Quick Reference Table
Find your item in the table below. Colour indicates the verdict: Standard Goods - OK Sensitive Goods Channel Required Prohibited
| Item Category | Verdict | Key Conditions / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Phone / Laptop / Tablet (built-in battery) | Sensitive Goods Channel | 2026 rule: battery must be discharged to - 30% before shipping. PI966/PI967 compliant channel required. |
| Power Bank / Portable Charger (standalone battery) | Prohibited | IATA PI965 Class A dangerous goods - prohibited on all air cargo worldwide, no exceptions. |
| Bluetooth Earphones / Smartwatch | Sensitive Goods Channel | Built-in lithium battery requires specialist channel. Charge <= 30%, single cell <= 100 Wh. |
| USB Cables / Keyboard / Mouse (no battery) | Standard Goods - OK | Pure hardware with no battery - standard channel. |
| Perfume / Aftershave | Prohibited | High-alcohol flammable liquid. IATA dangerous goods. Prohibited on all channels. |
| Moisturiser / Serum / Toner | Sensitive Goods Channel | Liquid/cream - individual bottle <= 1000 ml. Declared ingredients required. Liquid channel only. |
| Solid Lipstick / Eyeshadow / Pressed Powder | Standard Goods - OK | Solid cosmetics - standard channel. Declare as "cosmetics". |
| Nail Polish / Nail Polish Remover | Prohibited | Contains acetone / ethyl acetate - flammable organic solvents. IATA dangerous goods. |
| Aerosol / Spray Products (hairspray / sunscreen / insect repellent) | Prohibited | Compressed gas - all categories prohibited, no exceptions. |
| Sealed Snacks / Dry Goods / Baked Goods | Sensitive Goods Channel | Declared ingredients required. No meat content if shipping to USA. Items must remain within their shelf life throughout transit, with at least 7 days remaining upon arrival. |
| Fresh Meat / Unprocessed Poultry | Prohibited | Strict phytosanitary / veterinary quarantine - USA, UK and Canada all prohibit unprocessed fresh meat imports. |
| Standard Kitchen Knives | Standard Goods - OK | Declare as "Kitchen Knife / Kitchenware". Blade must be protected in packaging. |
| Flick Knives / Gravity Knives / Controlled Blades | Prohibited | UK law explicitly prohibits import. USA has state-level restrictions. |
| Counterfeit / Replica Luxury Goods | Prohibited | IPR violation. US, UK and Canadian customs will seize and destroy. Seizure, destruction, and potential legal liability. |
| TCM Herbal Tea / Granule Preparations (personal supply) | Sensitive Goods Channel | Declared ingredients required. Items containing ephedrine or CITES-listed species are prohibited. |
| Personal-Use Prescription Medicines | Doctor's Prescription Required | Small personal-use quantities with prescription. Controlled psychiatric substances prohibited. |
| Plants / Seeds / Soil | Prohibited | Phytosanitary inspection required. Any item containing soil is categorically prohibited. |
| Illegal Drugs / Controlled Substances | Absolutely Prohibited | Criminal offence in all channels and all destination countries. |
| Firearm Parts / Replica Firearms | Absolutely Prohibited | Explicitly prohibited in the UK. Requires a licence in the USA. Cannot be shipped via consolidation. |
| Flammable / Explosive Chemicals | Absolutely Prohibited | IATA Class 1 / Class 3 dangerous goods. Completely prohibited. |
| Large Capacity Batteries (>100 Wh) | Prohibited | Exceeds air cargo limits. Requires special transport permit. Not accepted via consolidation. |
| E-Cigarettes / Vapes | Not Recommended | Contains lithium battery + nicotine. Heavily regulated in all destination countries. Contact us to confirm before shipping. |
Absolutely Prohibited Items - Banned from Every Shipping Channel
The following items are prohibited on all global air cargo routes regardless of channel, packaging or routing. Shipping any of these items is prohibited and may result in goods being destroyed, fines, or criminal prosecution.
Standalone Lithium Batteries / Power Banks
Portable chargers, power banks and standalone battery packs of any capacity are IATA PI965 Class A dangerous goods. Prohibited on all global air cargo - there is no compliant shipping route, full stop.
Perfume / High-Alcohol Liquids
Perfume typically contains 70-95% alcohol and is classified as an IATA Class 3 flammable liquid. This includes EDT, EDP, aftershave and sanitiser containing 70%+ alcohol. All forms are prohibited.
Nail Polish / Nail Polish Remover / Solvent-Based Products
Contains acetone, ethyl acetate or other flammable organic solvents - classified as dangerous goods. Prohibited on all air cargo regardless of volume.
