Dangerous Goods, Prohibited and Restricted Items

Aerosols
Aerosols for personal grooming or medicinal purposes (including deodorants, body sprays, hair sprays, shaving and hair removal creams, asthma inhalers, etc.)
UK destinations: Yes
International destinations: No
Follow these packaging guidelines:
Valves must be protected by a cap or other suitable means to prevent inadvertent release of the contents during transport. Aerosols must be tightly packed in strong outer packaging and must be secured or cushioned to prevent any damage. Volume per item must not exceed 500ml. No more than two aerosols can be sent in any one package. An ID8000 label must be applied. The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging. 

Other aerosols containing flammable, non-flammable or toxic gases (including spray paints, lacquers, solvents, air fresheners, oven cleaners, etc.)
UK destinations: No
International destinations: No

Alcoholic beverages and liquids (less than 24% ABV) (including beer, ale, cider, wine, fortified wine, champagne)
UK destinations: Yes
International destinations: Yes
Follow these packaging guidelines:
Wrap in polythene and seal with tape.Surround with absorbent material such as newspaper and sufficient cushioning material to protect each item from breakage. Volume should not exceed 1 litre per item. Mark as 'FRAGILE' when sending glass bottles. The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.

Alcoholic beverages and liquids (24% – 70% ABV) (including whisky, vodka and most spirits and liqueurs)
UK destinations: Yes
International destinations: No
Follow these packaging guidelines:
The items must be securely closed and placed in a leak-proof liner, such as a sealed polythene bag. Surround with absorbent material and sufficient cushioning material to protect each item from breakage. Volume must not exceed 1000ml (1 litre) per item. No more than four items can be sent in any one package. Maximum volume in each package is 2000ml (2 litres). Mark as 'FRAGILE' when sending glass bottles. The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.

Alcoholic beverages and liquids (greater than 70% ABV) (including some high strength vodkas and absinthes)
UK destinations: No
International destinations: No

Ammunition (excluding lead pellets and other airgun and airsoft projectiles)
UK destinations: No
International destinations: No

Asbestos
UK destinations: Yes
International destinations: No
Follow these packaging guidelines:
Samples of asbestos may be posted provided the sample is fixed within an inert material such as a glue or resin. Surround with cushioning material e.g. bubble wrap. The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.

Balance Boards (including Hover Boards, electric scooters, electric bicycles and all battery powered vehicles and equipment (UN3171))
UK destinations: No
International destinations: No

Balloons filled with non-flammable gas
UK destinations: No
International destinations: No

Biological substances (Diagnostic specimens including blood and urine. Category B (UN3373) as classified in the latest edition of the Technical Instructions for Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air published by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)) to find out more 

UK destinations: Yes
International destinations: No
Follow these packaging guidelines:
May only be sent by, or at the specific request of, a qualified medical practitioner, registered dental practitioner, veterinary surgeon, registered nurse or a recognised laboratory or institution. The total sample volume/mass in any parcel must not exceed 50ml/50g. All biological substances must be posted in packaging that complies with Packaging Instruction 650, such as our Safebox product. The sender’s name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.

Batteries

Batteries - new and used lithium ion and lithium polymer
Lithium ion/polymer batteries sent on their own (e.g. lithium batteries sent as replacements, Power Banks)
UK destinations: No
International destinations: No

Lithium ion/polymer batteries sent with equipment
(e.g. rechargeable batteries found in electronic devices)
UK destinations: Yes
International destinations: No
Follow these packaging guidelines:
The maximum number of batteries allowed in each package is the minimum number required to power the equipment plus two spares. The maximum net quantity of cells or batteries is 5kg per package. Watt-hour rating must not exceed 20Wh per cell or 100Wh per battery. Each cell and battery must be of a type proven to meet the requirements of each test in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, section 38.3. Batteries are subject to these tests irrespective of whether the cells of which they are composed have been so tested. Cells and batteries must be manufactured under a quality management programme as specified in the ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air. Cells or batteries that are defective for safety reasons, or that have been damaged, are forbidden. Any person preparing or offering cells or batteries with or in equipment for transport must receive adequate instruction on the requirements commensurate with their responsibilities. The consignment must be accompanied with a document with an indication that the package contains lithium ion cells or batteries; that the package must be handled with care and that a flammability hazard exists if the package is damaged; that special procedures must be followed in the event the package is damaged, to include inspection and repacking if necessary; and also a telephone number for additional information. Cells and batteries must be packed in inner packagings that completely enclose the cell or battery. Cells and batteries must be protected against short circuit, including protection against contact with conductive materials within the same packaging that could lead to a short circuit. The equipment sent with cells or batteries must be packed in strong rigid packaging and must be secured against movement within the outer packaging and packed to prevent accidental activation. Lithium battery handling label to be applied. The sender’s name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.

