A guide to what our personal customers can and cannot send in the mail

If you're a business customer, please visit royalmail.com/prohibitedgoods/business for information on what you can and cannot send in the mail.

Are you posting safely?

To comply with national and international regulations governing the carriage of mail, and ensure that mail in transport does not present a danger to the general public, we restrict or prohibit certain items from our network.

We want to ensure the mail is safe for everyone. Many everyday items, such as aerosols, nail varnish and perfumes are considered dangerous goods under transport legislation. You are responsible for checking whether or not an item is prohibited or restricted.

If you're sending your item at the Post Office®, you may be asked at the counter what the contents of your parcel are to make sure the items are safe to post.

For a brief overview download our prohibitions and restrictions leaflet.

If you're posting items overseas other postal administrations may have different prohibitions, see our Country Guides.

In addition, a number of countries and international organisations, including the United Kingdom and the European Union, impose certain restrictions, also known as sanctions, on what you can send to certain individuals, organisations or countries.

If you send prohibited goods or restricted goods (and you do not comply with the relevant terms and conditions), we may deal with your items as we see fit, including but not limited to, disposing of the parcels concerned (in whole or in part). Please note consequential loss cover is not available when posting any restricted items.

The comprehensive A-Z list below gives you detailed information about the things you cannot post with us, or where restrictions are in place and covers all our UK mail and International mail services.

If you are not sure about the item you wish to post, please call Customer Services on 03457 740 740. Textphone users should call 0345 600 0606.

Products bearing consumer warning symbols ARE dangerous goods and are prohibited unless specifically permitted below.



Note 1: A product bearing only the corrosive marking (depicted bottom right above) is NOT classified as dangerous goods if the signal word and hazard statement ‘Danger - causes serious eye damage’ applies.

Note 2: Environmentally hazardous substances are prohibited for items which exceed 5 litres/5kg.

Please be aware there are changes due soon to the Offensive Weapons Act. To find out more please visit legislation.gov.uk and gov.uk/search/news-and-communications and search for the Offensive Weapons Act.

Aerosols

Aerosols for toiletry or medicinal purposes (including deodorants, body sprays, hair sprays, shaving and hair removal creams and medicinal aerosols for prevention or cure such as flea sprays). - for Asthma inhalers see Prescription medicines International - Not allowed in the mail

UK - Allowed in the mail, see restrictions and packaging guidelines below:

Valves must be protected by a cap or other suitable means to prevent inadvertent release of the contents during transport. Volume per item must not exceed 500ml. No more than two items in any one parcel. Aerosols must be tightly packed in strong outer packaging and must be secured or cushioned to prevent any damage. An ID8000 label must be applied (see an example of an ID8000 label). The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging. These items must be presented at a Post Office® counter.

Aerosols for any other purpose (including spray paints, lacquers, solvents, air fresheners, oven cleaners, etc) International - Not allowed in the mail

UK - Not allowed in the mail

Alcohol

Alcoholic beverages and liquids containing more than 70% alcohol by volume (ABV) International - Not allowed in the mail

UK - Not allowed in the mail Alcoholic beverages and liquids containing more than 24% but not more than 70% alcohol by volume (ABV) (e.g. gin, rum, vodka, whisky) International - Not allowed in the mail

UK - Allowed in the mail, with restrictions and packaging guidelines below:

Volume must not exceed 1 litre per item. No more than two items in any one parcel. Wrap in polythene and seal with tape. Surround with absorbent material and cushioning to prevent breakage. Mark as 'FRAGILE' when sending glass bottles. The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging. These items must be presented at a Post Office® counter.

Additional general advice: Place in a suitable rigid outer container. Alcoholic beverages and liquids containing less than 24% alcohol by volume (ABV) (including beer, lager, wine and champagne) UK & International - Allowed in the mail, with restrictions and packaging guidelines below:

Volume should not exceed 1 litre per item. No more than two items in any one parcel. Wrap in polythene and seal with tape. Surround with absorbent material such as newspaper and sufficient cushioning material to protect each item from breakage. Mark as 'FRAGILE' when sending glass bottles. The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.