All Aerosol / Spray Products
Any product propelled by compressed gas: hairspray, mousse, aerosol sunscreen, air freshener, insect repellent spray, skincare spray - all classified as dangerous goods, no exceptions.
Illegal Drugs / Controlled Substances
Includes but is not limited to: cannabis products (even where locally legal, postal shipment remains prohibited), controlled psychiatric substances, synthetic drugs. A criminal offence in all destination countries.
Counterfeit / IPR-Infringing Goods
Unauthorised replicas (fake designer bags, counterfeit watches, logo clothing). US CBP, UK HMRC and the Canada Border Services Agency all actively screen for counterfeit goods. Seized goods are destroyed; legal liability may follow.
Fresh Meat / Uninspected Animal Products
Uninspected fresh meat (beef, pork, poultry), live seafood, animal blood products. USA (USDA), UK (APHA) and Canada (CFIA) all have strict veterinary and phytosanitary inspections - seized and destroyed on discovery.
Firearm Parts / Controlled Weapons
Firearms and components, replica firearms, ammunition, crossbows, slingshot guns and other controlled weapons. Shipping via consolidation is illegal. UK law explicitly lists various knives and self-defence weapons as prohibited imports.
Sensitive Goods - Shippable, but via a Specialist Channel
"Sensitive goods" is the industry term for items that require special declaration and handling through a designated channel. They are not prohibited - but they cannot go via standard freight. The categories below can generally be shipped, but only through the correct sensitive goods channel. For full declaration requirements and packaging specifications, see our shipping guide.
Liquids & Creams
- Shippable: Skincare (toner, moisturiser, serum, lotion), shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, eye drops - individual bottle <= 1000 ml, declared ingredients required
- Prohibited: Perfume, sanitiser containing 70%+ alcohol, nail polish / remover, all aerosols
Battery-Powered Devices
- Shippable via PI966/PI967 compliant channel: Phones, laptops, tablets, Bluetooth earphones, smartwatches, electric shavers, small appliances (built-in non-removable lithium battery)
- 2026 mandatory requirement: Devices with built-in lithium-ion batteries must be discharged to below 30% (SoC <= 30%) before shipping - mandatory under IATA DGR 67th Edition from 1 January 2026
- Prohibited: Standalone power banks / portable chargers, batteries > 100 Wh, swollen or leaking used batteries
Food
- Shippable (sealed packaging): Sweets, biscuits, dried fruit, vacuum-packed cooked food, tea, condiments, sealed snacks
- Important: No meat content when shipping to the USA (USDA restriction). Shelf life must extend beyond the transit period + 7 days. Product name and ingredients must be declared.
- Prohibited: Fresh meat, fresh fruit and vegetables, live animals, products containing CITES-protected species
Cosmetics
- Standard channel: Solid cosmetics (eyeshadow, pressed powder, solid lipstick, mascara), makeup brushes and tools
- Sensitive goods channel: Liquid/cream foundation, BB cream, concealer liquid, facial oil, serum with high oil content
- Prohibited: Perfume, nail polish, any product with - 70% alcohol content, aerosol cosmetics
Medicines & Health Supplements
- Permitted in small quantities (personal use): OTC vitamins and supplements, topical creams; prescription medicines require a doctor's prescription - generally limited to a 30-day supply
- Prohibited: Controlled psychiatric substances, TCM containing ephedrine (FDA restriction), TCM containing CITES-listed endangered species (musk, tiger bone, rhino horn, bear bile), bulk prescription medicines not registered in the destination country
Lithium Battery 2026 Rules Mandatory from 1 Jan 2026
The IATA 67th Edition Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) took effect on 1 January 2026 with important changes to air transport requirements for lithium batteries, affecting all users shipping battery-containing devices by air.
Power Banks / Portable Chargers
Standalone lithium batteries (not inside a device) are strictly prohibited in passenger aircraft and cargo holds. This rule has been in force since 2016 and remains unchanged in 2026.
Phones / Laptops etc.
2026 new mandatory requirement: Charge <= 30% (SoC <= 30%) at time of shipment. Lithium-ion single cell <= 100 Wh; lithium metal - 2 g. UN38.3 test compliance required.
Device + Spare Battery
Device and spare battery shipped together: each spare lithium-ion battery <= 100 Wh, maximum two per person. Same charge <= 30% requirement applies.
