What Are Sensitive Goods?
Sensitive goods are items that need special carrier acceptance, extra declaration details or a dedicated transport channel. They are different from prohibited items. A prohibited item cannot be sent; a sensitive item may be sent if the route accepts it.
Battery-powered devices
Phones, laptops, tablets, e-readers, Bluetooth earphones, smart watches and power tools with built-in batteries.
Liquids and pastes
Skincare toner, shampoo, lotion, cream, sauces, paste products and other items that may leak.
Packaged food
Sealed snacks, tea, instant noodles, Luosifen, hot pot soup base and similar shelf-stable food.
Cosmetics
Foundation, lipstick, sunscreen, masks, cream, lotion and other beauty products that may contain liquid or powder.
Four Major Categories Explained
1. Battery-powered devices
| Item | Typical route | Important notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile phone | Sensitive line | Built-in lithium battery only. Power off the device and protect the screen and corners. |
| Laptop / tablet | Sensitive line | Original box is preferred. Avoid sending with liquids in the same parcel. |
| Bluetooth earphones / smart watch | Sensitive line | Declare as battery-powered device rather than generic accessories. |
| Loose battery / power bank | Often restricted | Many air routes do not accept loose lithium batteries or power banks. |
2. Liquids and skincare products
| Item | Can it ship? | Packing requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Toner / lotion / serum | Check liquid route | Tape the cap, seal in a bag and cushion separately. |
| Face cream / hand cream | Check route | Keep original retail packaging and protect from crushing. |
| Shampoo / body wash | Check route | Leak prevention is more important than outer carton strength. |
| Perfume / aerosol spray | Usually not accepted | Alcohol, pressure and flammability make many routes reject these items. |
3. Chinese food and snacks
| Food type | Risk level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Packaged snacks | Usually easier | Keep sealed retail packaging and ingredient labels visible. |
| Luosifen (rice noodle soup) | Check route | Liquids, sauces and odor may affect acceptance. |
| Hot pot soup base | Check route | Oil and paste must be sealed well to prevent leakage. |
| Fresh food, meat, seeds | Do not send | Fresh, animal-origin and agricultural items are high customs risk. |
4. Liquid or paste cosmetics
| Product | Route note | Declaration note |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation / cushion compact | Cosmetics line | Declare as makeup or foundation, not generic goods. |
| Lipstick / lip glaze | Cosmetics line | Quantity should match personal-use logic. |
| Sunscreen | Check formula | Some routes treat it as liquid/paste sensitive cargo. |
| Nail polish / remover | Usually restricted | Often flammable and rejected by air carriers. |
Lithium Battery Route Notes Important for 2026
Lithium battery devices are one of the most searched sensitive-goods topics because air carriers have strict acceptance rules. The common parcel route difference is built-in battery versus loose battery.
Loose battery or power bank
Frequently rejected by air routes. Do not mix loose batteries into regular parcels.
Built-in lithium battery
Phones, tablets, laptops and earphones usually need a dedicated sensitive-goods route.
No battery items
Accessories without battery, such as cases and cables, are usually easier to handle.
High-value electronics
Use original packaging when possible and declare the model and item type clearly.
Common device battery reference
| Device | Battery type | Shipping suggestion |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile phone | Built-in lithium battery | Use sensitive-goods line; power off and cushion. |
| Laptop | Built-in lithium battery | Use sensitive-goods line; original box preferred. |
| Wireless earphones | Built-in lithium battery in case | Declare as Bluetooth earphones with battery. |
| Power bank | Standalone lithium battery | Usually not recommended for parcel shipping. |
Declaration Writing Standards
Accurate English names reduce customs questions. Avoid vague names such as "goods", "gift", "sample" or "daily use items".
Battery devices
- Used mobile phone with built-in lithium battery
- Laptop computer with built-in lithium battery
- Bluetooth earphones with charging case
Liquids and skincare
- Facial toner
- Moisturizing cream
- Shampoo for personal use
Food
- Packaged Chinese snacks
- Luosifen rice noodle soup
- Hot pot soup base
Packaging Requirements
Battery-powered devices
- Power off the device before shipping.
- Use original packaging when available, or protect screens and corners with cushioning.
- Do not pack electronics together with liquid products.
Liquids and skincare
- Tape caps and pumps to prevent accidental opening.
- Seal each bottle in a separate bag before outer packing.
- Use cushioning so bottles cannot hit each other inside the carton.
Food
- Keep original sealed retail packaging.
- Do not send leaking, swollen or opened food packages.
- Separate oily sauces or soup bases from dry goods.
US / UK / Canada Destination Notes
United States
- Food and cosmetics should be clearly named.
- High-value electronics should use realistic declared values.
- Do not mix restricted food with ordinary goods.
United Kingdom
- Declaration and value affect VAT handling.
- Liquids and battery devices need route confirmation before shipping.
- Use clear recipient phone and address details.
Canada
- Customs review can be stricter for food and cosmetics.
- Personal-use quantity is easier to explain than commercial quantity.
- Keep item names specific and values realistic.
All destinations
- Route acceptance may change by item and season.
- Ask customer service before sending mixed sensitive goods.
- Good packing is part of compliance, not only damage prevention.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Sensitive goods need a suitable route and correct handling. Banned or prohibited goods cannot be shipped even with special packing.
Usually yes if it has a built-in battery and the selected route accepts battery-powered devices. Loose batteries and power banks are much more restricted.
Many skincare liquids and creams can be shipped through a liquid-sensitive route, but they must be sealed well and declared accurately.
Shelf-stable retail packaged food may be possible, but fresh food, meat, seeds and unpackaged food should not be sent.
Usually no for normal parcel air routes. Alcohol, pressure and flammability create carrier restrictions.
It may be possible, but mixed sensitive goods increase route and packing risk. Separate liquids from electronics and ask customer service before shipping.
