Amazon Shipping BLOG
Guide to shipping
prohibited and restricted items
Keeping our customers and staff safe is our top priority.
Discover more about which items are restricted for shipping.
Discover more about which items are restricted for shipping.
Shipping prohibited items
There are a variety of prohibited items which can cause harm during the shipping process. As a result, we restrict the shipping of these items for safety reasons. There are also a number of items restricted or prohibited by law.
Wondering what you can, or can’t ship with us? Use the guidelines below to check your items aren’t on our restricted or prohibited lists before shipping.
Wondering what you can, or can’t ship with us? Use the guidelines below to check your items aren’t on our restricted or prohibited lists before shipping.
Examples of prohibited items for shipping
Take a look at the list below for examples of items you can’t ship with us right now. Please note the list is not exhaustive and it is your responsibility as the shipper to make sure your shipment complies with the laws around shipping restricted items. We're expanding our services all the time so keep checking back here for updates.
Hazardous and dangerous goods
These items pose a risk to people, property, or the environment due to their chemical or physical properties and are therefore prohibited. Dangerous goods include flammable, pressurised, corrosive, or otherwise harmful substances. They require special care and handling to transport. Visit our blog on shipping dangerous goods to find out what dangerous goods you can ship with us.
Perishables
Items like fresh fruit, vegetables, dairy, frozen, or chilled foods that need to be stored or transported under specific conditions aren’t suitable for shipping with us. Live animals, live insects, and plants intended to be replanted are also considered perishables.
Illegal items
Anything that’s not permitted for sale and/or transportation by applicable laws, rules, or restrictions, is prohibited. That includes counterfeit goods and illegal drugs.
Age-restricted goods
Goods that require age verification or signature on delivery – including alcohol and bladed products – cannot be shipped with us.
Paints and varnishes
Oil-based paints are prohibited. Water-based paints, wood varnishes, and enamels with a volume greater than 150ml per item also can’t be shipped with us.
Precious metals and stones
Please be aware that we’re unable to ship precious metals and stones on our network currently. This includes items made from or containing precious metals such as silver, gold, platinum, palladium, iridium, osmium, rhodium, and ruthenium.
Additionally, precious stones, including diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and sapphires, cannot be shipped with us. Semi-precious stones, such as amethyst, aquamarine, pearls, and others, are also restricted from our shipping services.
Additionally, precious stones, including diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and sapphires, cannot be shipped with us. Semi-precious stones, such as amethyst, aquamarine, pearls, and others, are also restricted from our shipping services.
Knowing if an item is dangerous or hazardous
Look carefully at the packaging to see if there’s a hazard pictogram or warning phrase – for example ‘extremely flammable’. If you’re unsure, or if there’s no warning label, contact the manufacturer or supplier and ask for a safety data sheet (SDS) to check.
Restrictions on shipping liquids
It’s possible to ship some types of liquid, but it’s your responsibility to ensure these are appropriately packaged. Anything that’s wet, leaking, or emitting an odour of any kind can’t be shipped. Bear in mind that certain liquids – including hazardous, dangerous, and alcoholic liquids – are prohibited shipping items.
Keeping everyone safe
By working together to restrict shipping of hazardous items, we can prevent potential incidents and health risks for customers and our staff. We are updating our services all the time so check back if you sell a product on this list. Check out our dangerous goods blog for hazardous items you're able to ship with us.
Ship with us
Still unsure whether your products are prohibited items for shipping? Or want to find out more about our safe and reliable parcel delivery services? Simply click on your business size below to find out more about the services we offer or to get in touch.
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