Additional general advice: Place in a suitable rigid outer container.

Ammunition (excluding lead pellets and other airgun and airsoft projectiles)

International - Not allowed in the mail

UK - Not allowed in the mail

Asbestos

International - Not allowed in the mail

UK - Not allowed in the mail (e xcept when sent as a sample fixed in a resin, plastic or glass matrix)

Balance Boards (including Hoverboards, electric scooters, electric bicycles and all battery powered vehicles and equipment (UN3171))

International destinations - Not allowed in the mail

UK destinations - Not allowed in the mail

Balloons filled with non-flammable gases

International - Not allowed in the mail

UK - Allowed in the mail, with restrictions and packaging guidelines below:

Must be clearly marked on the outer packaging with the words' BALLOONS FILLED WITH NON-FLAMMABLE GAS'.

Additional general advice: Ensure adequate cushioning material and place in a suitable rigid outer container.

Batteries including those sent with/without or connected to an electronic device

Batteries not connected to, not installed or not posted with the equipment / device it is intended to power >> Batteries that are classified as dangerous goods by the latest edition of the Technical Instructions for Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air published by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) including wet spillable lead acid/ lead alkaline batteries (such as car batteries), lithium batteries when not sent with or contained in equipment, used alkaline metal, nickel metal hydride (NiMH), nickel cadmium (NiCd) and zinc-air batteries, and damaged batteries of any type. Please note this includes power banks. International - Not allowed in the mail

UK - Not allowed in the mail Alkaline metal, nickel metal hydride (NiMH), nickel cadmium (NiCd), zinc-air and zinc chloride batteries sent without equipment / devices >>

(Including D, C, 9V, AA, AAA and AAAA alkaline batteries) International & UK destinations - Allowed in the mail, with restrictions and packaging guidelines below: Must be new and sent unopened in their original retail packaging, surrounded with cushioning material e.g. bubble wrap

The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging. Batteries - new wet, non-spillable >>

(for example sealed lead acid batteries, absorbed glass mat and gel cell batteries) International - Not allowed in the mail

UK - Allowed in the mail, with restrictions and packaging guidelines below: Batteries must comply with Special Provision 238 of the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, Model Regulations (please check with the manufacturer or distributor). Maximum weight 1.5kg. No more than one battery in any one parcel Item must be protected against short circuit (by insulation of exposed terminals) and securely packaged. Package must be marked. "NOT RESTRICTED" and "SPA67 / SP238". The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.

Lithium ion / polymer batteries or cells - sent with equipment / devices >>

(for example rechargeable batteries / cells found in portable electronics such as laptops, mobile phones, iPads, camcorders, cordless power tools etc. Includes mains powered battery chargers but excludes battery packs) International - Not allowed in the mail

UK - Allowed in the mail, with restrictions and packaging guidelines below: Damaged or recalled batteries or cells are not allowed. The number of batteries or cells allowed in each package must not exceed the appropriate number to power the equipment plus 2 spares. The maximum net quantity of cells or batteries is 5kg per package. Note: this relates to batteries only and excludes the weight of the equipment / device Watt-hour rating must not exceed 20Wh per cell or 100Wh per battery. Each cell and battery must be of a type proven to meet the requirements of each test in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, section 38.3. Batteries are subject to these tests irrespective of whether the cells of which they are composed have been so tested. Cells and batteries must be manufactured under a quality management programme as specified in the ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air. Any person preparing or offering cells or batteries with or in equipment for transport must receive adequate instruction on the requirements commensurate with their responsibilities. The consignment must be accompanied with a document with an indication that the package contains lithium ion cells or batteries; that the package must be handled with care and that a flammability hazard exists if the package is damaged; that special procedures must be followed in the event the package is damaged, to include inspection and repacking if necessary; and also a telephone number for additional information. Cells and batteries must be packed in inner packaging’s that completely enclose the cell or battery. Cells and batteries must be protected against short circuit, including protection against contact with conductive materials within the same packaging that could lead to a short circuit. The equipment sent with cells or batteries must be packed in strong rigid packaging and must be secured against movement within the outer packaging and packed to prevent accidental activation. Lithium Battery Mark must be applied. The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.

