What Couriers Cannot Carry: The Full Prohibited Items List
Before booking a courier in {location}, it's important to know that there are items no legitimate courier service will transport. Sending prohibited items can result in your parcel being seized, your account being closed, or even criminal prosecution. Here's the complete guide to what you can and cannot send.
Universally Prohibited Items
These items are banned by all UK courier services without exception:
- Explosives and fireworks: Including flares, detonators and ammunition
- Compressed gases: Aerosol cans, fire extinguishers, gas cylinders and butane lighters in bulk
- Flammable liquids and solids: Petrol, paint thinners, lighter fluid and matches in quantity
- Toxic and infectious substances: Poisons, pesticides and biohazardous materials (medical specimens have specific regulated routes)
- Radioactive materials: Require specialist licensed carriers
- Corrosive substances: Acids, alkalis and mercury
- Illegal drugs and controlled substances
- Weapons: Firearms, knives over the legal carry limit and offensive weapons
- Counterfeit goods
- Human remains
Commonly Restricted Items
These items aren't universally banned but most standard couriers won't carry them. You may need a specialist carrier:
- Lithium batteries: Loose lithium batteries are classed as dangerous goods. Batteries fitted inside devices (laptops, phones) are usually accepted but must be declared.
- Alcohol: Many couriers refuse alcohol. Those that accept it require the sender to hold the appropriate licence and declare the contents.
- Perfume and aftershave: Classed as flammable liquids. Some couriers accept small quantities if properly declared and packaged.
- Perishable food: Accepted by some couriers with appropriate cold-chain packaging, but not by standard services.
- Live animals and plants: Require specialist animal transport services with appropriate welfare provisions.
- Cash, precious metals and bearer bonds: Most couriers exclude these from their standard liability cover.
- Prescription medicines: Require licensed pharmaceutical distribution chains.
The Legal Framework
UK courier restrictions are based on several pieces of legislation, including the Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009, the Postal Services Act 2011, and international air freight regulations (IATA) for items that travel by air. Even for road-only deliveries within {location}, the dangerous goods regulations still apply.
What Happens If You Send a Prohibited Item?
If a prohibited item is discovered during transit, the courier will typically impound the parcel and may report it to the relevant authorities. You will not receive a refund, and you may be liable for disposal costs, decontamination charges or legal action. Your account with that courier will almost certainly be terminated.
How to Check Before You Send
- Read the courier's terms and conditions — every service publishes a prohibited items list
- If in doubt, phone the courier before booking and describe exactly what you want to send
- For hazardous materials, contact a specialist dangerous goods courier — they exist for exactly this purpose
- Always declare contents accurately on the booking form — lying about contents invalidates your insurance
If you're a business in {location} that regularly ships items near the boundary of these restrictions, consider setting up an account with a courier that specialises in your product type. They'll understand the regulations and ensure every shipment is compliant.