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, etc.) - for Asthma inhalers see Prescirption medicines

UK destinations: Yes - see restrictions and packaging guidelines below
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.
• These must be presented at a Guernsey Post branch.

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 - restrictions apply
International destinations: Yes - restrictions apply

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.
• No more than two items in any one parcel*
• Mark as 'FRAGILE' when sending glass bottles.
• The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.
• Place in a suitable rigid outer container

* For Business Customers please speak to your Account Manager

Alcoholic beverages and liquids (24% – 70% ABV) (including whisky, vodka and most spirits and liqueurs)

UK destinations: Yes - restrictions apply
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 two items can be sent in any one package*
• Mark as 'FRAGILE' when sending glass bottles.
• The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.
• Place in a suitable rigid outer container

* For Business Customers please speak to your Account Manager

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 - restrictions apply
International destinations: No

Follow these packaging guidelines:

• Samples of asbestos may be posted only when sent as a sample fixed in a resin, plastic or glass matrix.
• 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 - restrictions apply
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.
• The packagaing must consist of three components a. a primary receptable b. a secondary packaging and c. a rigid outer packaging
• All variants of Business Response and Freepost are excluded
• Please note for the return of COVID-19 antigen tests, all variants of the Special Delivery Guarenteed service, the Parcel Collect Service and all variants of the Business Response and Freepost are excluded

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/devices
(e.g. rechargeable batteries found in electronic devices)

UK destinations: Yes - restrictions apply
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 - restrictions apply
International destinations: Yes - restrictions apply
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 - restrictions apply
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 or connected to equipment/devices
(e.g. non-rechargeable batteries found in electronic devices)

UK destinations: Yes - restrictions apply
International destinations: Yes - restrictions apply 
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 see Explosives for cracker snaps when not part of a made-up cracker
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
Note: certain hair dyes and dyes and associated products may be accepted provided they are not classed as dangerous goods

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 (except copies of old denominations, which are now obsolete and worthless except for collectable value cannot be passed as tender)(
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

DNA samples (limited to saliva swabs and samples)
UK destinations: Yes
International destinations: Yes

• Allowed in the mail with restrictions and packaging guidelines. 
• Follow instructions on sample preparation and packaging. 
• Can only be returned in supplier provided packaging.

Dry Ice and liquid Nitrogen (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.
Electronic devices sent with or containing batteries see Batteries.

Environmentally hazardous substances
UK destinations: Yes - restrictions apply
International mail: No

• Pack in a leak proof or sift proof inner and protect by cushioning material in rigid outer packaging
• Samples must not exceed 5 litres/5kgs

Environmental waste (including used batteries and used engine oil)
UK destinations: No
International destinations: No

Explosives (including fireworks, flares, blasting caps, Christmas cracker snaps)
Any chemical compound, mixture or device capable of producing an explosive or pyrotechnic effect with substantial instantaneous release of heat and gas is prohibited e.g. ammunition, blasting caps, Christmas cracker snaps, fireworks, flares, fuses, igniters, nitro-glycerine and party poppers.
UK destinations: No
International destinations: No

Items that appear to be prohibited explosive ordnance may be subject to additional checks and delays.

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)
This includes mixtures of liquids or liquids containing solids in solution or suspension which give off a flammable vapour. Any liquid with a closed cup flash point below 60.5° C is prohibited e.g. acetone, benzene, cleaning compounds, gasoline, lighter fuel, paint thinners and removers, petroleum and solvents, certain alcoholic beverages, perfumes and aftershaves, varnishes and enamels including nail varnish.
UK destinations: No
International destinations: No

Flammable solids (including magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, sodium, zinc powder, sparklers and fire lighters)
Solid materials which are liable to cause fire by friction, absorption of water, spontaneous chemical changes or retained heat from manufacturing or processing, or which can be readily ignited and burn vigorously e.g. adhesives, calcium carbide, cellulose nitrate products, fire lighters, matches, metallic magnesium, nitro-cellulose based film, phosphorous, potassium, sodium, sodium hydride, sparklers, zinc powder, zirconium hydride.
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 (including new, used and empty gas cylinders, butane, ethane, refills for lighters, fire extinguishers and scuba tanks, life jackets, nitrogen dioxide and carbon dioxide canisters including culinary foaming devices & soda stream)

• All flammable compressed gases are prohibited* e.g., blowlamps; butane; lighters and refills containing flammable liquid or gas; ethane; gas cylinders for camping stoves; hydrogen; methane and propane.
• All toxic compressed gases are prohibited* e.g., chlorine, fluorine etc.
• All non-flammable compressed gases are prohibited* e.g., air bags; scuba tanks, carbon dioxide; fire extinguishers; neon and nitrogen.
• Empty cylinders that are sealed so that residual gas under pressure are prohibited, only those cylinders which are open to the atmosphere for inspection are permitted

