internationally through a standard courier service. Find out which items are prohibited, which require approval and what specialist shipping options may be available.
Can You Send It Overseas?
International shipping is subject to transport safety rules, carrier restrictions and destination-country laws. Some products cannot travel through standard freight services, even if they are everyday household items.
The good news is that an item rejected by a standard courier is not necessarily impossible to ship. Certain dangerous goods may be eligible for specialist transport through our sister company, Dangerous Goods Solutions (DG Solutions).
Prohibited
Not accepted through Send Stuff's standard international shipping service. Some items may be prohibited entirely, while others need specialist freight.
Restricted
Must be disclosed and checked before shipping. Acceptance depends on the product, destination, carrier and applicable rules.
Specialist Options
Some goods rejected by ordinary couriers can be assessed for specialist dangerous goods shipping through DG Solutions.
Items Prohibited from Standard Shipping
The following categories are not accepted through Send Stuff's standard personal effects and excess baggage shipping services.
Explosives & Fireworks
Examples include fireworks, flares, ammunition, gunpowder and explosive devices.
Flammable Liquids
Petrol, lighter fluid, solvents, fuel additives and certain paints and coatings.
Compressed Gases
Gas cylinders, camping gas cartridges, butane refills and similar pressurised products.
Corrosive Chemicals
Strong acids, alkalis, drain cleaners and certain industrial chemicals.
Toxic & Infectious Substances
Certain pesticides, poisons, infectious materials and hazardous biological substances.
Illegal Goods
Illegal drugs, counterfeit products and goods prohibited by New Zealand or destination-country law.
Firearms & Restricted Weapons
Firearms, ammunition and restricted weapons are not accepted through standard Send Stuff services.
Damaged or Defective Batteries
Swollen, leaking, damaged, defective or recalled lithium batteries must not be included in standard shipments.
Important distinction: Prohibited from standard shipping does not always mean prohibited from every form of transport. Some regulated products may be assessed for specialist freight. However, illegal goods and certain high-risk items may not be transportable at all.
Lithium Batteries & Electronic Equipment
Lithium batteries are among the most common reasons personal effects shipments are rejected. Battery restrictions apply to standalone batteries and many everyday electronic devices.
Electronic Devices
- Laptops and tablets
- Mobile phones
- Cameras
- Drones
- Cordless power tools
- Other battery-powered equipment
Batteries & Power Equipment
- Power banks and portable chargers
- Spare lithium-ion batteries
- Lithium-metal batteries
- E-bike and scooter batteries
- Portable power stations
- Large rechargeable battery packs
Acceptance depends on factors such as battery chemistry, watt-hour rating, lithium content, condition, whether the battery is installed in equipment and the carrier's rules.
Shipping an e-bike battery? Many standard couriers will not accept removable e-bike batteries. Our sister company DG Solutions can assess eligible batteries for specialist packaging, documentation and international freight.
Toiletries, Cosmetics & Personal Care Products
Some products commonly found in suitcases and bathroom cabinets are classified as dangerous goods for transport purposes.
Fragrances & Flammable Products
- Perfumes and fragrances
- Nail polish
- Nail polish remover
- Alcohol-based sanitising products
- Certain cosmetic preparations
Aerosols & Pressurised Products
- Aerosol deodorants
- Hairsprays
- Spray paints
- Pressurised cosmetic sprays
- Other aerosol containers
Airline baggage rules are different. An item permitted in your checked luggage when flying as a passenger is not necessarily permitted in an international courier or cargo shipment.
Declare all liquids, aerosols, perfumes and potentially hazardous personal care products before requesting shipment.
Other Items That Require Checking
Some items are restricted because of their contents, destination-country import rules or the way they are transported.
Sports & Outdoor Equipment
- Camping stoves and fuel containers
- Diving equipment
- Compressed gas cylinders
- Avalanche safety equipment
- Battery-powered sports equipment
- Equipment with pressurised cartridges
Food, Plants & Animal Products
- Food products
- Seeds and plants
- Untreated wooden products
- Animal-derived materials
- Items requiring biosecurity inspection
Medicines & Healthcare Products
- Prescription medicines
- Medical devices
- Healthcare products
- Equipment containing batteries
- Regulated medical materials
Unusual Household Items
- Products containing fuel residues
- Cleaning chemicals
- Battery-powered appliances
- Pressurised equipment
- Items with unknown contents
Ordinary sporting equipment such as golf clubs, skis and snowboards may be suitable for shipping, subject to packaging, dimensions, carrier acceptance and destination requirements.
See our Packaging Guides for advice on preparing eligible items.
Valuable, Fragile & Irreplaceable Items
Some belongings are not dangerous goods but may still be unsuitable for standard international shipping or subject to carrier restrictions and liability exclusions.