Lithium ion/polymer batteries contained in equipment
(e.g. rechargeable batteries found in electronic devices)
UK destinations: Yes
International destinations: Yes
Follow these packaging guidelines:
Each package must contain no more than four cells or two batteries installed in equipment.
The maximum net quantity of cells or batteries is 5kg per package. Watt-hour rating must not exceed 20Wh per cell or 100Wh per battery. Each cell and battery must be of a type proven to meet the requirements of each test in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, section 38.3.
Batteries are subject to these tests irrespective of whether the cells of which they are composed have been so tested. Cells and batteries must be manufactured under a quality management programme as specified in the ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air. Cells or batteries that are defective for safety reasons, or that have been damaged, are forbidden. Any person preparing or offering cells or batteries with or in equipment for transport must receive adequate instruction on the requirements commensurate with their responsibilities. Cells and batteries must be protected against short circuit. The equipment containing cells or batteries must be packed in strong rigid packaging and must be secured against movement within the outer packaging and packed to prevent accidental activation. The sender’s name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.

Batteries - new and used lithium metal and lithium alloy
Lithium metal/alloy batteries sent on their own
(e.g. lithium batteries sent as replacements)
UK destinations: No
International destinations: No

Lithium metal/alloy batteries sent with equipment
(e.g. non-rechargeable batteries found in electronic devices)
UK destinations: Yes
International destinations: No
Follow these packaging guidelines:
The maximum number of batteries allowed in each package is the minimum number required to power the equipment plus two spares. The maximum net quantity of cells or batteries is 5kg per package. The lithium content must not be more than 1g per cell or 2g per battery. Each cell and battery must be of a type proven to meet the requirements of each test in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, section 38.3. Batteries are subject to these tests irrespective of whether the cells of which they are composed have been so tested. Cells and batteries must be manufactured under a quality management programme as specified in the ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air. Cells or batteries that are defective for safety reasons, or that have been damaged, are forbidden. Any person preparing or offering cells or batteries with or in equipment for transport must receive adequate instruction on the requirements commensurate with their responsibilities. The consignment must be accompanied with a document with an indication that the package contains lithium metal cells or batteries; that the package must be handled with care and that a flammability hazard exists if the package is damaged; that special procedures must be followed in the event the package is damaged, to include inspection and repacking if necessary; and also a telephone number for additional information. Cells and batteries must be packed in inner packagings that completely enclose the cell or battery. Cells and batteries must be protected against short circuit, including protection against contact with conductive materials within the same packaging that could lead to a short circuit. The equipment sent with cells or batteries must be packed in strong rigid packaging and must be secured against movement within the outer packaging and packed to prevent accidental activation. Lithium battery handling label to be applied. The sender’s name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.

Lithium metal/alloy batteries contained in equipment
(e.g. non-rechargeable batteries found in electronic devices)
UK destinations: Yes
International destinations: Yes
Follow these packaging guidelines:
Each package must contain no more than four cells or two batteries installed in equipment. The maximum net quantity of cells or batteries is 5kg per package. The lithium content must not be more than 1g per cell or 2g per battery. Each cell and battery must be of a type proven to meet the requirements of each test in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, section 38.3. Batteries are subject to these tests irrespective of whether the cells of which they are composed have been so tested. Cells and batteries must be manufactured under a quality management programme as specified in the ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air. Cells or batteries that are defective for safety reasons, or that have been damaged, are forbidden. Any person preparing or offering cells or batteries with or in equipment for transport must receive adequate instruction on the requirements commensurate with their responsibilities. Cells and batteries must be protected against short circuit. The equipment containing cells or batteries must be packed in strong rigid packaging and must be secured against movement within the outer packaging and packed to prevent accidental activation.

The sender’s name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.

Christmas Crackers
UK destinations: Yes
International destinations: Yes
Follow these packaging guidelines:
Can only be sent in their made up form in their original retail packaging. The snap or ‘banger’ must be removed from parcels intended for British Forces Post Office (BFPO).

