Prohibited & Restricted Items
This consolidated list highlights items that may be excluded or need special approval. It is not exhaustive. Acceptance depends on the carrier, exact service, route, condition, value and account agreement.
Illegal and counterfeit goods
Do not ship goods whose transport, import or export is illegal, including illicit drugs and counterfeit products.
Firearms, weapons, ammunition and replicas
Prohibited or tightly controlled. Replica weapons, weapon parts and related equipment can also be excluded; check the exact carrier rules.
Explosives, fireworks and incendiary products
Prohibited or subject to specialist dangerous-goods arrangements. Never include them in an ordinary parcel without confirmed acceptance.
Dangerous chemicals and hazardous materials
Flammable, corrosive, toxic and other hazardous substances require a specific acceptance check. Hazardous waste is prohibited by UPS; FedEx also excludes specified waste.
Perfumes, aftershaves, aerosols and flammable cosmetics
May be dangerous goods. Approval, suitable packaging and declarations may be required; do not assume all cosmetics are accepted.
Batteries, power banks and battery-powered devices
Acceptance depends on battery type, condition and whether it is loose or installed. Damaged, defective or waste batteries can be prohibited.
Cash, bullion, precious stones and negotiable instruments
Common carrier exclusions apply. Check the precise rules for currency, collectible coins, vouchers and other monetary items.
Jewellery, watches, antiques, art and high-value goods
May be prohibited or restricted by value and service. Written agreements, value limits and compensation exclusions can apply.
Live animals and animal products
Live animals are commonly prohibited. Trophies, furs, ivory and other animal products may also be excluded or controlled by wildlife law.
Human remains, ashes and biological materials
Human remains and ashes are excluded by DHL Express and listed by FedEx. Biological samples require separate checks and any applicable specialist arrangements.
Plants, seeds and flowers
Carrier, route and import restrictions apply. Some services require an agreed contract; limited exceptions do not establish general acceptance.
Perishable food and temperature-sensitive goods
May be excluded or require an expressly agreed service. Check refrigeration requirements and import rules before booking.
Alcohol, tobacco and vaping products
Acceptance differs by carrier and contract. FedEx lists tobacco and vaping products as prohibited unless expressly agreed otherwise; other carriers impose their own conditions.
Dry ice and wet ice
Dry ice requires dangerous-goods checks. FedEx lists wet ice as prohibited unless expressly agreed otherwise.
Leaking, wet, odorous or inadequately packed parcels
Can be refused. Suitable packaging does not override a prohibition on the contents.
Fragile goods and items with limited compensation
Glass, ceramics and other fragile or valuable goods require checks for both carriage acceptance and loss or damage cover.
Controlled, sanctioned or destination-restricted goods
Check origin, transit and destination requirements, licences and the chosen carrier’s current acceptance rules.
Before you book
Tell us the exact contents, quantities, value, condition, origin and destination. Obtain confirmation of acceptance and any required written approvals before dispatch. Do not pack an uncertain item until the booking team has confirmed the arrangements.
Carriage acceptance and compensation are separate. Buying a label or declaring a value does not mean the item is accepted or fully covered.
Check an item with SmartShipOfficial carrier policies
Always check the latest rules for your booking. Specialist carrier services may not be available through SmartShip.
DPD account services and the Parcel2Go-operated shipping.dpd.ie portal have different booking terms. Use the conditions for the service you select.