*includes new, used, and empty gas cylinders

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: Yes - restrictions apply they are not allowed via air mail and will be subject to go via sea

For UK destinations:

• Guns intended for sporting purposes - including Section 1 (e.g., hunting rifles) and Section 2 (e.g., shotguns) firearms, low-powered air weapons and their component parts - may be sent in compliance with UK law and subject to domestic controls on the possession of firearms. Antiques, deactivated and imitation firearms are also permitted. When sending deactivated firearms include proof of deactivation.
• Items that appear to be prohibited weapons may be subject to additional checks and delays.
• Use 1st Class as the minimum service. The senders name and address must be clear on the packaging. Low-powered air weapons which exceed the Royal Mail size restrictions are accepted by Parcelforce Worldwide, using express48 via the Post Office.
• Guns must not be loaded.

For International destinations:

• Guns intended for sporting purposes - including Section 1 and Section 2 firearms, low-powered air guns and their component parts - may be sent in compliance with UK law and subject to applicable export controls on the shipment of firearms.
• Items that appear to be prohibited weapons may be subject to additional checks and delays.
• Guns must not be loaded.
• Air weapons with an integral gas cylinder that are de-pressurised can only be accepted. Air weapons with gas cylinders that are pressurised are prohibited
• Air weapons with a pressurised removable gas cylinder which is still attached are prohibited
• Sender's name and address must be visible on the parcel.
• Must be packed in rigid outer packaging suitable for the gun size and weight, for example a fibreboard box, with sufficient inner packaging to prevent movement during transport.

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.
Must be sent by a priority service (Special Delivery, International Tracked and/or Signed)
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 empty, new or unused
UK destinations: Yes
International destinations: Yes
Follow these packaging guidelines:

• Must unopened in their original retail packaging.
• The sender’s name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.
  Lighters considered to contain residual fuel may be disposed of

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

Liquids not classified as dangerous goods 
Liquids over 1 litre
UK destinations: Yes - restrictions apply
International destinations: No
Follow these packaging guidelines:

• Note: If you are posting liquids over 1 litre to and from geographic locations within the UK where we use air transport, which is generally for some next day services where we need to cross the sea or reach distant locations, extended delivery times may apply.
• 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.

Customers posting via Parcelforce Worldwide, maximum 5 litres per box per container, must be sent using express48

Liquids under 1 litre
UK destinations: yes
International destinations: yes

Follow these packaging guidelines:

• Items must be securely closed and placed im a leak-proof inner liner, such as a sealed polythene bag and in a leak-proof outer
• Mark as "FRAGILE" when sending glass bottles

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.
• The sender's name and address must be clearly viible on the outer pakaging
• Dead insects, sent as collectables, are allowed.

(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: No
International destinations: No

Magnetised material with a field strength of 0.418A/metre or more at a distance of 4.6 metres from the outside package
UK destinations: No
International destinations: No

Magnetised material with a strength of less than 0.418A/metre at a distance of 4.6 metres from the outside of the package
UK destinations:Yes - restrictions apply
International destinations: Yes - restrictions appply

• The sender's name and address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.
• Send individually as magnets can damage other items they travel with, i.e., discs, tapes, etc.
• Outer packaging - use strong corrugated board box or purpose designed polystyrene pack.

Matches (including safety matches and windproof matches)
UK destinations: No
International destinations: No

Nail varnish and polish (solvent and water based)
UK destinations: Yes - restrictions apply
International destinations: No
Follow these packaging guidelines:

• Volume per item must not exceed 30ml.
• No more than four 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.
• Please allow extra time for delivery.

* For Business Customers please speak to your Account Manager

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)
These are substances such as disinfectants that may cause or contribute to combustion of other substances. They may also be liable to explosive decomposition, react dangerously with other substances and injure health e.g. bromides, chlorates, components of fibreglass repair kits, disinfectants, nitrates, per chlorates, permanganates and peroxides, including hair dyes and colourants containing peroxide.
UK destinations: No
International destinations: No
Certain hair dyes and associated products may be accepted provided they arw not classed as dandgerous goods.

Paints, wood varnishes and enamels - solvent-based 
UK destinations: No
International destinations: No

Paints, wood stains and enamels -water-based
UK destinations: Yes - restrictions apply
International destinations: Yes- restrictions apply
Follow these packaging guidelines:

• Volume per item should not exceed 150ml.
• Maximum four items can be sent in each package.
• 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.
• The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.

