Understanding prohibited and restricted goods in international shipping

International shipping is crucial in trade, business operations, and personal deliveries. However, ensuring smooth cross-border shipments requires more than just packing up goods and sending them off. 

One of the most important considerations for any business or individual engaged in international delivery is understanding what can and cannot be shipped. Certain items in Indonesia are classified as prohibited or restricted, meaning their shipment is either outright banned or subject to stringent regulations. 

This article will explore the difference between prohibited and restricted goods in international shipping and offer practical advice on how to get customs clearance for various commodities.

What are prohibited items?

Prohibited goods refer to items that are completely banned from being shipped internationally. This means that under no circumstances can these items be legally transported across international borders. 

Prohibited goods vary from country to country, and the reasons for their classification can include concerns over safety, public health, and international treaties.

Prohibited goods include¹:

• Bullion and currency
• Animals, including hatching eggs and insects
• Human remains, including ashes
• Counterfeit or pirated goods
• Drugs and narcotics
• Hazardous or combustible materials
• Knives
• Pornography
• Negotiable tools in Bearer form
• Irreplaceable items (any item that is not readily available in the market)

Certain export commodities face strict regulations or outright bans by Indonesian customs to ensure the safety, security, and compliance of goods entering the country. The following are examples of prohibited items that cannot be imported²:

• Solid-form sucrose: This includes cane or beet sugar and chemically pure sucrose in solid form.
• Temperature and humidity control systems: Air conditioning machines with motor-driven fans and advanced components for regulating temperature and humidity.

Shipping prohibited goods, even unknowingly, can have severe legal consequences, including confiscating goods and hefty fines. In some cases, criminal prosecution is also possible, depending on the nature of the violation. To meet shipping regulations and avoid costly consequences, it is crucial to be fully aware of which goods are prohibited in both the country of origin and the destination country.

What are Restricted Goods?

Unlike prohibited goods, restricted goods can be shipped internationally but are subject to certain conditions or regulations. These items may require specific documentation, permits, or clearances before being legally transported. Restrictions may be imposed due to safety concerns, environmental regulations, or national security issues.

Examples of restricted items¹ to Indonesia include:

• Used capital goods
• Iron and steel
• Medicines
• Textile and textile products
• Paper and wood products
• Toys
• Electronics
• Telecommunication products

As an example, the following are considered restricted items in the U.S.:

• Animals
• Antiques (breakable or fragile)
• Asbestos
• Bullion
• Currency
• Firearms, parts thereof and ammunition
• Furs
• Hazardous and explosive materials (as defined in IATA Regulations)
• Human remains, including ashes
• Jewelry, precious metals and stones
• Illegal narcotics
• Property, the carriage of which is prohibited by any law, regulation or statute of any federal, state or local government of the country to or through which the shipment may be carried

How to check regulations for your international shipments

Before shipping internationally, verifying whether your goods fall under the prohibited or restricted categories is essential. Doing so can save time, money, and potential legal trouble. 

Fortunately, several resources are available to inform you about international shipping regulations. Take a look at some of them below.

Government customs websites

Many countries provide detailed information about prohibited and restricted goods on their customs authority websites. For example, the U.S. International Trade Administration website offers comprehensive guidelines for importing and exporting items, as do the customs websites of Indonesia and other nations³.

International shipping companies

Many major shipping companies provide online tools to help you verify whether your goods are prohibited or restricted in certain countries. These tools allow you to enter the country of origin, the destination, and the type of goods to check for any restrictions.

For example, DHL Express has developed MyGTS (My Global Trade Services), a one-stop portal that provides you with tools to navigate international shipping and get Indonesian customs clearance with ease. The platform allows you to comply with and calculate landed costs and determine customs duties, taxes, and requirements for specific countries. 

International trade agreements

Various countries participate in international trade agreements that outline specific rules for shipping certain goods. Familiarizing yourself with agreements such as CITES (for wildlife and plant products)⁴ or the Wassenaar Arrangement (for arms and dual-use goods)⁵ can help you ensure compliance when delivering sensitive items.

Consequences of non-compliance

Non-compliance with international shipping regulations can lead to serious repercussions, which vary depending on the severity of the violation and the nature of the goods involved.

• Fines and penalties: Shipping prohibited or restricted goods without proper authorization can result in significant financial penalties. The fines can be even more substantial in cases involving counterfeit or illegal items.

• Confiscation of goods: Customs authorities have the right to confiscate any goods that violate shipping regulations. This can result in a total loss of the shipment, along with the associated costs of shipping and customs fees.

• Delays in shipment: If restricted items¹ are shipped without the necessary permits or documentation, customs authorities may hold the shipment until the proper paperwork is provided. This can lead to significant delays affecting both the shipper and the recipient.

• Legal action: In cases of serious violations, such as the shipment of illegal drugs, weapons, or counterfeit goods, shippers may face criminal charges. This can lead to prosecution, imprisonment, or long-term legal consequences, which can also damage a company's reputation.

Shipping prohibited and restricted goods with DHL Express

As a note, DHL does not cover import or export shipments containing prohibited items. If discovered during pickup, the package may be refused without a refund. Should customs or transit checks uncover these items, they could be destroyed or returned. More importantly, misrepresenting your shipment’s value or contents can lead to penalties, including confiscation by customs.

Adhering to import and export shipping regulations will go a long way in preventing costly penalties. Businesses and individuals shipping with DHL internationally should take the time to ensure that all necessary precautions are in place before shipping goods, particularly when dealing with prohibited or restricted goods.

Need assistance in meeting shipping regulations?

Understanding the difference between prohibited and restricted goods in international shipping is essential for anyone involved in cross-border trade. Shippers must remain vigilant in checking regulations for their specific imported or exported goods even before proceeding. 

If you require guidance in shipping prohibited and restricted goods to a specific destination, our DHL Express team is here to assist. As a trusted international shipping partner, we ensure your shipments meet all requirements to ensure customs clearance, prevent delays, and avoid hefty fees.

Open a DHL Express business account today and see how our expertise in international shipping can work to your advantage.