Understanding UPS Prohibited and Restricted Items

Understanding the UPS prohibited and restricted items guidelines is crucial for smooth and hassle-free shipping. Ignoring these regulations can lead to delays, extra charges, or even your package being refused. In this blog, ShipSaving will break down what you need to know about these guidelines and share tips to help you avoid shipping headaches.

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What Are Prohibited and Restricted Items?

Prohibited items cannot be shipped under any circumstances due to safety, legal, or regulatory reasons. These items pose significant risks or violate laws, making them unsuitable for shipping.

For a more detailed guide on different types of items, including general, dangerous, and prohibited items, be sure to check out our comprehensive shipping guide.

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UPS Prohibited Items

There are certain prohibited items that UPS will not ship due to laws or regulations. Please check UPS’s List of Prohibited and Restricted Items for Shipping for more information. Note that it is the shipper’s responsibility to ensure that any shipment tendered to UPS does not violate any applicable regulation.

Examples of items prohibited by UPS include, but are not limited to the following:

• Vape products within, to or from the U.S
• Shipments prohibited by law
• Bank bills, notes or currency
• Common fireworks
• Hazardous waste or hazardous waste service
• Human remains, fetal remains, human body parts, human embryos or components thereof
• Ivory
• Marijuana, including marijuana intended for medical use and Cannabidoil ("CBD") derived from Marijuana
• Postage stamps
• Shark fins

Also prohibited: 

• Shipments with inherent vice, which by their nature are likely to soil, impair or damage persons, merchandise, or equipment.
• Goods, the carriage of which is prohibited by law in the country of origin, transit, or destination (such as ivory).
• Goods that attract excise duty (e.g., spirits) or require special permits or safety measures.
• Goods moving under ATA Carnet or temporary exports and imports.
• Goods under FCR, FCT, and CAD (Cash Against Document).

Any shipment that is prohibited by applicable law or regulation in the origin or destination country will not be transported by UPS.

UPS reserves the right to refuse or suspend transportation of any package which does not set out contact details for shipper and receiver and of goods.

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Prohibited Item Fees and Penalties

Shipping prohibited items can result in extra charges from UPS. If your package contains items listed as prohibited, UPS may apply fees and refuse, return, or dispose of the package at your expense. You’ll still be responsible for all costs, even if the package isn’t delivered.

To avoid these penalties, always check that your shipment complies with UPS regulations!

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How to Ensure Your Shipments Comply with UPS Regulations?

• Pre-Check: Before shipping, review UPS’s shipping policies to ensure your items are not prohibited or restricted.
• Consult the site: If you’re unsure whether certain items comply with the regulations, be sure to check UPS’s List of Prohibited and Restricted Items for Shipping for more information. 

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Conclusion

Navigating UPS’s shipping rules doesn’t have to be complicated. Understanding what’s prohibited or restricted, properly packaging your items, and double-checking before you ship can help you avoid common issues and keep your shipments on track for smooth delivery every time!

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