What Items Can’t Be Shipped Internationally by Express? Essential Reading for Cross-Border E-commerce Sellers

What Items Cannot Be Transported via International Courier? Cross-border E-commerce Sellers Take Note

With the rapid development of cross-border e-commerce, an increasing number of people are choosing to send goods through international courier services. However, not all items are suitable for transportation in this way. For cross-border e-commerce sellers, it is crucial to understand which items cannot be transported via international courier services; otherwise, they may face the risk of having their shipments seized, fines imposed, or even legal consequences. This article will detail some common restricted items based on relevant news and real-world situations.

Firstly, hazardous materials are absolutely prohibited from being transported via international courier services. According to regulations set by the International Air Transport Association IATA, dangerous goods such as flammable liquids, explosives, and toxic substances cannot be transported by air or road courier. For instance, lithium batteries are a typical example. In recent years, due to the high risk of fire or explosion during transport, countries have become increasingly stringent about transporting lithium batteries. A logistics company revealed that during a routine inspection, they discovered a batch of undeclared lithium batteries mixed into regular parcels, which were ultimately confiscated and destroyed. Cross-border e-commerce sellers must confirm whether their products fall under the category of hazardous materials before shipping and strictly follow the regulations.

Secondly, certain countries impose strict import and export controls on specific types of items. For example, some countries prohibit the import of animal-derived products like fur goods and bone products because these items may carry pathogens or violate wildlife protection laws. Some countries also have strict inspection and quarantine standards for special categories such as medicines, food, and cosmetics. At the beginning of this year, a cross-border platform was jointly investigated by customs authorities in multiple countries for selling unapproved imported drugs. This incident serves as a reminder that even if a product itself does not violate international courier rules, additional regulatory requirements in the destination country must still be taken seriously.

Furthermore, intellectual property issues are another important consideration in international courier services. Unauthorized branded goods, pirated books, and illegally copied software are all considered acts of infringement. If discovered, not only will they be confiscated, but they can also cause severe reputational damage to businesses. Recently, a well-known e-commerce platform gained significant attention due to the sale of counterfeit luxury handbags. Although this case primarily involved offline transactions, similar online infringement cases occur frequently. As a cross-border e-commerce seller, it is essential to ensure that the origin of your products is legitimate and comply with relevant laws and regulations.

Lastly, it is worth noting that different countries and regions have varying attitudes toward sending high-value items such as cash, precious metals, and jewelry via mail. Many countries explicitly stipulate that individuals cannot send more than a certain amount of cash through the postal system to prevent it from being used for money laundering activities. Additionally, high-value jewelry often requires detailed proof documents, including purchase receipts and appraisal reports, to verify its authenticity. Last year, a Chinese traveler was intercepted by local customs when attempting to bring large amounts of undeclared diamonds into the country, sounding another warning bell.

In conclusion, cross-border e-commerce sellers must exercise caution when handling the international courier transportation process. They should not only familiarize themselves with basic international courier rules but also thoroughly understand the specific policy requirements of target markets. Only then can they effectively avoid potential risks and protect their own interests. With the continuous improvement of the global logistics system and advancements in technology, these issues are expected to be better resolved in the future. However, maintaining a high level of vigilance remains an indispensable professional quality for every practitioner.