Prohibited and Restricted Shipping Items
Check prohibited and restricted shipping items before packing. Review guidance on batteries, medicines, food and liquids, and confirm destination requirements.
Prohibited Items in International Shipping
Learn which items cannot be shipped or require special approval before sending them, to help avoid delays or rejection at customs.
Why should you check prohibited items before shipping?
Checking prohibited items is an essential step in international shipping. Products that seem ordinary may be subject to customs restrictions, safety rules or specific regulations in the departure or destination country.
Alrahwan Golden explains this early because sending an item that is not permitted may delay the shipment, lead to requests for additional documents, result in refusal of entry or re-export, or incur charges and penalties under the applicable rules.
Prohibited items
Items that generally cannot be shipped because they are dangerous or unlawful, such as explosives and illegal goods.
Items requiring approval
Some products can be shipped only with a permit, certificate, clear invoice or approval from the relevant authority.
Rules vary by country
An item allowed in one country may be restricted or prohibited in another. Confirm the destination before approving the shipment.
Documentation matters
Invoices, packing lists, descriptions and conformity certificates may be required for some commercial shipments.
Prohibited and restricted shipping items
| Category | Examples | Typical status | What should you do? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flammable substances | Petrol, kerosene, oil-based paints, compressed gases and quantities of lighters | Prohibited or heavily restricted | Do not include these without checking with the company first. |
| Explosives and fireworks | Firecrackers, gunpowder, fireworks and explosive materials | Prohibited | Not accepted for international shipping. |
| Hazardous chemicals | Acids, strong pesticides, toxic substances and hazardous industrial cleaners | Restricted or prohibited | Require specific classification and safety documents, and may not be accepted. |
| Medicines and medical products | Medicines, supplements, medical preparations and medical devices | Restricted | May require a prescription, permit or approval depending on the country. |
| Food and liquids | Canned foods, honey, oils, liquids and homemade food | Varies by country | Check before shipping, particularly for commercial quantities. |
| Plants and seeds | Seedlings, seeds, soil and agricultural products | Restricted | May require a health or phytosanitary certificate. |
| Animals and animal products | Live animals, untreated hides and animal products | Prohibited or restricted | Require special procedures and are not accepted as ordinary shipments. |
| Cash and precious metals | Cash, gold, bullion and high-value jewellery | Heavily restricted | Can only be shipped through special lawful arrangements, where available. |
| Batteries and lithium batteries | Loose batteries, power banks and large equipment batteries | Restricted | Specify the battery type, capacity and packing method. |
| Unlawful goods | Counterfeit products, legally prohibited items and unauthorised contents | Prohibited | Not accepted for shipping. |
Important note
This page provides general guidance. Rules may vary by country, shipment type and transport method. Before preparing a shipment with sensitive or unusual contents, contact Alrahwan Golden to confirm whether it can be shipped and which documents are required.
Items to check before adding them to personal shipments
When shipping furniture, household cartons or personal belongings, small items can cause customs or logistics problems if their restrictions are overlooked. Set aside anything you are unsure about and ask before packing it.
Liquids and perfumes
May be restricted because of flammability or leakage, particularly in air freight.
Loose batteries
Do not place them loosely in cartons. Confirm the battery type and packing requirements.
Medicines
Check that they are permitted and provide a prescription or supporting document where required.
Homemade food
Some countries may refuse particular foods or liquids.
Flammable and hazardous substances
This category requires particular care because the contents can pose risks during transport, storage or handling. It includes substances that can ignite, explode, react chemically, leak or harm people and property.
Common examples
- Fuels and flammable oils.
- Compressed gases and containers that may explode.
- Paints and strong solvents.
- Certain industrial cleaners.
What to do
- Do not include them with furniture or ordinary cartons.
- Set aside unidentified containers and chemicals.
- Ask the company before preparing the shipment.
- Never conceal the contents inside another carton.
Medicines and medical supplies
Rules for medicines differ between countries. Some ordinary medicines may be accepted in personal quantities with a prescription, while others are prohibited or require official approval. Always disclose the medicine type, quantity and destination before shipping.
An important rule: If your shipment contains medicines or medical supplies, state this explicitly when requesting a quote. Do not add them to furniture cartons without notifying us.
Food, liquids and perishable products
Food and liquids often cause confusion: small quantities may be allowed in one country and prohibited in another. Liquids can also leak and damage other contents, while perishable products may deteriorate during lengthy transport or storage.
Potentially restricted products
Honey, oils, canned foods, large quantities of spices, dairy products, meat and certain homemade foods.
Practical risks
Leakage, odours, spoilage, attracting insects or customs rejection on arrival.
Before shipping
Specify the product, quantity, packing method and whether it is for personal or commercial use.
Batteries and battery-powered devices
Batteries, especially lithium batteries, have specific shipping requirements because damage or improper storage can cause overheating or fire. Take particular care when shipping electronic devices, power banks or loose batteries.
| Item | Level of caution | Suggested action |
|---|---|---|
| Phone or laptop with an installed battery | Moderate | Declare the device and pack it carefully. |
| Power bank | High | Ask before shipping; some transport methods may not accept it. |
| Loose batteries | Very high | Do not include them without approval and confirmation of their specifications. |
| Battery-powered tools | Moderate to high | Specify the battery type and how it is secured. |
Unsure whether an item is permitted?
Send us a description before preparing your shipment. We will help determine whether it can be accepted or needs additional documents.
What happens if a prohibited item is included?
Concealing a prohibited item or failing to declare it can make the problem worse. Inspection or customs processing may lead to requests for clarification, the shipment being held, rejection of some contents or other measures under the applicable rules.
Shipment delays
The shipment may be held while its contents are reviewed or additional documents are supplied.
Rejected contents
A prohibited item may be refused or denied entry into the destination country.
Additional charges or procedures
Failure to disclose contents may result in unexpected costs or requirements.
Checklist before handing over your shipment
✅ Separate liquids
Do not add liquids or containers that could leak to furniture cartons without checking first.
✅ Declare medicines
Disclose any medicines or medical supplies before shipping.
✅ Check batteries
Do not include loose batteries or power banks without asking first.
✅ Prepare invoices
Invoices for new or commercial goods help support the shipping procedures.
Frequently asked questions about prohibited items
Can perfumes be shipped?
Perfumes may be restricted because they contain flammable substances, particularly in air freight. Ask before including them in a shipment.
Can personal medicines be shipped?
Some personal medicines may be permitted with a prescription or suitable supporting document. Rules vary by country, medicine type and quantity.
Can food be packed with furniture?
We do not recommend this without checking first. Some foods or liquids may be refused or damage other contents.
Are all batteries prohibited?
No, but batteries are restricted and require details of their type, capacity and packing, especially lithium batteries and loose batteries.
Do prohibited items differ by country?
Yes. Rules depend on the destination, transport method and contents, so confirm the destination before approving the shipment.
What should I do if I am unsure about an item?
Photograph it or describe it accurately and send the information to Alrahwan Golden before packing, so we can assess whether it can be shipped.
Can commercial products be shipped without invoices?
Commercial goods generally require invoices or documents showing their value and contents. Missing documents may delay the shipment.
Can gold or cash be shipped?
Cash, precious metals and high-value jewellery are heavily restricted and are not handled as ordinary shipments.
Prevent avoidable delays before shipping starts
Before preparing cartons or sealing the packing, contact us to check that your contents are permitted and suitable for international shipping.
Request a quotation for your shipment
Share the collection city, destination and cargo details to discuss suitable transport and pricing.