Clinical and medical waste (including contaminated dressings, bandages and needles)
UK destinations: No
International destinations: No

Controlled drugs and narcotics (including cannabis, cocaine, heroin, LSD, opium and amyl nitrate)
UK destinations: No
International destinations: No

Corrosives (including dyes, acids, corrosive paint and rust removers, caustic soda, mercury and gallium metal)
UK destinations: No
International destinations: No

Counterfeit currency, bank notes and stamps (including any false instrument, or copy of a false instrument within the meaning of section 5 of the Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981)
UK destinations: No
International destinations: No

Dry Ice (e.g. UN1845 when used as a coolant for UN3373 or for other perishable items)
UK destinations: No
International destinations: No

Electronic Cigarettes (restrictions apply)
UK destinations: Yes
International destinations: Yes
Follow these packaging guidelines:
Each package must contain no more than two assembled e-cigarettes and should be securely packed to prevent movement in the outer packaging.

Environmental waste (including used batteries and used engine oil)

UK destinations: No
International destinations: No

Explosives (including fireworks, flares, blasting caps, Christmas cracker snaps)
UK destinations: No
International destinations: No

Flammable liquids (including petroleum, lighter fluid, certain adhesives, solvent-based paints, wood varnish, enamels and acetones including nail varnish removers; also see Alcoholic Beverages, Perfumes and Aftershaves and Nail Varnish)
UK destinations: No
International destinations: No

Flammable solids (including magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, sodium, zinc and fire lighters)
UK destinations: No
International destinations: No

Frozen water (including packs of ice)
UK destinations: No
International destinations: No

Gases (including flammable, non-flammable, toxic and compressed gases, gas cylinders for camping stoves, butane, ethane, refills for lighters, fire extinguishers and scuba tanks; also see Aerosols and Lighters)
UK destinations: No
International destinations: No

Goods made in foreign prisons (except those imported for a non-commercial purpose, of a kind not manufactured in the United Kingdom, or those in transit)
UK destinations: No
International destinations: No

Guns for sporting use (Guns intended for sporting purposes - including Section 1 and Section 2 firearms, lowpowered air guns and their component parts - may be sent in compliance with UK law and subject to domestic controls on the possession of firearms. The sender’s name and address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging). These items can only be accepted to the UK via Parcelforce. Please note these items will not be returned to sender if undeliverable due to the Parcelforce International Dangerous Goods Policy.
UK destinations: Yes
International destinations: No

Hover Boards (see category Balance Boards)
UK destinations: No
International destinations: No

Human or animal ashes
Accepted on Royal Mail services only. Prohibited by Parcelforce Worldwide.
UK destinations: Yes
International destinations: Yes
Follow these packaging guidelines:
The total sample volume/mass in any parcel must not exceed 50g. Ashes must be placed in a sift-proof container and securely closed. Items must be tightly packed in strong outer packaging and must be secured or cushioned to prevent any damage. The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.

Human or animal samples
Accepted on Royal Mail services only. Prohibited by Parcelforce Worldwide.
(May only be sent by, or at the specific request of, a qualified medical practitioner, registered dental practitioner, veterinary surgeon, registered nurse or a recognised laboratory or institution).
UK destinations: Yes
International destinations: No
Follow these packaging guidelines:
The total sample volume/mass in any parcel must not exceed 1kg. Solids only can be sent. All human or animal samples must be posted in packaging that complies with Packaging Instruction 650. The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.

Infectious substances and pathogens (UN2814 or UN2900) as classified in the latest edition of the Technical Instructions for
Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air published by the International Civil Aviation please find out more here
Organisation (ICAO)
UK destinations: No
International destinations: No

Lighters (new and unused empty lighters)
UK destinations: Yes
International destinations: Yes
Follow these packaging guidelines:
Must be new, empty and sent unopened in their original retail packaging. A sender’s name and
return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.

(lighters or refills containing flammable liquid or gas including used butane and
petrol cigar and cigarette lighters; also see Aerosols, Flammable Liquids and Gases)
UK destinations: No
International destinations: No

Liquids over 1 litre (containing liquids not classified as dangerous goods)
UK destinations: Yes
International destinations: No
Follow these packaging guidelines:
Volume per item of any liquid sent internationally should not exceed 1 litre. Some liquids, such as alcohol or paints, have their own additional restrictions. The items must be securely closed and placed in a leak-proof liner, such as a sealed polythene bag, so that any inadvertent leakage is contained within the outer packaging. Surround with absorbent material such as newspaper and sufficient cushioning material to protect each item from damage. Mark as “FRAGILE” when sending glass bottles. The sender’s name and address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.