Lithium ion / polymer batteries - contained in / connected to equipment / devices >>

(for example rechargeable batteries/cells found in portable electronics such as laptops, mobile phones, iPads, camcorders, cordless power tools etc.) International & UK destinations - Allowed in the mail, with restrictions and packaging guidelines below: Damaged or recalled batteries or cells are not allowed.

Each package must contain no more than four cells or two batteries installed in or connected to equipment/devices.

The maximum net quantity of cells or batteries is 5kg per package.

Watt-hour rating must not exceed 20Wh per cell or 100Wh per battery.

Each cell and battery must be of a type proven to meet the requirements of each test in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, section 38.3.

Batteries are subject to these tests irrespective of whether the cells of which they are composed have been so tested.

Cells and batteries must be manufactured under a quality management programme as specified in the ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air.

Any person preparing or offering cells or batteries with or in equipment for transport must receive adequate instruction on the requirements commensurate with their responsibilities.

Cells and batteries must be protected against short circuit.

The equipment containing cells or batteries must be packed in strong rigid packaging and must be secured against movement within the outer packaging and packed to prevent accidental activation.

The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging. Lithium metal / alloy batteries or cells - sent with equipment / devices >>

(for example non-rechargeable batteries commonly used in electronic equipment/devices such as cameras, smoke detectors etc.) International - Not allowed in the mail

UK - Allowed in the mail, with restrictions and packaging guidelines below: Damaged or recalled batteries or cells are not allowed. The number of batteries or cells allowed in each package must not exceed the appropriate number to power the equipment plus 2 spares. The maximum net quantity of cells or batteries is 5kg per package. The lithium content must not be more than 1g per cell or 2g per battery. Each cell and battery must be of a type proven to meet the requirements of each test in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, section 38.3. Batteries are subject to these tests irrespective of whether the cells of which they are composed have been so tested. Cells and batteries must be manufactured under a quality management programme as specified in the ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air. Any person preparing or offering cells or batteries with or in equipment for transport must receive adequate instruction on the requirements commensurate with their responsibilities. The consignment must be accompanied with a document with an indication that the package contains lithium ion cells or batteries; that the package must be handled with care and that a flammability hazard exists if the package is damaged; that special procedures must be followed in the event the package is damaged, to include inspection and repacking if necessary; and also a telephone number for additional information. Cells and batteries must be packed in inner packaging’s that completely enclose the cell or battery. Cells and batteries must be protected against short circuit, including protection against contact with conductive materials within the same packaging that could lead to a short circuit. The equipment sent with cells or batteries must be packed in strong rigid packaging and must be secured against movement within the outer packaging and packed to prevent accidental activation. Lithium Battery Mark must be applied. The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.

Lithium metal / alloy batteries or cells - contained in / connected to equipment / devices >>

(for example non-rechargeable batteries commonly used in electronic equipment/devices such as cameras, smoke detectors etc.) International & UK destinations - Allowed in the mail, with restrictions and packaging guidelines below: Damaged or recalled batteries or cells are not allowed.

Each package must contain no more than four cells or two batteries installed in or connected to equipment/devices.

The maximum net quantity of cells or batteries is 5kg per package.

The lithium content must not be more than 1g per cell or 2g per battery.

Each cell and battery must be of a type proven to meet the requirements of each test in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, section 38.3.

Batteries are subject to these tests irrespective of whether the cells of which they are composed have been so tested.

Cells and batteries must be manufactured under a quality management programme as specified in the ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air.

Any person preparing or offering cells or batteries with or in equipment for transport must receive adequate instruction on the requirements commensurate with their responsibilities.

Cells and batteries must be protected against short circuit.

The equipment containing cells or batteries must be packed in strong rigid packaging and must be secured against movement within the outer packaging and packed to prevent accidental activation.

The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.

