Prohibited goods
What can or cannot be sent?
Agreements have been made for international mail and parcels about what can or cannot be sent. These agreements help protect general health and safety and combat criminality. Certain rules apply only to certain countries, often in relation to perishable substances such as foodstuffs, animal products or vegetable products. You should also bear in mind items, such as printed matter, that are prohibited in the destination country for political or cultural reasons. If prohibited goods are seized, you will not be entitled to compensation for damage and/or the costs incurred. The conditions can vary significantly from country to country, but there are also goods subject to a general ban, i.e. those to which the Dangerous Substances Act applies.
The following types of goods are generally prohibited
- explosive substances and articles;
- compressed, liquefied or pressure-dissolved gases;
- flammable liquids;
- flammable solids;
- substances liable to spontaneous combustion;
- substances which, in contact with water, release flammable gases;
- oxidising substances;
- organic peroxides;
- toxic substances;
- infectious substances;
- corrosive substances;
- other substances which may be of danger to people or the environment.
There is also a general ban on the transport of - live animals;
- radioactive materials;
- goods infringing copyright or intellectual property rights;
- imitation weapons and ammunition.
The conditions applicable to the transport of foodstuffs are becoming increasingly stringent. This applies in particular to commercial goods destined for the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Any foodstuffs imported into the US commercially must be registered online with the FDA (Food and Drugs Administration) prior to shipment.
Restrictions also apply to medical products, in particular to prescription drugs.
Fragile items, perishable substances and sharp objects must be packaged appropriately to prevent the risk of damage to other parcels or third-party property.
Disclaimer
These export conditions serve as an indication and are subject to change. For current and detailed information, please visit this website. As the sender you are responsible for the contents of your parcel. In the event of damage, no rights can be derived from the information given in the International Shipping Guidelines.
The terms and conditions set out on this website are subject to change and typing errors. In the event of a discrepancy between the terms and conditions on these pages and the General Terms and Conditions of TNT Post, the latter prevail.