Prohibited & Restricted Items

Items we cannot forward

The following are prohibited and can't be forwarded on any service:

Hazardous, flammable & explosive goods

Aerosols, gas canisters and camping gas, lighters and lighter fuel, fireworks and flares, paints, solvents and other flammable liquids.

Loose batteries & power banks

Standalone lithium batteries and power banks cannot be forwarded. Batteries fitted inside a device (such as a phone or laptop) are usually accepted — check with us for the specific item.

Weapons & sharp goods

Firearms, ammunition, replica or imitation weapons, knives, and other offensive or bladed items.

Drugs, tobacco & vaping products

Illegal drugs of any kind, and vapes, e-liquids and other nicotine products (prohibited to most international destinations).

Perishable food & anything that can leak

Fresh or perishable food, and anything that can rot, melt or leak in transit.

Counterfeit & illegal goods

Counterfeit or pirated items, and anything that is illegal to export from the UK or import into the destination country.

Cash & high-value valuables

Cash and currency, and loose precious metals, gemstones or bullion.

Restricted items — possible, but with limits

These can sometimes be forwarded, but only within courier limits and the destination country's import rules. Always check with us first:

Alcohol

Spirits and any drink over 24% ABV cannot be forwarded internationally at all. Beer, wine and lower-ABV drinks (including pre-mixed / ready-to-drink cans) may be possible in small quantities only — couriers cap alcohol at roughly 1–2 litres per parcel, and it is subject to import duty and tax in the destination country. Ask us first with the ABV, can or bottle size, and destination.

Perfumes, aftershaves & aerosol cosmetics

These are classed as flammable, so they are restricted or prohibited on many services and destinations.

Medicines & supplements

Small personal quantities may be allowed, but many medicines and supplements need a licence or are restricted for import. Check with us before sending.

Licence-controlled & country-restricted items

Anything that needs an export or import licence, or is limited for import into your destination country.

This list isn't exhaustive, and rules change by courier and destination. If an item isn't listed here, it doesn't automatically mean it's allowed — check with us if you're unsure.

Common questions

Can I forward alcohol with PostUK?

Spirits and any drink over 24% ABV cannot be forwarded to international destinations. Beer, wine and lower-ABV drinks (such as pre-mixed cocktail cans) may be possible in small quantities — couriers limit alcohol to roughly 1–2 litres per parcel — and are subject to import duty in the destination country. Tell us the ABV, the can or bottle size, and where it is going, and we will confirm what is possible.

Can I send a power bank or lithium battery?

Loose lithium batteries and standalone power banks cannot be forwarded. Batteries fitted inside a device, such as a phone or laptop, are usually accepted — contact us to confirm for your specific item.

Can I forward vapes or e-liquids?

No. Vapes, e-liquids and other nicotine products are prohibited to most international destinations.

Do the prohibited item rules depend on the destination country?

Yes. Some items are restricted or banned only for certain countries, and import duties and licence requirements vary by destination. If you are unsure, always check the specific item and destination with us before you buy.

What happens if a prohibited item arrives at your depot?

We cannot forward it. We will let you know and arrange a return or disposal where possible. To avoid this, check with us before buying anything you are unsure about.