Prohibited and restricted commodities

Boxpostale is commited to maintaining compliance with all U.S. and international transport safety and export regulations. Please make sure not to order any of the items on this list as we will not be able to ship them.

Below is a non-exhaustive list of prohibited or restricted commodities. For more information about a specific commodity, please contact us. We will be happy to help you determine if what you are looking to purchase can be exported.

We also encourage you to take a look at the Universal Postal Union reference guide: English | español | français | العربيّة | Русский


1. Agricultural & Horticultural Items

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regulates the export of animals reptiles and parts thereof. Export may be restricted for the following items, requiring submission of an export declaration.
  • Animal part of any kind such as bones, claws, fur, hair, skin, and teeth
  • Reptile skins of any kind
  • Fish skin and eggs (caviar)
  • Shark teeth and cartilage
  • Bird feathers
  • Insects
  • Coral, shells, starfish
  • Seeds, plants, soil

2. Alcohol & Tobacco

Alcohol & Tobacco products are restricted for import into some countries. Alcohol products also can be restricted due to Hazardous Materials/Dangerous Goods Transport Regulations.

3. Counterfeit or Pirated Goods or Material

Such items will be confiscated, disposed of, or handed over to the authorities, as required by applicable U.S. and international laws and regulations.
  • Pirated CDs, DVDs, BluRays
  • Pirated software
  • Counterfeit apparel, shoes, handbags and purses, and sunglasses

4. Currency, Gems, Precious Metals & Stones

Currency or Monetary Instruments cannot be exported through our facilities. These items will be returned to the original sender, when possible. They cannot be sent to alternate domestic addresses.
  • Cash (Banknotes & Coins)
  • Checks (including Traveler’s Checks)
  • Bank drafts
  • Bearer bonds and other monetary instruments
  • Credit cards
  • Gold, silver, or platinum bullion/bars
  • Diamonds

5. Dangerous Goods (Prohibited)

The following is strictly prohibited. No exceptions can be made.
  • Explosives
  • Lighters and lighter fuel
  • Matches
  • Dry Ice
  • Flameless Ration Heater (FRH) included in Meals Ready to Eat (MRE)
  • Fire extinguishers
  • All kinds of toxic substances including poison
  • Biological samples, specimens, and cultures
  • Radioactive material of any kind
  • Oxidizing agents
  • Pesticides and fungicides
  • Corrosives of any kind
  • Tear gas

6. Dangerous Goods (Restricted)

Most goods classified as dangerous/hazardous are prohibited for international transport. Exceptions can be made in certain instances for specific types of commodities in limited quantities. In those cases, please provide us with the manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS) so we can determine if the goods you are looking to purchase can be exported.
  • Air bags
  • Fertilizers
  • Paint, varnish
  • Acetone, nail polish
  • Perfume
  • Aerosols
  • Compressed gases such as CO2 cartridges
  • Glue and other adhesives
  • Household chemicals
  • Hand sanitizers (containing alcohol)
  • Lithium batteries

7. Drugs

Illegal drugs or narcotics are strictly prohibited and will be handed over to the authorities
  • Controlled or illicit substances including cannabis and psychotropic drugs
  • Unidentified substances such as powders, liquids, or pills
  • CBD items of any kind including synthetic cannabis

8. Firearms, Weaponry & Military/Tactical Equipment

The following is not an exhaustive list. Please contact us for more information.
  • Firearms and Guns (whether real or replicas)
  • Ammunition of any kind
  • Tactical and military equipment of any kind
  • Gas masks
  • Pepper spray
  • Handcuffs, zip-ties
  • Law enforcement or military uniforms
  • Weapon accessories of any kind such as scopes, lasers
  • Stun-guns and tasers

9. Gambling Items

  • Gambling devices of any kind such as slot machines, including parts and accessories thereof
  • Lottery tickets

10. Lithium Batteries

Lithium batteries can be exported under very specific circumstances only. The following is prohibited.
  • Power banks
  • Replacement batteries
  • Any battery not properly installed in an equipment
  • Any battery that exceeds 100Wh (even if installed in an equipment)

11. Medical Devices

Professional Medical Equipment requiring a Prescription or Medical License cannot be exported.
  • Syringes, surgical Equipment
  • Veterinary surgical equipment and supplies
  • Dental drills, cements, resins

12. Medicines & Supplements

Medication requiring a prescription cannot be exported. Over-the-counter medication shipped to our facility from outside the country cannot be exported either. Some medication or supplements may be exported but not imported in your destination country. It is your responsibility to check with local customs if a particular commodity can be imported.
  • Opened or not fully packaged medication or supplements
  • Not labeled in English (US-outbound only)
  • Not FDA-compliant (US-outbound only)

13. Perishable Items

  • Perishable food
  • Frozen food
  • Human remains
  • Plants, including flowers

14. Pornographic Material

Depending on the destination country, the import of such items may be prohibited. Please check with local customs for more information.