Seasoned e-commerce shippers are typically familiar with USPS restrictions for domestic items, but many are unaware of the additional restrictions for international items. Every country has restrictions as to what goods are allowed into their borders. Often times these restrictions are based on cultural or religious beliefs for the local community. Other times, the restrictions are enacted to protect local industry. In this article, we will look at USPS international shipping restrictions on common goods, as well as some odd prohibitions you might not have thought of.
Common Prohibited International Items
- Aerosols
- Air Bags
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Ammunition
- Cigarettes and Smokeless Tobacco*
- Dry Ice (even for refrigeration)
- Flammable Paint
- Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
- Gasoline
- Nail Polish
- Perfumes containing alcohol
- Poison
*Cigars may be shipped internationally unless prohibited by the destination country
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Odd Prohibited Items from Select Countries |
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Canada |
Wine, pens valued over $5 |
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China |
Used clothing |
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Germany |
Playing cards |
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Ireland |
Straw hats |
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Italy |
Clocks, shoes, non-wood toys |
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Mexico |
Jewelry |
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Norway |
Pharmaceutical products of any kind |
| Peru |
Used Tires |
| Turkey |
Cosmetic products |
Shipping Internationally with Stamps.com
Stamps.com makes international shipping easy. In addition to automated customs forms and discounts to all international mail classes, Stamps.com simplifies shipping restrictions with real-time restrictions on the “International” tab for all countries the USPS delivers to.
