Prohibited vs. Restricted Items
There’s an important distinction between the two:
- Prohibited items: Cannot be shipped under any circumstances. Period.
- Restricted items: Can be shipped but with specific packaging, labeling, documentation, or service limitations.
Universally Prohibited Items
These items cannot be shipped via UPS or FedEx under any circumstances:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Explosives (most) | Grenades, dynamite, detonators |
| Firearms (most) | Handguns, automatic weapons (special programs exist for licensed dealers) |
| Narcotics | Illegal drugs, controlled substances |
| Counterfeit goods | Fake branded products |
| Currency and negotiable instruments | Cash, bearer bonds, blank checks |
| Live animals (most carriers) | Pets, livestock |
| Human remains | Cremated remains are restricted, not prohibited |
Commonly Restricted Items
These items can be shipped with proper handling:
| Item | UPS | FedEx | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lithium batteries | ✅ Restricted | ✅ Restricted | Proper labeling, Ground only (standalone) |
| Alcohol | ✅ With license | ✅ With license | State laws, adult signature required |
| Tobacco | ❌ Prohibited | ❌ Prohibited | Federal PACT Act prohibition |
| Perfume/cosmetics | ✅ Limited qty | ✅ Limited qty | ORM-D or Limited Quantity labeling |
| Aerosols | ✅ Limited qty | ✅ Limited qty | Ground only for larger quantities |
| Dry ice | ✅ Allowed | ✅ Allowed | Proper packaging, 5.5 lbs max (air) |
| Perishable food | ✅ Allowed | ✅ Allowed | Proper insulation, overnight delivery recommended |
| Firearms (licensed) | ✅ Special program | ✅ Special program | FFL required, specific service levels |
| Ammunition | ✅ ORM-D | ✅ ORM-D | Ground only, proper packaging |
| Medications | ✅ Allowed | ✅ Allowed | Prescription meds may need express service |
Penalties for Violations
Shipping prohibited or improperly handled restricted items can result in:
| Violation | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Prohibited item found in transit | Package seized, account flagged, potential account suspension |
| Improper hazmat packaging | DOT/IATA fines up to $500,000, criminal penalties possible |
| Undeclared dangerous goods | Package returned, shipper fined, potential carrier ban |
| Tobacco violations | Federal fines under PACT Act |
| Alcohol without license | Package seized, state law violations |
Carrier-Specific Restrictions
Each carrier has unique restrictions beyond the universal list:
UPS-Specific
- No tobacco products (prohibited, not just restricted)
- Ivory and ivory products prohibited
- Hoverboards with lithium batteries have specific guidelines
FedEx-Specific
- No tobacco products
- Marijuana/CBD: prohibited even in states where legal
- Shark fin products prohibited
How to Check If Your Product Is Restricted
- Review the carrier’s Terms & Conditions — Both UPS and FedEx publish detailed prohibited and restricted item lists
- Check MSDS/SDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) for any chemical product
- Consult DOT/IATA for dangerous goods classification
- Contact your carrier rep for ambiguous items
The Bottom Line
Most common consumer and business products ship without restrictions. The key areas to watch are lithium batteries (nearly ubiquitous in electronics), aerosols, alcohol, and any product with chemical components. When in doubt, consult the carrier’s restricted items list and ship with the appropriate packaging and documentation. The fines and account consequences of violations far outweigh the cost of compliance.
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