Use this checklist before putting anything in a courier box. “Prohibited” and “restricted” mean different things; the country’s import rules and the carrier’s acceptance rules both matter.
Further reading: FedEx: dangerous-goods classifications · GOV.UK: banned and restricted goods
Aerosols, perfumes and lithium-battery products can fall within dangerous-goods rules. Tell us about them before packing, including batteries installed inside equipment. A product sold freely in a shop is not automatically suitable for air transport.
If a manufacturer supplies a Safety Data Sheet, keep it available for the carrier’s assessment. Ordinary parcel acceptance must not be used as a substitute for the required specialist handling.
Further reading: FedEx: dangerous-goods classifications
Do not rely on a previous shipment or an old offer image as permission for a new parcel. Ingredients, quantity, country of manufacture, destination and the chosen route can change the result. In particular, dairy-based products and medicines need careful checks before booking.
Open the relevant country guide, then share your exact list with our team. If permission is needed, arrange it before the parcel travels; adding a prescription or certificate after dispatch may not resolve a refusal.
The carrier or border authority may require clarification, return, treatment or another action. Additional storage, return or disposal costs can arise under the applicable service conditions. Keep the item list accurate and respond quickly to genuine document requests. Do not split, conceal or misdescribe goods to avoid an import restriction.
Official references reviewed 18 September 2026. Check the applicable requirements again when booking.
Clear information for every shipment, from the contents of your box to the paperwork at customs.
Documents, clean clothing, books and non-hazardous gifts are common parcel enquiries. Tell us exactly what is inside, including hidden batteries, liquids or food ingredients. Acceptance is confirmed for the destination and selected service before booking.
A mixed parcel is checked item by item. One restricted product can affect the entire box, so include every item in your list and keep product labels or invoices ready.
Never hide illegal goods, counterfeit products or undeclared hazardous materials in a parcel. Fireworks, fuel, gas cylinders, corrosive chemicals and similar dangerous goods do not belong in an ordinary personal parcel.
Medicines, food, seeds, wooden articles, batteries, perfumes and valuables need separate checks. A restricted item may need permits or specialist handling; it is not automatically accepted because another item in the box is allowed.
Shipping weight considers both the scale weight and the space occupied by the packed box. Measure its outer length, width and height in centimetres and send us all three measurements with the actual weight.
Volumetric weight = length × width × height ÷ the service’s divisor. For an illustrative divisor of 5,000, a 50 × 40 × 30 cm box gives 12 kg. Carrier measurement, rounding and the chosen service determine the final chargeable weight.
Further reading: FedEx: actual and dimensional weight
Give a clear item description, quantity, genuine value and reason for sending. Customs can inspect the parcel or request documents. A gift or personal parcel is still subject to destination import rules.
Ask which freight, tax, duty, remote-area and clearance charges your quote includes, and who pays any destination charges. Never use a false description or a deliberately reduced value to avoid customs checks.
Keep the sender’s recognised identity and address proof ready. Names and addresses should match the shipment paperwork. Business consignments and regulated items can require additional documents.
Complete verification through the office or the verified carrier process after the service is confirmed. Do not paste identity numbers, prescriptions, passwords or payment details into the public quote form.
Further reading: FedEx India: KYC and customs documents
Use a sound carton, protect items from movement and remove old labels. Keep food in suitable sealed packaging only after acceptance is confirmed. Add the receiver’s full address, postcode and reachable phone number.
Keep an item list and photos of the packed contents. Confirm pickup availability, the expected delivery window and any remote-area requirement before handing over the parcel.
Food, medicines, customs and delivery requirements differ by country. Choose the actual receiving country before preparing your parcel.
