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Have you ever wondered what can and can’t be sent by mail? Sending a parcel by post or courier is part of everyday life, but it’s essential to understand the regulations that govern what can and cannot be transported.
In this post, we offer you a step-by-step guide to help you find out:
This guide will help you prepare your shipments safely, whether you’re sending as an individual or managing shipments in a professional context.
There are certain products that are completely prohibited by postal operators and courier companies. These restrictions are based on safety, public health, international transport regulations, and local and international legislation, such as the Royal Decree that regulates prohibited items in postal shipments in Spain. Sending these products can lead to serious consequences, ranging from the retention or destruction of the parcel to financial penalties and even criminal liability.
Please note that this list may vary depending on the legal restrictions of each country. If you want to check the full list of items that are prohibited from being sent by mail, visit our page on prohibited shipping items.
Some products can be shipped, but only if specific conditions related to packaging, labelling, documentation, and transport are met. These restrictions are generally due to international regulations (such as IATA rules for air shipments), as well as health or customs requirements.
For example, when it comes to international shipments, customs clearance may be mandatory, even for low-value parcels. The Spanish Tax Agency provides a detailed guide on how to proceed correctly.
These products contain alcohol or other flammable components. They must be shipped in limited quantities, using approved containers and adequate protection against leaks.
Real case: A customer wanted to send a perfume as a birthday gift to her sister in Germany. She did not declare it as an alcohol-based product. The shipment was held at customs and returned with a €25 surcharge due to non-compliance with air transport restrictions.
They are subject to restrictions under international regulations due to the potential fire risk. Prior declaration is required, and they must be packed separately if they are not installed in the device.
Real case: An e-commerce business shipped a laptop with the lithium battery loose inside the same parcel, without proper packaging. The courier stopped it at the airport due to fire risk and returned the shipment to the sender, causing additional costs and delays.
According to national regulations established by the Ministry of Health for sending food and beverages via postal services, these items are only allowed if they are properly preserved, packaged, and non-perishable. Homemade food and fresh products are not permitted.
These require supporting documentation or a prescription. Shipments of unidentified medicines are not accepted.
It is recommended to insure these items and protect them properly with padded packaging. A declared value may be required.
If you want to review the full list of restricted items, visit our page on items subject to shipping restrictions.
Many items can be shipped without complications, as long as basic requirements are met and no special handling or packaging is needed.
Headphones, hair dryers, or toasters can be shipped without any issues if they are protected with cushioning material.
Keep in mind that even if done unknowingly, sending prohibited items by mail can have legal or financial consequences.
To clear up any doubts, it is always advisable to check current regulations or consult the logistics operator directly before shipping.
Below is a summary table with the most common types of items and whether they can be sent by courier or mail, as well as whether they require any special conditions. This will help you quickly identify what you can ship, what is restricted, and what is completely prohibited:
| Type of item | Can it be shipped? | Special conditions required? |
|---|---|---|
| Clothing and footwear | ✓ | ✖ |
| Books or documents | ✓ | ✖ |
| Perfumes or cosmetics | ✓ | ✓ (approved containers) |
| Lithium batteries | ✓ | ✓ (declaration and packaging) |
| Homemade or perishable food | ✖ | – |
| Prescription medicines | ✓ | ✓ (prescription or documentation) |
| Weapons or explosives | ✖ | – |
| Illegal substances | ✖ | – |
| High-value electronics | ✓ | ✓ (insurance and protective packaging recommended) |
| Live animals | ✖ | – |
Avoid legal issues or delays by making sure your shipment complies with all national and international regulations. If you still have questions, at MBE we advise you and prepare your shipment correctly. Visit our website to send us an enquiry or find your nearest MBE centre.
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