Live animals and reptiles (including snakes, mice and rodents)
UK destinations: No
International destinations: No

Live creatures, insects and invertebrates (including bees, caterpillars, cockroaches, crickets, destroyers of noxious pests, earthworms, fish fry and eggs, leeches and other parasites, lugworms, maggots, mealworms, pupae and chrysalides, rag worms, silkworms, spiders and stick insects)
UK destinations: Yes
International destinations: Yes
Follow these packaging guidelines:
Must be boxed and packaged to protect the creatures, our staff and our customers from harm. Items must be clearly marked ‘URGENT - LIVING CREATURES - HANDLE WITH CARE’. The sender’s name and address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.
(if classified as dangerous within the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976, including certain venomous spiders)
UK destinations: No
International destinations: No

Lottery tickets
UK destinations: Yes
International destinations: No
Follow these packaging guidelines:
Foreign lottery tickets are prohibited. UK lottery tickets are allowed in the domestic post.

Magnetised material
Other than those that are prohibited (including loud speakers)
UK destinations: Yes
International destinations: Yes
Follow these packaging guidelines:
Wrap soft packing material at least 2cm thick around each item. The sender’s name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.

With a magnetic field strength of 0.159A/metre or more at a distance of 2.1 metres from the outside of the package (including certain Public Address systems)
UK destinations: No
International destinations: No

Matches
UK destinations: No
International destinations: No

Nail varnish and polish
UK destinations: Yes
International destinations: No
Follow these packaging guidelines:
Volume per item must not exceed 30ml. No more than eight bottles of nail varnish can be sent in any one package. No package should exceed 120mls. Bottles of nail varnish must be placed in strong outer packaging and be so packed, secured or cushioned in such a way that they cannot break, be punctured or leak their contents into the outer packaging. An ID8000 label must be applied. The sender’s name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging. Accepted for sea despatch only. Packages must be brought to the attention of a member of staff at one of our retail units and a ‘DO NOT FLY’ sticker will be applied.

Obscene publications and pornography (including pornography as detailed in Part 5 of the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act
2008 and indecent photographs or pseudo-photographs of a child as detailed in section
160 and 161 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988) If we find such items in the post we will
inform the Police.
UK destinations: No
International destinations: No

Oxidising materials and organic peroxides (including disinfectants, nitrates and hair dyes or colourants containing peroxide)
UK destinations: No
International destinations: No

Paints, wood varnishes and enamels - solvent-based (except nail varnish or nail polish with a volume of 30ml or less when sent to a UK
destination)
UK destinations: No
International destinations: No

Paints, wood stains and enamels -water-based
UK destinations: Yes
International destinations: Yes
Follow these packaging guidelines:
The items must be securely closed and placed in a leak-proof liner, such as a sealed polythene bag, so that any inadvertent leakage is contained within the outer packaging. Surround with absorbent material such as newspaper and sufficient cushioning material to protect each item from damage. Volumes per item should not exceed 150ml. No more than four items can be sent in any one package. The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.

Perfume and aftershave (including eau de parfum and eau de toilette)
UK destinations: Yes
International destinations: No
Follow these packaging guidelines:
Volume per item must not exceed 150ml. No more than eight perfumes or aftershaves can be sent in any one package. No package should exceed 600mls. The perfume or aftershave must be within its original retail packaging and then placed in strong outer packaging. The inner packagings must be packed, secured or cushioned to prevent breakage or leakage of their contents into the outer packaging. An ID8000 label must be applied. The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging. Accepted for sea despatch only. Packages must be brought to the attention of a member of staff at one of our retail units and a 'DO NOT FLY' sticker will be applied.

Perishables (including flowers, fresh fruit, vegetables and frozen or chilled foodstuffs)
UK destinations: Yes
International destinations: No
Follow these packaging guidelines:
Should be able to withstand a journey of up to 48 hours. Must be suitably sealed to prevent leakage or tainting of other items such as in sealed vacuum packs. Strong corrugated board box or purpose designed polystyrene pack name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.

Pesticides (including weed killer and any chemical used to kill pests and insects, such as fly sprays)
UK destinations: No
International destinations: No

Poisons, toxic liquids, solids or gases (including substances that are liable to cause death or injury if swallowed or inhaled or by skin contact, including arsenic, beryllium, cyanide, fluorine, rat poison)
UK destinations: No
International destinations: No

Power Banks (come under the category of Batteries - new and used lithium ion and lithium polymer)
UK destinations: No
International destinations: No

Prescription medicines and drugs sent for scientific or medical purposes (non-toxic and non-flammable)
UK destinations: Yes
International destinations: Yes
Follow these packaging guidelines:
May only be sent by, or at the specific request of, a qualified medical practitioner, registered dental practitioner, veterinary surgeon, registered nurse or a recognised laboratory or institution. Private individuals may send medicines in prescription quantities in cases of emergency only. All drugs and medical prescriptions can only be sent using Special Delivery, International Tracked or Signed Services. Volume/ mass per item must not exceed 50ml/50g. The medicines must be securely closed and placed in a leak-proof container such as a sealed polythene bag (for liquids) or a sift-proof container (for solids). Must be tightly packed in strong outer packaging and must be secured or cushioned to prevent any damage. The sender’s name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging. 

