Learn what items are on the prohibited and dangerous goods lists.

If you buy and sell items internationally, you may be uncertain about what you can and cannot ship through the mail. After all, each country has its own rules and regulations about what can be shipped, how it must be packaged and how it must be labeled. Fortunately, with Ships US’ premium USA package forwarding service, knowing what items are considered “dangerous” in shipping is easier than ever — especially because Ships US can help make sure that your items are properly packaged and labeled.

There are some goods that are fairly obviously “dangerous items.” For example, a gas torch used for welding or for cooking would be considered a dangerous item, and most people would completely understand the rationale for that classification. But did you know that even everyday items, such as nail polish, electronics with batteries and perfumes can be considered dangerous goods? Common dangerous goods include:

• Aerosols

• Ammunition

• Batteries (Lithium & Wet)

• Camping Stoves

• Chemicals

• Drain Cleaners

• Fireworks

• Flammable Gas Torches

• Gasoline Powered Devices

• Lighters

• Matches

• Oil-Based Paint

• Oxygen Generators/Oxidizing Cases

• Parts Containing Gasoline, Jet Fuel or Kerosene

• Perfume

• Propane

• Radioactive Materials

• Solvents

Every day, we use items that are considered “dangerous goods” when shipped. When we use them in our daily lives, they are generally not hazardous in any way, shape or form. But when they are shipped across the country or around the world using a USA package forwarding service, they need to be shipped securely because they can be hazardous.

The good news is that items that are considered “dangerous goods” can still be shipped internationally. They simply require specific packaging and labeling to ensure that everyone who handles these items as they are transported around the world is aware of their classification. This means that these items must be properly identified according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) classifications, and packaged accordingly. Ships US can handle all of these details for you and will ensure that your package is handled properly.

However, there are certain items that cannot be exported from the US or imported into most foreign countries regardless of packaging or labeling (without special documentation or licenses). This includes firearms and weapons, hazardous materials, animals or animal skin products, human body parts, tobacco, coffee, perishable foods, alcohol, gambling devices and lottery tickets, pornography, and prescription medications.

At Ships US, we offer a variety of services to help our customers as they buy and sell items in the United States, including USA package forwarding services. If you are sending or receiving dangerous goods, we can help to ensure that they are packaged and labeled in accordance with the IATA and ICAO. Contact us today at 909-399-0821 or info@shipsus.com to learn more about how we can help you with your international shipping needs.