Biological substances (Category B) (diagnostic specimens including urine, faeces, livestock and equine semen collection and animal remains)

UN3373 Biological Substances Category B as detailed in the latest edition of the Technical Instructions for Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air published by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) International - Not allowed in the mail

UK - Allowed in the mail, with restrictions and packaging guidelines below:

May only be sent by, or at the specific request of, a qualified medical practitioner, registered dental practitioner, veterinary surgeon, registered nurse or a recognised laboratory or institution. The total sample volume/mass in any parcel must not exceed 50ml/50g. All biological substances must be posted in packaging that complies with Packaging Instruction 650. The packaging must consist of three components:

(a) a primary receptacle(s);

(b) a secondary packaging; and

(c) a rigid outer packaging The sender’s name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging. Please note all variants of Business Response are Freepost are excluded



Christmas crackers - see Explosives for cracker snaps when not part of a made-up cracker

International & UK destinations - Allowed in the mail, with restrictions and packaging guidelines below: Can only be sent in their made-up form and in their original retail packaging.

Clinical and medical waste (e.g. contaminated dressings, bandages and needles)

International - Not allowed in the mail

UK - Not allowed in the mail

Controlled drugs and narcotics (such as cannabis, cocaine, heroin, LSD, opium and amyl nitrate)

International - Not allowed in the mail

UK - Not allowed in the mail

Corrosives (including aluminium chloride, caustic soda, corrosive cleaning fluid, dyes, acids, corrosive paint and rust removers, mercury and gallium metal)

International - Not allowed in the mail

UK - Not allowed in the mail Note: certain hair dyes and associated products may be accepted provided they are not classed as dangerous goods.

Counterfeit currency, bank notes and postage stamps (except copies of old denominations, which are now obsolete and worthless except for collectable value and cannot be passed as tender)

Including any false instrument, or copy of a false instrument (within the meaning of section 5 of the Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981) International - Not allowed in the mail

UK - Not allowed in the mail

DNA samples (limited to saliva swabs and samples)

UK & International destinations - Allowed in the mail, with restrictions and packaging guidelines below:

Follow instructions on sample preparation and packing. Can only be returned in supplier provided packaging



Dry ice and liquid Nitrogen (For example Dry ice and liquid Nitrogen UN1845 when used as a coolant for UN3373 or for other perishable items.)

International - Not allowed in the mail

UK - Not allowed in the mail

Electronic cigarettes

UK & International destinations - Allowed in the mail, with restrictions and packaging guidelines below:

Each package must contain no more than two assembled e-cigarettes and should be securely packed to prevent movement in the outer packaging.



Electronic devices sent with or containing batteries (including mobile phones, digital cameras, etc) see Batteries

Environmentally hazardous substances

International - Not allowed in the mail

UK - Allowed in the mail, see restrictions and packaging guidelines below:

Samples must not exceed 5litres/5kgs. Pack in a leak proof or sift proof inner and protect by cushioning material in rigid outer packaging.



Environmental waste (including used batteries and used engine oil)

International - Not allowed in the mail

UK - Not allowed in the mail

Explosives (including fireworks, flares, blasting caps, party poppers, Cracker snaps)

Any chemical compound, mixture or device capable of producing an explosive or pyrotechnic effect with substantial instantaneous release of heat and gas is prohibited e.g. ammunition, blasting caps, Christmas cracker snaps, fireworks, flares, fuses, igniters, nitro-glycerine and party poppers. International - Not allowed in the mail

UK - Not allowed in the mail

Items that appear to be prohibited explosive ordnance may be subject to additional checks and delays.

Flammable liquids (including petroleum, lighter fluid, certain adhesives, solvent-based paints, wood varnish, enamels, acetone and all nail varnish removers also see; Alcoholic beverages, Perfumes and aftershaves and Nail varnish)

This includes mixtures of liquids or liquids containing solids in solution or suspension which give off a flammable vapour. Any liquid with a closed cup flash point below 60.5° C is prohibited e.g. acetone, benzene, cleaning compounds, gasoline, lighter fuel, paint thinners and removers, petroleum and solvents, certain alcoholic beverages, perfumes and aftershaves, varnishes and enamels including nail varnish. International - Not allowed in the mail

UK - Not allowed in the mail

Flammable solids (including magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, sodium, zinc powder, sparklers and fire lighters)

Solid materials which are liable to cause fire by friction, absorption of water, spontaneous chemical changes or retained heat from manufacturing or processing, or which can be readily ignited and burn vigorously e.g. adhesives, calcium carbide, cellulose nitrate products, fire lighters, matches, metallic magnesium, nitro-cellulose based film, phosphorous, potassium, sodium, sodium hydride, sparklers, zinc powder, zirconium hydride. International - Not allowed in the mail

UK - Not allowed in the mail

Frozen water (including packs of ice)

International - Not allowed in the mail

UK - Not allowed in the mail

Gases, including flammable, non-flammable, toxic and compressed gases (including new, used and empty gas cylinders, ethane, butane, refills for lighters, fire extinguishers and scuba tanks, life jackets, nitrogen dioxide and carbon dioxide canisters including culinary foaming devices & soda stream)

All flammable compressed gases are prohibited* e.g. blowlamps; butane; lighters and refills containing flammable liquid or gas; ethane; gas cylinders for camping stoves; hydrogen; methane and propane. All toxic compressed gases are prohibited* e.g. chlorine; fluorine etc. All non-flammable compressed gases are prohibited* e.g. air bags; scuba tanks, carbon dioxide; fire extinguishers; neon and nitrogen. Empty cylinders that are sealed so that residual gas under pressure are prohibited, only those cylinders which are open to the atmosphere for inspection are permitted *includes new, used and empty gas cylinders International - Not allowed in the mail

UK - Not allowed in the mail

Goods made in foreign prisons (except those imported for a non-commercial purpose, of a kind not manufactured in the UK, or those in transit)

International - Not allowed in the mail

UK - Not allowed in the mail

Guns for sporting use

International - Allowed in the mail, see restrictions and packaging guidelines below:

Guns intended for sporting purposes - including Section 1 and Section 2 firearms, low-powered air guns and their component parts - may be sent in compliance with UK law and subject to applicable export controls on the shipment of firearms. Items that appear to be prohibited weapons may be subject to additional checks and delays. Guns must not be loaded. Air weapons with an integral gas cylinder that are de-pressurised can only be accepted. Air weapons with gas cylinders that are pressurised are prohibited Air weapons with a pressurised removable gas cylinder which is still attached are prohibited Sender's name and address must be visible on the parcel. Must be packed in rigid outer packaging suitable for the gun size and weight, for example a fibreboard box, with sufficient inner packaging to prevent movement during transport.

UK - Allowed in the mail, see restrictions and packaging guidelines below:

Guns intended for sporting purposes - including Section 1 (e.g. hunting rifles) and Section 2 (e.g. shotguns) firearms, low-powered air weapons and their component parts - may be sent in compliance with UK law and subject to domestic controls on the possession of firearms. Antiques, deactivated and imitation firearms are also permitted. When sending deactivated firearms include proof of deactivation. Items that appear to be prohibited weapons may be subject to additional checks and delays. Use 1st Class as the minimum service.The senders name and address must be clear on the packaging. Low-powered air weapons which exceed the Royal Mail size restrictions are accepted by Parcelforce Worldwide, using express48 via the Post Office. Guns must not be loaded. Air weapons with an integral gas cylinder that are de-pressurised can only be accepted. Air weapons with gas cylinders that are pressurised are prohibited Air weapons with a pressurised removable gas cylinder which is still attached are prohibited Must be packed in rigid outer packaging suitable for the gun size and weight, for example a fibreboard box, with sufficient inner packaging to prevent movement during transport.



Human or animal ashes

UK & International - Allowed in the mail, see restrictions and packaging guidelines below:

Volume per item must not exceed 50g. Ashes must be placed in a sift-proof container and securely closed. Items must be tightly packed in strong outer packaging and must be secured or cushioned to prevent any damage. The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.



