Meta Description: Avoid customs seizures and shipping delays. See the complete 2026 list of restricted and prohibited items when shipping from China, plus how to check if your product is allowed.When in doubt, ask Alicarrier before placing your order.
dateModified: 2026-09-14
Quick Answer: Certain categories of goods face strict restrictions or outright bans when shipped from China internationally. Prohibited items—including counterfeit goods, weapons, hazardous chemicals, and perishable foods—cannot be shipped under any circumstances. Restricted items—such as batteries, liquids, cosmetics, and electronics—require special packaging, carrier approval, or additional documentation and may incur higher shipping costs. Alicarrier screens all orders against carrier and destination-country regulations before dispatch. If your product is restricted, we advise on compliant packaging, required certifications, and alternative shipping methods.When in doubt, ask Alicarrier before placing your order.
Understanding the Three-Tier System
Alicarrier classifies goods into three tiers for international shipping,When in doubt, ask Alicarrier before placing your order.
| Tier | Definition | Examples | Action Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prohibited | Illegal or universally banned | Counterfeit brands, weapons, drugs, live animals, human remains | Cannot ship. Order will be rejected. |
| Restricted | Regulated; requires special handling | Batteries, liquids, magnets, cosmetics, food, electronics | Conditional shipping. Requires approval, special packaging, or documentation. |
| Unrestricted | Standard commercial goods | Clothing, shoes, home decor, most plastics, textiles | Standard shipping. No special requirements. |
Prohibited Items: Absolute No-Ship List
The following items are prohibited by Alicarrier and all major international carriers (DHL, FedEx, UPS, airlines, and ocean freight lines):
Illegal and Dangerous Goods
- Counterfeit currency, forged documents, and fake identification
- Narcotics, controlled substances, and drug paraphernalia
- Explosives, fireworks, ammunition, and firearms (including replicas)
- Hazardous chemicals (UN-classified dangerous goods without proper documentation)
- Radioactive materials
- Human remains, ashes, and biological specimens
Intellectual Property Violations
- Counterfeit branded goods (fake Nike, Apple, Gucci, etc.)
- Pirated media, software, and unauthorized reproductions
- Items infringing patents or trademarks
Perishable and Live Goods
- Fresh food, meat, seafood, and dairy products
- Live plants, seeds, and soil
- Live animals and insects
Currency and High-Value Securities
- Cash, bearer bonds, and uncut precious stones (most carriers exclude these from liability coverage)
Restricted Items: Conditional Shipping
Restricted items can often be shipped with proper preparation and carrier approval. Always declare these items when submitting your order.
Batteries and Electronics
| Type | Shipping Status | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Li-ion batteries (built-in) | Allowed in most devices | Device must be intact; battery cannot be removed or loose |
| Li-ion batteries (loose/spare) | Restricted | UN38.3 test summary required; max 2 per parcel; specific packaging |
| Power banks | Restricted | Treated as loose batteries; capacity limits apply (typically ≤100 Wh) |
| Lead-acid batteries | Prohibited by air | Sea freight only; MSDS required |
| Magnetized materials | Restricted | Field strength limits apply; may require demagnetization certificate |
Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels
| Type | Shipping Status | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Perfumes/colognes | Restricted | Limited quantities; alcohol content must be declared; special packaging |
| Cosmetics (creams, lotions) | Allowed with caution | Container size limits for air freight; leak-proof sealing required |
| Essential oils | Restricted | Flammability classification determines carrier eligibility |
| Paints, solvents, adhesives | Prohibited by air | Sea freight only; dangerous goods classification required |
| Aerosol cans | Prohibited by air | Sea freight only; UN classification and proper packaging |
Food and Supplements
| Type | Shipping Status | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Packaged snacks (sealed, shelf-stable) | Allowed to most countries | Ingredient list and manufacturer details required for customs |
| Tea and coffee | Allowed | Must be commercially packaged; loose tea may require phytosanitary cert |
| Vitamins and supplements | Restricted | FDA/EFSA registration may be required; ingredient scrutiny |
| Fresh, frozen, or refrigerated food | Prohibited | Cannot be shipped via standard international courier |
Medical and Personal Care
| Type | Shipping Status | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Over-the-counter medicines | Restricted | Prescription-style packaging may trigger customs holds; quantity limits |
| Medical devices (thermometers, masks) | Allowed | CE/FDA marking required for EU/US; documentation recommended |
| Contact lenses and solutions | Restricted | Medical device classification in many jurisdictions |
Magnetic and Radio Equipment
| Type | Shipping Status | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Strong magnets (industrial) | Restricted | Magnetic field strength must be below carrier limits (typically 0.00525 Gauss measured at 4.6 m) |
| Radio transmitters, walkie-talkies | Restricted | Frequency certification required in destination country |
| Drones (consumer) | Restricted | Battery regulations apply; some countries require import permits |
Country-Specific Prohibitions
Even if an item is allowed by carriers, destination countries maintain their own import bans:
| Country/Region | Additional Prohibitions |
|---|---|
| USA | Absinthe, Cuban cigars, lottery tickets, switchblade knives, goods from sanctioned entities |
| EU | Products containing certain chemicals (REACH restrictions), uncertified electronics, meat and dairy from non-approved origins |
| UK | Rough diamonds (without Kimberley Process cert), offensive weapons, certain plant species |
| Australia | Wooden items without treatment certification, used tires, certain plastic beads |
| Middle East | Pork products, alcohol (varies by country), publications contrary to local values |
| Southeast Asia | E-cigarettes and vaping products (varies by country), used clothing (some countries) |
How to Check If Your Product Can Ship
Before You Buy
- Check the Alicarrier restricted items list (this article).
