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UPS Shipping Restrictions

Understanding what you can and cannot ship through UPS

When shipping with UPS, it's important to be aware of certain restrictions and prohibited items. To ensure compliance and a smooth shipping experience, please familiarize yourself with the following guidelines.

Shipping Restrictions:


Compliance with Laws: As the shipper, it is your responsibility to comply with applicable government regulations and laws in each country.
Inspections and Delays: Shipments are subject to inspection by customs or government authorities, which may cause delays.
Contact Details: Ensure that your package includes contact details for both the shipper and receiver, as well as the goods being shipped.
Legal Compliance: UPS will not transport goods prohibited by federal, state, or local government laws in the origin or destination countries. This includes goods that may violate export, import, or other relevant laws, or pose a risk to the safety of UPS employees, agents, subcontractors, or transportation methods.
Prohibited Shipments: Any shipment prohibited by applicable laws or regulations, including those imposed by federal, state, provincial, or local governments in the origin or destination country, will not be transported by UPS.

Prohibited Items:


UPS has a list of prohibited items to ensure safety, legal compliance, and adherence to regulations.

Some examples of prohibited items include:

  • Shipments prohibited by law
  • Bank bills, notes or currency
  • Common fireworks
  • Hazardous waste or hazardous waste service
  • Human remains, fetal remains, human body parts, human embryos or components thereof
  • Ivory
  • Marijuana, including marijuana intended for medical use and Cannabidoil ("CBD") derived from Marijuana
  • Postage stamps
  • Shark fins
  • Vape products within, to or from the U.S
Additionally, other prohibited items include goods moving under ATA Carnet and all temporary exports and imports, goods moving under FCR, FCT, and CAD (Cash Against Document), shipments with inherent vice that may soil, impair, or damage persons, merchandise, or equipment, goods prohibited by law in the country of origin, transit, or destination (e.g., ivory), goods subject to excise duty (e.g., spirits), and goods requiring special facilities, safety precautions, or permits.

Restricted Items:


While certain items are prohibited, UPS may accept them on a contractual basis for shippers with regular volume and the ability to comply with all applicable laws and regulations. Restricted items include: