What You Cannot Mail Internationally (USPS Prohibited Items 2025)

Sending mail internationally comes with strict rules about what you can and cannot include. Both the United States and destination countries have prohibited and restricted items lists. Violating these rules can result in confiscation, fines, or criminal charges. This guide covers the key USPS international prohibited items, plus common country-specific restrictions to help you understand what you cannot send internationally with USPS.

Universally Prohibited Items (All Countries)

These items are prohibited by USPS for international mail to ALL countries. No exceptions.

Weapons and Explosives

• Firearms (guns, gun parts, gun frames)
• Ammunition and cartridges
• Explosives (dynamite, TNT, gunpowder)
• Fireworks and pyrotechnics
• Flares
• Replica weapons (many countries prohibit)
• Knives and swords (varies by country)

Hazardous Materials

• Flammable liquids (gasoline, lighter fluid, acetone)
• Flammable solids (matches, fire starters)
• Corrosive substances (acids, wet batteries)
• Oxidizers (hydrogen peroxide above 8%, bleach)
• Toxic substances (poison, pesticides)
• Radioactive materials
• Infectious substances (biohazards, human tissue)
• Compressed gases (aerosol cans, propane)

Illegal Items

• Controlled substances and illegal drugs
• Drug paraphernalia
• Counterfeit currency
• Counterfeit goods (fake designer items)
• Obscene materials (definitions vary by country)
• Items that violate intellectual property rights

Other Universally Prohibited

• Live animals (very limited exceptions for certain insects to certain countries)
• Live plants without phytosanitary certificates
• Endangered species products (ivory, certain animal skins)
• Items prohibited by destination country law

Commonly Restricted Items (Country Dependent)

These items are restricted or prohibited by MANY countries, but rules vary:

Country-Specific Restrictions (Examples)

Each country has unique restrictions beyond the universal prohibitions. These restrictions can also affect USPS international delivery times if items are flagged for inspection. Here are some notable examples:

Australia

• Extremely strict on food and agricultural products
• Honey is prohibited
• All wood products require treatment certification
• Some vitamins and supplements are regulated as medicines

United Kingdom

• Meat products from US are generally prohibited
• Goods valued over £135 require import VAT
• Self-defense sprays (pepper spray) are prohibited

Germany

• Nazi symbols and propaganda are illegal
• Violent video games may be restricted
• Coffee is taxed heavily on import

Japan

• Rice imports are restricted
• Certain medications (pseudoephedrine, codeine) are prohibited
• Pornographic materials have strict regulations

Canada

• Used vehicles require special import permits
• Beef products require specific certifications
• Baby walkers on wheels are prohibited

China

• Printed matter must not contain content deemed subversive
• GPS devices may be restricted
• Used electronics may require special documentation

Food and Agricultural Products

Food items are among the most restricted categories for international mail:

Generally Prohibited (Most Countries)

• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Fresh, dried, or cured meats
• Dairy products (cheese, milk, butter)
• Eggs and egg products
• Seeds and nuts (many countries)
• Live plants and plant cuttings
• Soil or items containing soil
• Honey (prohibited in many countries including Australia)

May Be Allowed (With Restrictions)

• Commercially sealed, shelf-stable food
• Candy and chocolate (not containing meat)
• Baked goods (no meat, limited shelf life)
• Dried herbs and spices (commercially packaged)
• Tea and coffee (commercially packaged)

Electronics with Batteries

Lithium batteries pose fire risks during air transport. USPS has strict rules:

Lithium Battery Rules for International Mail

• Lithium batteries by themselves: Prohibited in international mail
• Batteries installed in devices: Allowed with restrictions
• Watt-hour limits: Maximum 100 Wh for rechargeable batteries
• Spare lithium batteries: Not allowed in international mail. Only lithium batteries installed in devices may be accepted under strict limits.

Devices Usually OK to Mail

• Laptops with battery installed
• Smartphones with battery installed
• Tablets with battery installed
• Small electronics (watches, cameras)

Devices Often Problematic

• Hoverboards (high-capacity batteries)
• Power banks over 100 Wh
• Electric vehicles and large battery devices
• Devices with damaged or swelling batteries

Medications and Pharmaceuticals

Prescription and over-the-counter medications are heavily regulated:

Controlled Substances

• Prohibited: Schedule I-V controlled substances cannot be mailed internationally
• Includes opioids, stimulants, sedatives, and many pain medications
• Even with valid prescription, international mailing is generally prohibited

Prescription Medications

• Rules vary dramatically by destination country
• Many countries prohibit importing prescription drugs entirely
• Some allow small quantities for personal use with documentation
• May require doctor's letter, prescription copy, and limit to 90-day supply
• Medications legal in the US may be illegal elsewhere

Over-the-Counter Medications

• Generally easier but still restricted in many countries
• Pseudoephedrine (cold medicine) is restricted in Japan and other countries
• Supplements may be classified as medicines in some countries
• Always check destination country rules

What Documents ARE Allowed

The good news: Standard documents are generally allowed in international mail:

For details on documenting contents, see our guide: How to Declare Documents on USPS Customs Forms.

Consequences of Mailing Prohibited Items

What happens if you mail something prohibited internationally:

• Confiscation: Customs will seize prohibited items. You will not get them back.
• Destruction: Many prohibited items (food, plants, drugs) are destroyed immediately.
• Return to sender: Some items may be returned at your expense (return shipping can be very costly).
• Fines: Both US and destination countries can impose fines for violations.
• Criminal charges: Serious violations (drugs, weapons, counterfeit goods) can result in criminal prosecution.
• Delays: Even unintentional inclusion of restricted items can delay your entire shipment.
• Refusal of service: Repeat violations can result in loss of mailing privileges.

How to Check Country-Specific Restrictions

Before mailing internationally, check what you cannot send internationally with USPS using these resources:

1. USPS International Mail Manual (IMM)

   The official source for all international mail rules. Access at pe.usps.com. Look up your destination country in the Individual Country Listings section.

2. USPS Price Calculator

   When calculating shipping costs at usps.com, you will see links to country-specific prohibitions and restrictions.

3. Post Office Counter

   Ask a postal clerk about specific items when mailing. They have access to the latest restriction information.

4. Destination Country Customs Website

   For definitive answers about what a country allows, check their official customs agency website.

FAQs

Related Guides

• How to Send First Class Mail International
• How to Send Priority Mail International
• How to Declare Documents on Customs Forms
• Which USPS Customs Form Do You Need?
• How USPS International Tracking Works