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What Types of Items Cannot Be Shipped?

To ensure the safety of customers, carriers, and customs authorities, certain items are prohibited or restricted from shipment. These restrictions are based on international transport regulations and carrier policies.

Prohibited Items

The following items are generally not accepted for shipment:

  • Hazardous materials or dangerous goods

  • Firearms, ammunition, and explosives

  • Live animals

  • Perishable goods

  • Tobacco and tobacco-related products

  • Alcoholic beverages

  • Money, negotiable instruments, or valuable securities

  • Ivory and ivory products

  • Furs and non-domesticated animal skins

  • Pornographic materials

  • Plants and seeds

  • Personal effects and unaccompanied baggage

  • Identity documents such as ID cards and passports

  • Articles of exceptional value, such as:

    • Artwork

    • Antiques

    • Precious stones

    • Gold and silver

  • Watches exceeding a value of USD 500 per package

  • Goods prohibited by the laws of the origin, transit, or destination country

In addition, shipments that may damage other parcels, equipment, or pose a risk to people are not permitted.

Restricted Items

Some items may only be shipped under specific conditions, with prior approval, or through a special shipping agreement. These may include:

  • Certain batteries and electronics

  • Dry ice

  • Alcoholic beverages

  • Plants and seeds

  • Perishable items

  • Tobacco products

  • Jewelry and high-value goods

Additional documentation, packaging requirements, or certifications may apply.

Customs & Import Duties

Customs authorities have become increasingly strict and are checking packages more frequently. Depending on the destination country, import duties, taxes, or customs fees may be charged.

Unfortunately, iLost cannot determine these costs in advance, as they vary per country and shipment. We therefore advise customers to carefully inform themselves about possible customs charges and local import regulations before shipping a package internationally.

Returned Shipments & Refund Policy

If a shipment is returned because it contains a prohibited or restricted item, unfortunately the shipping costs cannot be refunded. Shipping charges are already paid to the carrier once the shipment has been processed.

Sending prohibited items is entirely at the sender’s own risk. Any additional costs resulting from returned shipments, customs inspections, or refused deliveries may also be charged to the sender.

For the most up-to-date information, please consult the official UPS prohibited and restricted items policy.

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