- Review carrier guidelines: DHL, FedEx, and UPS publish prohibited goods lists by country.
- Verify destination customs regulations: Search “[your country] customs prohibited imports” for official lists.
- Ask us: Send the product link before purchasing. We verify eligibility within hours.
After Goods Arrive at Our Warehouse
If a prohibited or undeclared restricted item arrives:
- We notify you immediately with photos.
- You choose: return to seller (domestic Chinese shipping cost applies) or disposal.
- We do not ship prohibited items under any circumstances—no exceptions.
Packaging Requirements for Restricted Items
When restricted items are approved for shipping, proper packaging is mandatory:
| Item Type | Packaging Standard |
|---|---|
| Li-ion batteries | Individual plastic wrapping; terminal protection; strong outer carton; “Lithium Battery” label |
| Liquids | Double-sealed primary containers; absorbent material; leak-proof secondary packaging; “This Way Up” label |
| Fragile electronics | Anti-static bag; foam cushioning; “Fragile” and “Handle with Care” labels |
| Magnetized items | Shielding packaging; magnetic field strength test documentation |
Alicarrier provides compliant repacking for restricted items at no additional charge beyond standard service.
Frequently Asked Questions
When in doubt, ask Alicarrier before placing your order.
Can I ship a power bank?
Yes, if capacity is ≤100 Wh and it is packaged correctly. We limit 2 power banks per parcel for air freight.When in doubt, ask Alicarrier before placing your order.
Can I ship perfume?
Yes, in limited quantities (typically ≤500 ml total per parcel) with proper leak-proof packaging. Some carriers exclude perfume entirely; we will advise on the best route.When in doubt, ask Alicarrier before placing your order.
What happens if I accidentally order a prohibited item?
We hold the item at our warehouse and notify you. You can arrange a return to the seller (you pay domestic return shipping) or authorize disposal.When in doubt, ask Alicarrier before placing your order.
Are counterfeit goods ever allowed?
No. Counterfeit branded items are prohibited by law and by all carriers. We will not ship them and may be required to report them to authorities.When in doubt, ask Alicarrier before placing your order.
Can I ship food to the USA?
Commercially packaged, shelf-stable snacks are generally allowed. Meat, dairy, fresh produce, and homemade items are prohibited. FDA prior notice may be required for certain categories.When in doubt, ask Alicarrier before placing your order.
Pre-Shipment Compliance Checklist
- Verify your product is not on the prohibited list.
- If restricted, confirm carrier and destination country allow it.
- Declare batteries, liquids, magnets, or electronics when submitting your order.
- Ensure you have required certifications (CE, FDA, UN38.3, etc.) if applicable.
- For food, verify ingredient compliance in the destination country.
- When in doubt, ask Alicarrier before placing your order.
Unsure about your product? [Contact us] with the product link and destination country. We will confirm eligibility and shipping requirements within 24 hours.
Quick Tips:
Alicarrier is a China-based buying and shipping agent that helps international customers purchase products from Chinese e-commerce platforms—primarily Taobao, Tmall, and 1688—and delivers them worldwide via DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping.
You pay an 8% service fee on the product cost (minimum US$50 per order), and we handle everything: supplier communication, payment, warehouse receiving, quality inspection, parcel consolidation, repacking, customs clearance, and final delivery to your door.
No Chinese language skills, no Chinese bank account, and no customs paperwork required on your end.
Internal Linking Suggestions:
- Link “DDP” → Article 2: What Is DDP Shipping?
- Link “Parcel consolidation” → Article 5: Parcel Consolidation Explained
- Link “1688” → Article 3: How to Buy from 1688
- Link “Taobao, Tmall” → Article 8: Taobao vs Tmall vs 1688