SHIPPING RULES
Prohibited & Restricted Items.
Certain items can't be exported from the U.S. or imported to your destination, or need reduced quantities, special documentation, or extra fees. This overview isn't exhaustive — rules change — but it's your starting point. You're ultimately responsible for making sure your purchases comply with government and carrier restrictions.
What Are Prohibited Items?
Items that cannot be received, stored, shipped, imported, or exported due to regulatory, hazard, safety, or other reasons. These items are forbidden from export or import regardless of origin or destination.
What Are Restricted Items?
Items with regulatory, hazard, safety, or other considerations that may need special permits or licenses prior to sale, export, or import. We're unable to ship items that aren't approved for restricted handling.
Prohibited items.
These items cannot be received, stored, or shipped under any circumstances.
Flammable Items
Gasoline, paint, oil, and other flammable materials.
Firearms & ITAR Items
Firearms, parts and accessories, ammunition, scopes, military weapons and accessories, night-vision goggles, and other items controlled under ITAR.
Drugs
Prescription medication and illegal drugs of any form.
Pressurized & Aerosol Products
Hairspray, spray paint cans, and other pressurized/aerosol products.
Agriculture & Produce
Living or dead plants and animals, fur, fruit, and similar agricultural items.
Obscene Items
Pornographic magazines, DVDs, adult toys, and similar items.
Hazardous & Corrosive Substances
Chemicals, industrial chemicals, and other hazardous or corrosive materials.
Monetary Items
Coins, gemstones, cash, and precious metals.
Lithium-Ion Batteries — Special Rules
Whether a lithium-ion battery can ship depends on three things: the battery type (below), the destination country's regulations, and the carrier's own rules.
Lithium-Ion Batteries — Special Rules
e.g. phone batteries, camera batteries sold on their own. IATA, FAA, and TSA rules prohibit shipping lithium-ion batteries that aren't attached to a device.
Batteries packed with equipment — permitted, with shipping restrictions.
e.g. a phone shipped together with its battery. Requires rigid outer packaging to protect against damage or compression.
Batteries installed in equipment — permitted, with shipping restrictions.
e.g. a phone with its battery already installed.
Restricted items.
These items can often be shipped, but may need extra documentation, special packaging, or are subject to quantity limits. Contact us if you're unsure.
Batteries & Electronics
Lithium batteries and battery-powered devices may need special packaging.
Sharp Objects
Knives, blades, and similar tools may require declaration or special handling.
Food & Supplements
Some food, supplements, and cosmetics have quantity limits or need labeling.
High-Value Electronics
High-value items may need extra insurance or documentation for customs.
Liquids & Perfumes
Perfumes and liquid cosmetics may be restricted by volume or shipping method.
Documents & IDs
Official documents and identification may require additional verification.
Not sure about an item? Ask us before you ship or place an assisted purchase order — it's faster than having a package held at our warehouse.
Cross Border Global prohibited & restricted items.
Our carrier network follows these more detailed global lists in addition to the categories above.
Any item valued over US $20,000 without prior approval
Irreplaceable items such as artwork valued over $500,000 each
Flammables with a flash point below 140°F
Auto parts containing fluid
Fine art
Fine jewelry
Fur
Pornographic / obscene material
Precious metals — gold, silver, platinum, bullion, coins, ingots
Watches valued over $1,000
Weapons and weapon accessories
Cash, banknotes, coins, or any form of currency, bullion, or money instruments
Stamps (postage or revenue), vouchers, tokens, tickets of any kind, credit/debit/cash cards
Time-sensitive or critical documents, including bids and contract proposals
Contraband, including illegal drugs and counterfeit goods
Livestock, blood stock, and live animals
Human remains
Class 1.1–1.6 explosives (mining explosives, rocket warheads, flares, fireworks, blasting agents)
Division 2.3 toxic gases
Division 6.2 infectious substances
Class 7 radioactive material, including fissile material
Class 3 flammable liquids
Division 1.4 explosives (airbags, small-arms ammunition, model rocket motors)
Division 2.2 non-flammable, non-toxic gases
Division 4.1 flammable solids
Items subject to ITAR or import license requirements
Artwork, archaeological relics, antiquities
Biological or pathological agents, and vectors of human disease
Class 8 corrosives
Class 9 miscellaneous (self-inflating life rafts, lithium batteries, dry ice)
Division 2.1 flammable gases
Division 4.2 spontaneously combustible solids
Division 4.3 dangerous-when-wet solids
Division 5.1 oxidizers
Division 5.2 organic peroxides
Division 6.1 toxic substances (solid or liquid)
Flowers
Fresh food
Gems, cut or uncut
Hazardous materials and radioactive substances
Household goods and personal effects
Lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries
Medical devices — receiving warehouse must meet state licensing requirements
Microchips, computer chips, microprocessors, CPUs, and mobile phones
Other one-of-a-kind items valued $250,000–$500,000, or any single item over $250,000
Perishable food
Pharmaceuticals
Precious metals — scrap, dust, sulfides, residues, industrial preparations, jewelry
Project cargo
Tobacco products
Government / defense-contract goods requiring specific licensing before movement
Common questions.
What happens if I ship a prohibited item?
We may refuse, hold, or dispose of prohibited items at our discretion, at your cost. We'll always try to contact you first if a package raises a concern.
Can you make exceptions for restricted items?
Sometimes, with extra documentation or packaging. Contact us with the item details before you ship so we can confirm what's possible.
Does this list cover customs restrictions in Japan?
This list covers our own shipping restrictions. Japan Customs may apply separate rules and duties — check with Japan Customs for anything you're unsure about.
Can I ask before I buy?
Yes — if you're not sure whether an item can be shipped, message us before purchasing or requesting an assisted purchase.