Navigating international shipping regulations can be complex, especially when it comes to understanding what items are prohibited from shipment via UPS. To ensure compliance and avoid potential issues, it’s crucial to be aware of these restrictions. Here’s a comprehensive list of items prohibited from shipment to all countries served by UPS:
- Ammunition: With exceptions as provided in the “UPS Tariff/Terms and Conditions of Service – United States” (refer to page 136).
- Bank Bills, Notes, or Currency (other than coin): Currency items are restricted for shipment.
- Corpses, Cremated, or Disinterred Remains: Human remains are not allowed for shipment.
- Fireworks: Hazardous items like fireworks are prohibited for safety reasons.
- Hazardous Waste: Materials classified as hazardous waste are restricted for shipment.
- Ivory: The shipment of ivory is prohibited under international regulations.
- Marijuana: Including marijuana intended for medicinal use, is not permitted for shipment.
- Postage Stamps: Restricted for shipment via UPS.
- Shark Fins: Prohibited for shipment due to environmental concerns.
- Shipments Prohibited by Law: Items restricted or prohibited by local laws or regulations.
- Watches Exceeding the Value of 500 USD: High-value watches have shipping restrictions.
Additionally, certain goods are also prohibited, including:
- Goods moving under ATA Carnet and all temporary exports and imports.
- Goods moving under FCR, FCT, and CAD (Cash Against Document).
- Shipments with inherent vice likely to soil, impair, or damage.
- Goods prohibited by law in the country of origin, transit, or destination.
- Goods attracting excise duty or requiring special facilities, safety precautions, or permits.
- Certain goods may be transported only under prescribed conditions.
It’s the shipper’s responsibility to comply with current government regulations or laws when shipping internationally. Understanding these restrictions is essential to ensure smooth and compliant shipments via UPS. Stay informed to avoid potential delays or penalties in your shipping process.
Once you've confirmed your item is allowed, see how to read a UPS shipping label to understand the tracking number, barcode, and service information UPS prints on it.
Frequently asked questions
What items are prohibited from shipping with UPS?
Items prohibited to all countries UPS serves include ammunition (with exceptions in the UPS Tariff/Terms and Conditions of Service), bank bills, notes or currency other than coin, human remains, fireworks, hazardous waste, ivory, marijuana (including for medicinal use), postage stamps, shark fins, watches exceeding 500 USD in value, and shipments prohibited by law.
Are there other goods UPS will not carry?
Yes. The list also includes goods moving under an ATA Carnet and all temporary exports and imports, goods moving under FCR, FCT and CAD (Cash Against Document), shipments with inherent vice likely to soil, impair or damage, goods prohibited by law in the country of origin, transit or destination, and goods attracting excise duty or requiring special facilities, safety precautions or permits.
Who is responsible for following shipping restrictions?
The shipper. It is the shipper's responsibility to comply with current government regulations and laws when shipping internationally.