High-Value Items
- Jewellery and precious metals
- Cash and currency
- Negotiable instruments
- High-value electronics
- Antiques and valuable artwork
Fragile or Essential Items
- Glassware and ceramics
- Musical instruments
- Original identity documents
- Passports
- Irreplaceable sentimental belongings
Shipping insurance: Send Stuff does not provide shipping insurance. Carrier liability may be limited and may be significantly lower than the value of your belongings. If you require cover, arrange your own suitable transit insurance before dispatch.
We recommend keeping passports, essential travel documents and irreplaceable belongings with you rather than sending them through standard freight.
For packaging advice, see our Fragile & Delicate Items Guide .
Your Courier Said No. We May Have a Solution.
Many ordinary couriers won't accept lithium batteries, aerosols, chemicals or other dangerous goods. But that doesn't necessarily mean they can't be shipped internationally.
Through our sister company, Dangerous Goods Solutions (DG Solutions) , we can connect you with specialist dangerous goods expertise. DG Solutions can assess eligible shipments and arrange compliant packaging, marking, labelling, documentation and freight where a suitable transport service is available.
EXPLORE DANGEROUS GOODS SHIPPING →Specialist shipping is not a blanket exemption. DG Solutions must assess the goods, applicable regulations, carrier acceptance and route before confirming whether transport can be arranged.
Customs & Destination-Country Restrictions
Every destination country has its own customs, biosecurity and import requirements.
An item that can legally leave New Zealand may still be restricted or prohibited when entering another country.
Check Import Rules
Confirm whether your destination permits the goods you intend to send.
Check Documentation
Some goods require permits, declarations, supporting certificates or inspection.
Allow for Customs Charges
Import duties, taxes and clearance charges may apply depending on the destination and goods.
Read our Customs & Import Duties Guide for more information.
Declare Your Shipment Accurately
Accurate information is essential for safe, compliant international shipping.
- Declare all items included in your shipment.
- Identify batteries, liquids, aerosols, chemicals and other potentially restricted products.
- Provide accurate product descriptions, quantities and declared values.
- Check applicable export and destination import requirements.
- Obtain any required permits or supporting documentation.
- Follow the packaging and preparation requirements confirmed for your shipment.
- Do not conceal, misdescribe or misdeclare restricted goods.
Undeclared or prohibited goods may cause shipment delays, additional charges, refusal, return, seizure or lawful disposal. Customers may be responsible for resulting costs where permitted by law.
Inspection & Acceptance
Send Stuff may request additional product information, photographs, Safety Data Sheets or supporting documents before confirming a shipment.
Where legally permitted and reasonably necessary, shipments may be inspected by Send Stuff, service providers or relevant authorities. Acceptance may be declined or suspended if contents cannot be verified or applicable requirements are not met.
Prohibited & Restricted Items FAQs
What items are prohibited from international shipping?
Standard international shipping services generally exclude various dangerous goods, including explosives, flammable liquids, compressed gases and corrosive chemicals. Illegal goods and other prohibited items are also excluded. Exact restrictions depend on the carrier and destination.
Can I ship something my courier has rejected?
Possibly. Some products rejected by ordinary couriers may qualify for specialist dangerous goods transport. Our sister company DG Solutions can assess eligible goods and investigate suitable arrangements.
Can I include perfume or aerosol deodorant in my suitcase?
Perfumes and aerosol products may be classified as dangerous goods and cannot simply be included in standard international cargo without checking the applicable rules. Declare them before arranging shipping.
Can I ship a laptop or mobile phone overseas?
Some electronic devices containing lithium batteries may be accepted subject to battery, packaging and carrier requirements. You must disclose the devices before shipping.
Can I ship a removable e-bike battery?
Some eligible removable e-bike batteries may be transported using specialist dangerous goods arrangements. Battery condition, watt-hour rating, packaging and carrier acceptance must be assessed.
Are food and wooden items prohibited?
Not necessarily. Food, plant and wooden products may be restricted by the destination's customs or biosecurity requirements. Permits, declarations or inspections may be required.
Can I ship fragile or valuable belongings?
Certain fragile or valuable goods may be accepted, but carrier restrictions and liability exclusions can apply. Send Stuff does not provide shipping insurance.
Does Send Stuff provide dangerous goods shipping?
Specialist dangerous goods shipping services are provided through Send Stuff's sister company, Dangerous Goods Solutions. Visit our Dangerous Goods Shipping page for details.
What happens if I don't declare a restricted item?
Undeclared goods may result in shipment refusal, delays, return, additional costs or action by relevant authorities. Always disclose potentially restricted contents before shipping.
Check With Us Before You Ship
Tell us what you're sending and where it's going. We'll review your enquiry and advise whether standard international shipping may be suitable or whether specialist dangerous goods assistance is required.
Important information: This page provides general shipping guidance and is not an exhaustive list of prohibited or restricted goods. Shipment acceptance depends on applicable transport regulations, carrier requirements, destination-country laws and Send Stuff's terms and conditions. Specialist dangerous goods services are provided through our sister company, Dangerous Goods Solutions. No particular shipment is guaranteed acceptance.