Restricted and prohibited items for shipping with DHL Express

Have you ever felt unsure about what you can or cannot send while shipping goods internationally? You’re not alone.

Navigating the complexities of international shipping regulations can indeed be a challenge. Among these complexities, understanding the difference between prohibited and restricted items is paramount for smooth and compliant shipping. 

By doing so, you can take steps to avoid costly delays, fines, and confiscations, while ensuring that your shipments reach their destinations on time.

Let's break down these distinctions to help you prepare your parcels for their global journey from Singapore. 

Prohibited items: What you cannot ship

Prohibited items are items that are strictly forbidden and cannot be shipped under any circumstances, whether by a person or a business.

List of DHL Express prohibited items for shipping

The following items are prohibited from shipping with DHL, whether by courier or other means.

• Bullion
• 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 commonly available)

How will DHL Express identify prohibited items being shipped in a parcel?

Under the following three circumstances, DHL Express has the right to open and inspect a shipment’s contents:

• Odour or signs of leakage: Stains on the container may indicate a leak, while a foul odour could be a sign of a perishable item that has gone bad. 
• Inappropriate packing: Prohibited items may be spotted and checked as a result of damaged packaging.
• Suspicious package shape: If the item shape resembles that of a prohibited item, it may warrant an examination by personnel. 

Beyond initial visual assessments during collection, DHL Express employs the following screening processes to detect undeclared prohibited commodities inside shipments:

• Physical inspections: Trained staff may visually and manually inspect contents, especially if initial screening raises suspicions.
• X-ray scans: This non-invasive method helps to reveal the internal contents and density variations of a package, through which staff identify undeclared or DHL prohibited items.
• Canine detection: Specialized canine units, trained to detect specific odours, are sometimes deployed to identify illegal substances or other prohibited items within parcels.

Restricted items: What you can ship (with approval)

Unlike prohibited items, DHL restricted items can be shipped, but only under specific conditions and with prior approval. 

This pre-approval is crucial because these items often require special packaging and licenses to meet safety, security, or regulatory standards in the origin and destination countries. 

To ship such items, you will need to present the relevant documentation and certifications confirming that you are authorised to ship the goods.

List of DHL Express restricted items

All the items listed below must comply with the guidelines of the destination country. 

• Antiques and works of art
• Dry ice
• Alcoholic beverages
• Perfumes
• Commemorative coins and medals
• Watches and jewellery

How do you get approval to ship a DHL restricted item?

To obtain approval for shipping DHL restricted items, you will need to be a DHL Express account holder. 

Our experts will discuss your shipment with you and guide you through the necessary steps to obtain authorization. In the process, you may be asked to provide specific paperwork to certify that the goods can be transported safely and compliantly. 

For example, if you’re shipping from Singapore to the USA, flammable liquids like alcohols or essential oils will require a signed Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) Declaration to be released by US customs. Additionally, a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is recommended to detail the chemical composition and potential hazards of the goods.

What happens if you try to ship a prohibited or restricted item internationally with DHL Express?

Attempting to ship prohibited or undeclared restricted items internationally can lead to severe repercussions for your business. 

If such contents are discovered during initial collection or through subsequent customs checks in transit, your shipment will be stopped and seized by authorities. In turn, the goods may be destroyed or returned to you at your expense, depending on the nature of the commodities and the country’s regulations.

As DHL does not provide shipment value protection for packages containing prohibited or undeclared restricted items, you would not be eligible for a refund for these halted deliveries. This can result in costly financial losses. 

Beyond financial losses, you may also face legal consequences, such as fines or legal action. Such disruptions can significantly affect business operations and compromise your reputation, potentially leading to lost customers and long-term revenue.

How can you avoid trouble from transporting restricted or prohibited items?

If you're unsure whether you can ship an item from Singapore to another country, research the destination country’s regulations before shipping. Such proactive measures can help prevent issues arising from prohibited or restricted commodities. Here are some resources you can rely on:

• Government websites: Official customs and trade websites of the destination country, such as the European Commission for EU shipping regulations, provide the most accurate and up-to-date information on import restrictions.
• Shipment preparation tools: DHL Express offer online tools, guides, or country-specific resources where you can look up prohibited commodities for specific destinations. Our MyGTS tool can help you navigate international shipping regulations.
• International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations: For air cargo, IATA's Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) provide comprehensive guidelines for classifying, packaging, labeling, and documenting hazardous or controlled items.

Beyond research, take these precautions to reduce the chances of your package getting flagged for its contents:

• Provide clear documentation: Always submit accurate and complete international shipping documents, including commercial invoices, packing lists, and any required licenses or permits. Affix them securely and prominently on your parcels. 
• Accurate product descriptions: Ensure your goods descriptions are detailed and precise, aligning with the correct Harmonized System (HS) codes to avoid misinterpretation and customs delays.
• Include full contact information: Provide complete and verifiable contact details for both the sender and recipient to facilitate communication in case of any queries or issues during transit.

Ship confidently with DHL Express

Understanding the distinction between prohibited and restricted items is crucial to securing the necessary approvals before shipping. In turn, you can ensure a smooth and successful international trade experience. 

However, navigating these complexities alongside your daily business operations can be a significant undertaking. As such, partnering with experienced international shipping services like DHL Express can make the entire process far more manageable.

With our global expertise, you can confidently avoid risks like customs delays and focus on efficient customer fulfillment. Our shipping professionals are well-versed with local customs rules in every country to make sure your shipments are handled smoothly with care. 

Additionally, we can provide advice on what you can or cannot ship, guiding you through the documents you need for streamlined customs clearance. With DHL Express, you can be assured that your parcel will be well taken care of from start to finish.

Frequently asked questions about prohibited and restricted items