(toxic, flammable, or toxic and flammable)
UK destinations: Yes
International destinations: No
Follow these packaging guidelines:
May only be sent by, or at the specific request of, a qualified medical practitioner, registered dental practitioner, veterinary surgeon, registered nurse or a recognised laboratory or institution. Volume/ mass per item must not exceed 50ml/50g. Private individuals may send medicines in prescription quantities in cases of emergency only. All drugs and medical prescriptions can only be sent using Special Delivery Services. No more than eight items can be sent in any one packet/parcel. The medicines must be securely closed and placed in a leakproof container such as a sealed polythene bag (for liquids) or a sift-proof container (for solids). Must be tightly packed in strong outer packaging and must be secured or cushioned to prevent any damage. ID8000 label must be applied. The sender’s name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.

Radioactive material and samples
Not classified as dangerous goods in the latest edition of the Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air published by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) such as samples of granite rock
UK destinations: Yes
International destinations: Yes
Follow these packaging guidelines:
Surround with cushioning material e.g. bubble wrap. The sender’s name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.
Classified as dangerous goods in the latest edition of the Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air published by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) such as luminous dials from aircraft
UK destinations: No
International destinations: No

Room Fragrance Sprays (not air freshener aerosols) and Reed Diffusers
Restrictions apply.
UK destinations: Yes
International destinations: No

Samsung Galaxy Note 7 phones
We are unable to accept the carriage of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 phones, under any circumstances, using any of our services.
Following Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) guidelines, airlines have issued a notice restricting the carriage of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 phones in the hold for their passengers. This is due to recent issues with the safety of the battery. The restriction also applies to Royal Mail who would send such items as cargo within mailbags. The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 was released in ten countries worldwide, including the USA - however, it was never released in the UK due to known problems with the battery.
UK destinations: No
International destinations: No

Sharp objects and instruments (including scissors and kitchen knives or utensils)
UK destinations: Yes
International destinations: Yes
Follow these packaging guidelines:
Wrap heavy cardboard around sharp edges and points, strong enough to ensure that the contents do not pierce the outer packaging. Wrap each item with cushioning material. Place in a suitable outer container such as a padded envelope. The sender’s name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging. Tickets and related advertisements for illegal lotteries
UK destinations: No
International destinations: No

Vaccines
UK destinations: Yes
International destinations: Yes
Follow these packaging guidelines:
May only be sent by, or at the specific request of, a qualified medical practitioner, registered dental practitioner, veterinary surgeon, registered nurse or a recognised laboratory or institution. Volume/mass per item must not exceed 50ml/50g. All drugs and medical
prescriptions can only be sent using Special Delivery, International Tracked or Signed Services. The medicines must be securely closed and placed in a leakproof liner such as a sealed polythene bag (for liquids) or a sift-proof container (for solids). Must be tightly packed in strong outer packaging and must be secured or cushioned to prevent any damage. The sender’s name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.

Waste, dirt, filth or refuse (including household waste)
UK destinations: No
International destinations: No

Weapons (including Section 5 firearms, CS gas and pepper sprays, flick knives, tasers and stun guns)
UK destinations: No
International destinations: No

Bowel Cancer Screening (National screening programmes for faecal occult blood screening samples)

• International - Not allowed in the mail
• UK - Allowed in the mail, with restrictions and packaging guidelines below:

• May only be sent at the specific request of a National Health Service a recognised laboratory or institution.
• Clear instructions should be provided to patients on how to prepare the sample and assemble the packaging for posting.
• Sample returns should only be made in the sample kits provided.
• The total sample volume/mass in any parcel must not exceed 10g/10ml.
• The outer packaging should be of adequate strength for its capacity, mass and intended use.
• Testing of packaging may be required.
• Returns can only be sent using Royal Mail Tracked Returns® and Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed Returns®. All variants of Business Response and Freepost are excluded.

Additional guidelines for:

Faecal immunochemical test kits (known as a FIT kits):

• Kits should have dimensions greater than 100mm x 100mm and also be greater than 8mm in thickness.
• Any leakage from the sample receptacle should be contained within the outer packaging.

 Faecal occult blood test kits (known as a FOB kits):

• Kits should have dimensions greater than 100mm x 100mm.
• Any leakage from the sample receptacle should be contained within the outer packaging.