What Items Cannot Be Shipped from China? Complete Prohibited & Restricted List (2026 IATA)

Whether you are an overseas Chinese, a student, or a small cross-border seller, one of the most common questions when shipping parcels from China is: “Can I send this item?” Different countries and transport modes (air, sea, land) have vastly different restrictions. A wrong item can lead to seizure, return, or even destruction by customs, costing you time and money.

This article is based on the 2026 IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) 67th Edition, combined with Chinese export controls and customs regulations of major destinations. We categorize items into Absolutely Prohibited, Restricted, and Sensitive, and explain route differences. Whether you use a consolidation service or direct shipping, this guide helps you avoid pitfalls.

For quick checks, try our China Export Restrictions Checker – enter an item name and get instant guidance.

1. Absolutely Prohibited Items (Never ship, regardless of destination or method)

The following items are banned unconditionally. Violations can lead to fines or legal action.

• Explosives: gunpowder, fireworks, firecrackers, detonators, ammunition.
• Gases: compressed, liquefied, or cryogenic gases (oxygen cylinders, butane canisters, lighter refills).
• Flammable liquids: gasoline, diesel, alcohol (>70%), paints, thinners, acetone-based glues.
• Flammable solids: matches, sulfur, magnesium powder, white phosphorus.
• Oxidizing substances & organic peroxides: bleach, hydrogen peroxide, ammonium nitrate.
• Toxic substances: cyanides, pesticides, insecticides, chemical weapon precursors.
• Radioactive materials: uranium, plutonium, smoke detectors (exceptions apply).
• Corrosives: sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide, battery acid.
• Other dangerous goods: strongly magnetic materials, precursor chemicals for drugs, narcotics, psychotropics, live animals (except medical), human remains/ashes (special arrangement needed).
• Counterfeit & infringing items: fake branded goods (replica bags, shoes, watches), pirated discs, unauthorized brand products. Any reference to “replica”, “fake”, “A-grade” is strictly forbidden.

Note: Even small quantities “for personal use” are often prohibited. For example, lighters may be allowed on certain special air routes but are banned on standard consolidation.

2. Restricted Items (Allowed only under specific conditions or via designated routes)

Restricted items can be shipped if you meet documentation, packaging, or routing requirements. Common examples:

If unsure, consult our support team or use the Route Finder to see suitable options.

3. Sensitive Items (Different tolerances by country and route)

Sensitive items are often flagged by customs or cause delays. Using specialized channels and honest declaration is advised.

• Branded products: Even genuine brands may require authorization (Nike, Apple). Provide purchase invoices.
• Electronics with wireless: Drones, Bluetooth devices, routers may need FCC/CE certification.
• Used/secondhand goods: Old clothes, electronics need quarantine or disinfection; value appraisal issues.
• Devices with built-in batteries: Smartwatches, robot vacuums contain lithium batteries, treat as dangerous goods.
• Liquid cosmetics over 100ml: Banned on air (IATA), allowed via sea or land.
• Plants & seeds: Phytosanitary certificate required; soil strictly forbidden.

At WooliiPorter, our consolidation service includes quality check and repacking options where we can inspect items upon arrival and provide advice. However, ultimate compliance responsibility rests with the shipper.

4. Route Categories & Restriction Differences

Different transport modes have varying tolerance levels:

• Air (courier / air parcel): Strictest for dangerous goods and liquids. Pure batteries, large liquid/powder parcels generally not accepted. Good for documents, clothing, small items.
• Sea (ocean freight / LCL): More lenient; accepts most regular batteries (with UN38.3) and liquids. Slower, suitable for furniture, machinery, bulk goods.
• Land (China Railway Express / truck): In between. Some EU countries have extra requirements (CE for electronics). Ideal for Central Asia, Europe.

Use our Route Finder to check restrictions per route.

5. Compliance Tips & Common Misconceptions

Misconception 1: Declaring honestly guarantees passage? No. Prohibited items like disposable lighters (hazardous) are never allowed on air, regardless of declaration.

Misconception 2: Small personal amounts are fine? Many restrictions are based on quantity/concentration. Alcohol wipes (containing alcohol) are banned on air even in small packs. Check first.

Misconception 3: The forwarder will check for me? We provide quality checks and compliance advice only for obvious issues (damaged packaging, leaks). We do not assume compliance judgment. You are ultimately responsible for the authenticity and legality of your items.

We recommend: Use the Restrictions Checker before shipping; contact support if unsure; purchase insurance for high-value items.

6. How to Start with WooliiPorter?

Once your items are confirmed compliant, simply:

1. Shop on Taobao/1688 and use our China warehouse address as your shipping address.
2. Receive warehouse notification; choose services like inspection, consolidation, photo-taking.
3. Select a route, pay shipping, and track until delivery.

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