Understanding what you can and cannot ship through FedEx
What are restricted items?
Restricted items refer to products that fall under FedEx's shipping restrictions but may still be eligible for shipping under certain conditions. To handle restricted items, you must have a contract with regular shipping volume and the ability to comply with all regulations, including those related to dangerous goods. FedEx considers items containing hazardous materials as dangerous goods. Approval from the Regulatory Compliance, Risk Management, and Legal departments is required before handling such items. Regardless of their origin or destination, there are restrictions on transactions involving these commodities. If you have any questions regarding FedEx shipping restrictions, please contact FedEx directly for clarification.
Please note: Restricted items may require special permits or licenses before being sold, exported, or imported to specific countries or territories.
Here are examples of FedEx restricted items:
- Artwork, archaeological artifacts, and antiquities
- Biological agents, etiological agents, and hosts and vectors of human disease
- Class 9 Miscellaneous items (such as self-inflating life rafts, lithium batteries, and dry ice)
- Flowers, fresh food, and perishables
- Hazardous materials, FedEx dangerous goods, and radioactive materials
- Lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries
- Medical devices (ensure receiver compliance with state requirements/permits for distribution)
- Microchips, computer chips, microprocessors, central processing units (CPUs), and mobile telephones
- Irreplaceable artwork valued between $250,000 and $500,000
- Pharmaceuticals or retail tobacco products
- Gems (cut or uncut) or precious metals (gold, silver, and platinum) in the form of scrap, dust, and jewelry
- Tranquilizing guns and ammunition
- Flammable, corrosive, or gas-containing items
For further details or inquiries about specific items, please reach out to FedEx for assistance.
FedEx Size Restrictions
When using FedEx Express® U.S. services, you can ship packages weighing up to 150 lbs. The maximum dimensions allowed are up to 119″ in length and 165″ in length and girth combined.
For FedEx Express international services, the weight limit for packages is also 150 lbs. The permitted dimensions are up to 108″ in length and 130″ in length and girth combined.
Lastly, FedEx Ground and Home Delivery accept packages weighing up to 150 lbs. The maximum dimensions are up to 108″ in length and 165″ in length plus girth combined.
As of 2023, the charge for unauthorized package has increased to $1,150 per package. It is important to ensure that your packages adhere to the size restrictions to avoid incurring these additional charges.