Reference Battery Capacities for Common Devices
| Device Type | Typical Battery Capacity | Exceeds 100 Wh Limit? | Shipping Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smartphone | 10-15 Wh (3000-5000 mAh @ 3.7 V) | No | Sensitive goods channel, charge <= 30% |
| Laptop (thin & light) | 40-72 Wh | No | Sensitive goods channel, charge <= 30% |
| Laptop (high-performance) | 80-99 Wh | Approaching limit - verify model | Consult us to confirm specific model |
| Laptop (>100 Wh) | 100 Wh+ | Yes | Section I - specialist freight application required |
| Bluetooth Earphones / Smartwatch | 0.5-5 Wh | No | Sensitive goods channel, charge <= 30% |
| Power Bank (any capacity) | Any | Yes | Completely prohibited - no exceptions |
USA / UK / Canada: Country-Specific Restrictions
In addition to the global IATA air cargo rules, each destination country has its own domestic legislation and customs policies. The most important country-specific restrictions are highlighted below.
USA - Key Points
- De minimis exemption removed: From 2 May 2025, packages from China no longer qualify for the $800 duty-free threshold. All goods are subject to full import duties. We strongly recommend using a DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) service.
- Meat ban: USDA strictly prohibits imports of Chinese meat and any food containing meat, including cured meat, jerky, and any food with pork/beef/lamb content.
- FDA restrictions: TCM containing ephedrine and e-cigarettes without FDA approval are restricted.
- CITES: Products containing endangered species (musk, bear bile, etc.) are strictly banned.
UK - Key Points
- Weapons: Flick knives, gravity knives, butterfly knives, CS gas and pepper spray - UK law explicitly prohibits import. Criminal liability applies.
- Strict counterfeit enforcement: The UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) actively pursues counterfeit goods; customs seizure rates are high.
- Animal & plant products: Post-Brexit, the UK has its own independent inspection regime (APHA standards). Some items acceptable in the EU are not accepted in the UK.
- VAT compliance: Goods under GBP 35 require UK VAT registration to import. DDP routes handle this automatically.
Canada - Key Points
- Lithium battery exports: Canada Post rules restrict lithium batteries to domestic Canada and Canada-US shipments. Inbound from China via a compliant channel is permitted.
- Cannabis: Legal domestically in Canada but postal shipment remains strictly controlled. Prohibited via consolidation channels.
- Tobacco / Cigars: Personal-quantity imports are restricted; commercial quantities require full declaration and duty payment.
- CFIA quarantine: Plants, seeds, soil and unprocessed timber are subject to strict inspection by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are power banks really prohibited everywhere - what about sea freight?
Sea freight is equally off the table for standalone power banks. The IATA prohibition on lithium batteries applies to all modes of transport that include an air segment, and all JunFeng routes include an international air leg. There is therefore no channel at JunFeng that will accept power banks. The only legal route is via an industrial/commercial specialist dangerous goods declaration (which requires complete DG compliance documentation) - this is beyond the scope of personal consolidation and should be handled by a specialist freight forwarder.
Q: Can I hide a power bank inside a suitcase or luggage?
No. Power banks are IATA dangerous goods and are strictly prohibited regardless of how they are concealed - whether shipped individually, placed inside a suitcase, or hidden within any checked package. If discovered, the entire consignment may be intercepted or returned to sender, potentially delaying or preventing delivery of everything else in the shipment.
Q: My phone is brand new - do I really need to discharge it to 30% before shipping?
Yes. Under the mandatory 2026 IATA DGR 67th Edition, devices containing built-in lithium-ion batteries (UN3481 PI966) must have their State of Charge (SoC) reduced to below 30% before air cargo shipment. Brand-new phones typically leave the factory at 50-0% charge. Simply turn the device on and use it, or let it run down below 30% before packing. This has been a legal requirement since 1 January 2026. Non-compliance may result in the airline refusing to accept the shipment.
Q: Can I ship a no-logo / unbranded replica bag?
Not recommended. Even without visible branding, customs authorities can identify replica goods from style, construction, declared value versus apparent value, and other indicators. US CBP and UK HMRC in particular have specialist identification procedures. If deemed counterfeit, goods will be destroyed, shipping fees will not be refunded, and the recipient address may face increased scrutiny on future shipments.
Q: Can beef jerky / pork floss be shipped to the UK or Canada?
The UK and Canada both impose strict requirements on cooked meat imports, including animal health certificates and export permits. In practice, small quantities of vacuum-sealed cooked meat sometimes clear Canadian customs, but there is a real risk of seizure. Shipping to the USA is an outright ban - no food containing meat. If you want to ship these products, contact our customer service team first to confirm current channel feasibility and avoid losses.
Q: What happens if a prohibited item is discovered?
Consequences depend on the item type and destination country: - Dangerous goods (batteries/liquids): typically the entire shipment is returned to sender at the shipper's expense; - Counterfeit goods (replicas): goods destroyed, fines may be added; - Illegal goods (drugs/weapons): goods seized, criminal investigation triggered, traceable back to the sender; - Food/plant quarantine items: destroyed, costs may be borne by the recipient. Declaring your goods accurately and honestly is the best way to protect yourself.