Infectious substances and pathogens (UN2814 or UN2900)

Category A Infectious Substances are prohibited e.g. Ebola, Anthrax, Foot and Mouth disease as detailed in the latest edition of the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) Technical Instructions. For more information please see the IATA Guidance Document on Infectious Substances. International - Not allowed in the mail

UK - Not allowed in the mail

Lighters and refills containing flammable liquid or gas (including used butane, petrol cigar and cigarette lighters)

International - Not allowed in the mail

UK - Not allowed in the mail

Lighters - empty, new or unused

UK & International - Allowed in the mail, see restrictions and packaging guidelines below:

Must be unopened and in their original retail packaging. The sender’s name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.

Lighters considered to contain residual fuel may be disposed of.

Liquids not classified as dangerous goods

Liquids over 1 litre International - Not allowed in the mail

UK - Allowed in the mail, see restrictions and packaging guidelines below:

Items must be securely closed and placed in a leak-proof inner liner, such as a sealed polythene bag and in a leak-proof outer. Mark as "FRAGILE" when sending glass bottles. Customers posting via Parcelforce Worldwide, maximum 5 litres per box per container, must be sent using express48.

Liquids under 1 litre UK & International - Allowed in the mail, see restrictions and packaging guidelines below:

Items must be securely closed and placed in a leak-proof inner liner, such as a sealed polythene bag and in a leak-proof outer. Mark as "FRAGILE" when sending glass bottles.



Live creatures, insects and invertebrates

(Including bees, caterpillars, cockroaches, crickets, destroyers of noxious pests, earthworms, leeches and other parasites, lugworms, maggots, mealworms, pupae and chrysalides, rag worms, silkworms, spiders and stick insects.) UK & International - Allowed in the mail, see restrictions and packaging guidelines below:

Live animals and reptiles are prohibited, as are any creatures or insects classified as dangerous within the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 (including certain venomous spiders). Must be boxed and packaged to protect the creatures, our staff and our customers from harm. Use 1st Class as the minimum service. Items must be clearly marked "URGENT - LIVING CREATURES - HANDLE WITH CARE". The sender's name and address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging. Dead insects, sent as collectables, are allowed.



Lottery tickets

International destinations - Not allowed in the mail

UK destinations - Allowed in the mail, see restrictions and packaging guidelines below:

Foreign lottery tickets are prohibited UK lottery tickets are allowed in the domestic post.



Magnetised material

Magnetised material with a field strength of 0.418A/metre or more at a distance of 4.6 metres from the outside of the package International - Not allowed in the mail

UK - Not allowed in the mail Magnetised material with a field strength of less than 0.418A/metre at a distance of 4.6 metres from the outside of the package UK & International - Allowed in the mail, see packaging guidelines below:

Should be wrapped in soft packaging at least 2cm thick around each item. The sender's name and address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.

Additional general advice:

Send individually as magnets can damage other items they travel with, i.e. discs, tapes, etc.

Outer packaging - use a strong corrugated board box or purpose designed polystyrene pack.

Matches (including safety matches and windproof matches)

International - Not allowed in the mail

UK - Not allowed in the mail

Nail varnish, polish or gel (solvent and water-based)

International - Not allowed in the mail

UK - Allowed in the mail, see restrictions and packaging guidelines below:

Volume per item must not exceed 30ml. No more than four items in any one parcel. Bottles of nail varnish must be placed in strong outer packaging and be so packed, secured or cushioned in such a way that they cannot break, be punctured or leak their contents into the outer packaging. An ID8000 label must be applied (see example ID8000 label). The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging. These items must be presented at a Post Office® counter.



Obscene publications and unlawful indecent images

Including obscene or extreme pornography as detailed in Part 5 of the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 and indecent photographs or pseudo-photographs of a child as detailed in section 160 and 161 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 International - Not allowed in the mail

UK - Not allowed in the mail

Oxidising materials or organic peroxides (including disinfectants, nitrates and hair dyes or colourants containing peroxide)

International - Not allowed in the mail

UK - Not allowed in the mail These are substances such as disinfectants that may cause or contribute to combustion of other substances. They may also be liable to explosive decomposition, react dangerously with other substances and injure health e.g. bromides, chlorates, components of fibreglass repair kits, disinfectants, nitrates, per chlorates, permanganates and peroxides, including hair dyes and colourants containing peroxide. Certain hair dyes and associated products may be accepted provided they are not classed as dangerous goods.