Patient Specimens
• UK destinations - Yes - restrictions apply
• Internatioal destinations - No
Restrictions and packaging guidelines below:
(including blood or urine tests to monitor cholesterol levels, blood glucose levels, hormone levels, or prostate specific antibodies (PSA); tests required to monitor organ function such as heart, liver or kidney function for humans or animals with non-infectious diseases, or therapeutic drug monitoring; tests conducted for insurance or employment purposes and are intended to determine the presence of drugs or alcohol; pregnancy tests; biopsies to detect cancer; and antibody detection in humans or animals in the absence of any concern for infection
(e.g. evaluation of vaccine induced immunity, diagnosis of autoimmune disease, etc.)

• May only be sent at the specific request of a medical professional, a recognised laboratory or institution.
• Clear instructions should be provided to patients on how to take 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 250g/250ml and

1. The specimen must be transported in a packaging which will prevent any leakage and which must be marked with the words "Exempt human specimen" or "Exempt animal specimen", as appropriate;
2. The packaging must consist of three components:
   i) a leakproof primary receptacle(s);
   ii) a leakproof secondary packaging; and a
   iii) an outer packaging of adequate strength for its capacity, mass and intended use, and with at least one surface having minimum dimensions of 100 mm × 100 mm and also be greater than 10mm in thickness. Any leakage from the sample receptacle should be contained within the outer packaging.

• For liquids, absorbent material in sufficient quantity to absorb the entire contents must be placed between the primary receptacle(s) and the secondary packaging so that, during transport, any release or leak of a liquid substance will not reach the outer packaging and will not compromise the integrity of the cushioning material;
• When multiple fragile primary receptacles are placed in a single secondary packaging, they must be either individually wrapped or separated to prevent contact between them.

Perfume and aftershave (including eau de parfum and eau de toilette)
UK destinations: Yes - restricions apply
International destinations: No
Follow these packaging guidelines:

• Volume per item must not exceed 150ml.
• No more than four perfumes or aftershaves can be sent in any one package*
• 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.

* For Business Customers please speak to your Account Manager

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. (Frozen water and dry ice are prohibited)
• 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.
• Packages must be clearly labelled "PERISHABLE".
• When sending flowers, arrange in layers, seperated by tissue paper and use waterproof wrapping if including damp moss or phials of water.

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) including asthma inhalers
UK destinations: Yes - restrictions apply
International destinations: Yes - restricitons apply 
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.
• Inner packaging can be blister packs of tablets or capsules of liquid (each pack not to exceed 50ml/50g per tablet/capsule), or small bottles of liquid up yo 50ml
• Net quantity in a ny parcel not to exceed 1 litre/1kg.  Medicines must be securely closed and placed in a sealed polythene bag (for liquids) or a siftproof 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. 

Prescription medicines and drugs sent for scientific or medical purposes (toxic, flammable, or toxic and flammable)
UK destinations: Yes - restrictions apply
International destinations: No
Follow these packaging guidelines:

• Inner packaging can be blister packs of tablets or capsules of liquid (each pack not to exceed 50ml/50g per tablet/capsule), or small bottles of liquid up to 50ml.
• Net quantity in any parcel not to exceed 500ml/500g.
• Medicines must be securely closed and placed in a sealed polythene bag (for liquids) or a siftproof container (for solids).
• Must be tightly packed in strong outer packaging and cushioned to prevent breakage.
• ID8000 label must be applied.
• The sender’s name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.

Radioactive materials and samples that are classified as radioactive using Table 2-12 of the latest edition of the International Civil Aviation Organization’s Technical Instructions e.g., fissile material (uranium 235, etc), radioactive waste material, thorium or uranium ores and luminous dials from aircraft.
UK destinations: No
International destinations: NO

Radioactive material and samples that are 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 Organization (ICAO) such as samples of granite rock.
UK destinations: Yes - restrictions apply
International destinations: Yes - restrictions apply

• Surround with cushioning material e.g., bubble wrap
• The sender’s name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.

Sharp objects and instruments (including scissors, kitchen utensils, knives and gardening tools)
UK destinations: Yes - restrictions apply
International destinations: Yes - restrictions apply

Follow these packaging guidelines:

• Sharp objects like knives*, kitchen utensils and gardening tools may only be posted if they are packaged appropriately so that they are no risk to employees, other postal items or recipients.
  *Excludes knives that are banned under UK laws - see Weapons
• 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 - restrictions apply
International destinations: Yes - restrictions apply
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 vaccines 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
Soil samples sent for analysis are permitted provided they are packaged so that any leaks and spills are contained in the outer packaging.

Weapons (including Section 5 firearms, CS gas and pepper sprays, flick knives, tasers and stun guns and other guns that are banned under UK Laws) 
UK destinations: No
International destinations: No
Items that appear to be prohibited weapons may be subject to additional checks and delays.

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.