Prohibited items

Last updated: January 2026

Why we maintain this list

Every parcel that passes through your free US suite address is consolidated with other customers' packages and forwarded by air or ocean carrier to destinations across the Middle East and 200+ countries. Customs authorities in every country we ship to, and the carriers themselves, permanently ban certain categories of goods from international shipment. Attempting to send a prohibited item can result in the parcel being seized, destroyed, or fined by customs — and can delay every other shipment consolidated alongside it. Please review this list before you buy-for-me or forward an order to your suite.

Never accepted into your suite or forwarded

Illegal drugs and narcotics, and any drug paraphernaliaNever accepted

Firearms, firearm parts, ammunition, and imitation or replica weaponsNever accepted

Explosives, fireworks, flares, and gun powderNever accepted

Counterfeit goods and unauthorized replicas of branded or trademarked productsNever accepted

Currency, coins, negotiable instruments, and precious metals or gemstones sent as cash equivalentsNever accepted

Human remains, body parts, or ashesNever accepted

Live animals, endangered species, and products made from protected wildlife (ivory, certain furs and skins)Never accepted

Pornographic or obscene material prohibited by destination country lawNever accepted

Prescription medication without valid documentation, and controlled pharmaceuticalsNever accepted

Gambling devices and lottery tickets where prohibited by destination lawNever accepted

Items that infringe intellectual property rightsNever accepted

Dangerous goods and hazardous materials

Lithium batteries shipped on their own, flammable liquids and aerosols, corrosives, oxidizers, toxic substances, and radioactive materials are classified as hazmat by air and ocean carriers and cannot be forwarded. See our full hazmat & restricted goods page for the complete breakdown, including items that are allowed with extra documentation.

Destination-specific restrictions

In addition to the universal list above, individual countries maintain their own import bans — common examples include certain electronics missing local certification, specific food and agricultural products, religious or political material, and used or refurbished goods. Because these rules vary widely, check the customs guidance for your destination on our countries we ship to page before you buy-for-me or place a large order.

What happens if a prohibited item arrives at your suite

Our warehouse team inspects and photographs every package on arrival at your free US suite address before it appears in your inbox.
If a package is identified as containing a prohibited item, we will notify you immediately by email and in your dashboard inbox — it cannot be added to a shipment or consolidated with your other packages.
We will work with you on next steps, which may include return to sender, local disposal, or documentation to satisfy destination customs, depending on the item and country.
Repeated attempts to ship prohibited items may result in suspension of your EarthShip account in line with our terms and conditions.

Tips before you buy-for-me or order online

Check the product listing for restricted keywords ("battery", "aerosol", "replica", "prescription") before checkout.
When in doubt, message our support team with the product link before you buy — we're happy to confirm shippability in advance, at no cost.
Use our buy-for-me service and our team will flag anything that looks prohibited before it's purchased on your behalf.
Review our legal information and limits of liability pages for how prohibited or seized shipments are handled.

Questions about a specific item?

Our support team reviews shippability questions daily and can tell you in minutes whether an item is allowed, needs extra documentation, or must be left out of your shipment entirely. Reach out anytime through contact us, or start a live chat once you're signed in to your dashboard.