Paints, wood varnishes and enamels

Solvent-based paints, wood varnishes and enamels International - Not allowed in the mail

UK - Not allowed in the mail Water-based paints, wood varnishes and enamels International & UK - Allowed in the mail, see restrictions and packaging guidelines below:

Volume per item should not exceed 150ml. There is no restriction on the number of items than can be sent in each package. The items must be securely closed and placed in a leak-proof liner, such as a sealed polythene bag, so that any inadvertent leakage is contained within the outer packaging. Surround with absorbent material such as newspaper and sufficient cushioning material to protect each item from damage. The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.



(including blood or urine tests to monitor cholesterol levels, blood glucose levels, hormone levels, or prostate specific antibodies (PSA); tests required to monitor organ function such as heart, liver or kidney function for humans or animals with non-infectious diseases, or therapeutic drug monitoring; tests conducted for insurance or employment purposes and are intended to determine the presence of drugs or alcohol; pregnancy tests; biopsies to detect cancer; and antibody detection in humans or animals in the absence of any concern for infection (e.g. evaluation of vaccine induced immunity, diagnosis of autoimmune disease, etc.) May only be sent at the specific request of a medical professional, a recognised laboratory or institution. Clear instructions should be provided to patients on how to take and assemble the packaging for posting. Sample returns should only be made in the sample kits provided. The total sample volume/mass in any parcel must not exceed 250g/250ml and

a) The specimen must be transported in a packaging which will prevent any leakage and which must be marked with the words “Exempt human specimen” or “Exempt animal specimen”, as appropriate;

b) The packaging must consist of three components:

i) a leakproof primary receptacle(s);

ii) a leakproof secondary packaging; and a

iii) an outer packaging of adequate strength for its capacity, mass and intended use, and with at least one surface having minimum dimensions of 100 mm × 100 mm and also be greater than 10mm in thickness. Any leakage from the sample receptacle should be contained within the outer packaging.

c) For liquids, absorbent material in sufficient quantity to absorb the entire contents must be placed between the primary receptacle(s) and the secondary packaging so that, during transport, any release or leak of a liquid substance will not reach the outer packaging and will not compromise the integrity of the cushioning material;

d) When multiple fragile primary receptacles are placed in a single secondary packaging, they must be either individually wrapped or separated to prevent contact between them. International destinations - Not allowed in the mail

UK destinations - Allowed in the mail, with restrictions and packaging guidelines below:

Perfumes and aftershaves (including: Reed diffusers; body sprays; room fragrance sprays (non-Aerosols only); essential oils; eau de parfum and eau de toilette but excluding non-flammable perfumed creams, gels oils or lotions)

International - Not allowed in the mail

UK - Allowed in the mail, see restrictions and packaging guidelines below:

Volume per item must not exceed 150ml. No more than four items in any one parcel. Must be sent in its original retail packaging, placed in strong outer packaging and cushioned to prevent breakage. An ID8000 label must be applied (see example ID8000 label). The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging. These items must be presented at a Post Office® counter.



Perishable items (including flowers, fresh fruit, vegetables and frozen or chilled foodstuffs)

International - Not allowed in the mail

UK - Allowed in the mail, see restrictions and packaging guidelines below:

Use 1st Class as the minimum service. Should be able to withstand a journey of up to 48 hours. (Frozen water and dry ice are prohibited) Must be suitably sealed to prevent leakage or tainting of other items such as in sealed vacuum packs. Must be packed in a strong corrugated board box or purpose designed polystyrene pack. The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging. Packages must be clearly labelled "PERISHABLE".

Additional general advice:

Outer packaging - use a strong corrugated board box or purpose designed polystyrene pack.

When sending flowers, arrange in layers separated by tissue paper and use waterproof wrapping if including damp moss or phials of water.

Pesticides (e.g. weed killer and any chemical used to kill pests and insects including fly sprays)

International - Not allowed in the mail

UK - Not allowed in the mail

Poisons, toxic liquids, solids and gases (including substances that are liable to cause death or injury if swallowed or inhaled or by skin contact, including arsenic, cyanide, fluorine, rat poison)

International - Not allowed in the mail

UK - Not allowed in the mail

Prescription medicines and drugs sent for scientific or medical purposes

Prescription medicines and drugs sent for scientific or medical purposes - non-toxic and non-flammable including asthma inhalers UK & International - Allowed in the mail, see restrictions and packaging guidelines below:

May only be sent by, or at the specific request of, a qualified medical practitioner, registered dental practitioner, veterinary surgeon, registered nurse or a recognised laboratory or institution.

Inner packaging can be blister packs of tablets or capsules of liquid (each pack not to exceed 50ml/50g per tablet/capsule), or small bottles of liquid up to 50ml.

Net quantity in any parcel not to exceed 1litre/1kg. Medicines must be securely closed and placed in a sealed polythene bag (for liquids) or a siftproof container (for solids).

Must be tightly packed in strong outer packaging and cushioned to prevent breakage.

Sender's name and address must be visible on the parcel. Prescription medicines and drugs sent for scientific or medical purposes - toxic, flammable or toxic and flammable International - Not allowed in the mail

UK - Allowed in the mail, see restrictions and packaging guidelines below:

Inner packaging can be blister packs of tablets or capsules of liquid (each pack not to exceed 50ml/50g per tablet/capsule), or small bottles of liquid up to 50ml. Net quantity in any parcel not to exceed 500ml/500g. Medicines must be securely closed and placed in a sealed polythene bag (for liquids) or a siftproof container (for solids). Must be tightly packed in strong outer packaging and cushioned to prevent breakage. Sender's name and address must be visible on the parcel.



Radioactive materials and samples

Radioactive materials and samples that are classified as radioactive using Table 2-12 of the latest edition of the International Civil Aviation Organization's Technical Instructions e.g. fissile material (uranium 235, etc), radioactive waste material, thorium or uranium ores and luminous dials from aircraft. International - Not allowed in the mail

UK - Not allowed in the mail Radioactive material and samples that are not classified as dangerous goods in the latest edition of the Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air published by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) such as samples of granite rock. UK & International - Allowed with restrictions

Surround with cushioning material e.g. bubble wrap. The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.



Sharp objects (including knives, kitchen utensils and gardening tools)

International & UK - Allowed in the mail, see packaging guidelines below:

Sharp objects like knives*, kitchen utensils and gardening tools may only be posted if they are packaged appropriately so that they are no risk to employees, other postal items or recipients.

*Excludes knives that are banned under UK laws - see Weapons Wrap heavy cardboard around sharp edges and points, strong enough to ensure that the contents do not pierce the outer packaging. Wrap each item with cushioning material. Place in a suitable outer container such as a padded envelope. The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.



Tickets and related advertisements for illegal lotteries

International - Not allowed in the mail

UK - Not allowed in the mail

Vaccines

International & UK - Allowed in the mail, see restrictions and packaging guidelines below:

May only be sent by, or at the specific request of, a qualified medical practitioner, registered dental practitioner, veterinary surgeon, registered nurse or a recognised laboratory or institution. The vaccines must be securely closed and placed in a leak-proof liner such as a sealed polythene bag (for liquids) or a sift-proof container (for solids). Must be tightly packed in strong outer packaging and must be secured or cushioned to prevent any damage. The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.



Waste, dirt, filth or refuse (including household waste)

International - Not allowed in the mail

UK - Not allowed in the mail Soil samples sent for analysis are permitted provided they are packaged so that any leaks and spills are contained in the outer packaging

Weapons (including Section 5 firearms, CS gas and pepper sprays, flick knives and other knives that are banned under UK laws, tasers and stun guns)