Every shipment leaving China is checked against three layers of rules: IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations for air, the IMDG Code for sea, and the import regulations of the destination country. This page explains what is absolutely prohibited, what is accepted under conditions, and what is sensitive by destination – so you can check your product before you book.
1. Absolutely Prohibited – No Channel, No Destination
- Explosives and ammunition – fireworks, firecrackers, detonators, gunpowder
- Flammable liquids and solids – gasoline, diesel, alcohol above 70%, paints, thinners, matches, magnesium powder
- Toxic, corrosive and radioactive substances – cyanides, strong acids and bases, radioactive isotopes
- Weapons and controlled items – firearms, imitation firearms, controlled knives, narcotics and psychotropic drugs
- Counterfeit and pirated goods – any replica, “A-grade” copy or unauthorised branded product. Beyond seizure, Amazon sellers face account-level penalties
- Live animals, plants and seeds without phytosanitary permits
2. Restricted – Accepted Under Conditions
These categories can move, but only with the right documentation, packaging and channel. Most customs holds we see come from this group, not from prohibited goods.
| Category | What is required |
|---|---|
| Lithium batteries and devices with batteries | UN38.3 test report, MSDS, DG declaration, UN-rated packaging. Power banks above 100 Wh are refused by most airlines; pure batteries (UN3480) move only on dedicated battery lines. |
| Liquids, powders and pastes | Non-hazardous appraisal report, sealed leak-proof secondary packaging. Air channels generally limit single containers to 100 ml unless declared as DG. |
| Magnetic items | Must pass magnetometer screening – shielding or degaussing if the field is above threshold. |
| Food, medicines and supplements | Original packaging, ingredient list and destination import permit; meat and egg products are generally banned. |
| Wooden packaging | ISPM-15 heat treatment and stamp for the US, EU and Australia. |
| Aerosols and dry ice | Special declaration; dry ice is limited per package with vented packaging. |
3. Sensitive – Depends on Destination and Channel
- Branded genuine goods – authorisation letter or purchase invoice may be requested
- Wireless and Bluetooth devices – FCC or CE certification for the US and EU
- E-cigarettes and vaping products – accepted only on dedicated compliant lines
- Cosmetics above 100 ml – sea or land only; air is restricted
- Used goods – quarantine or disinfection certificates may apply
Country Notes Worth Knowing
- United States – FDA registration for food and cosmetics; FCC for wireless; strict IP enforcement at customs
- European Union – CE marking, WEEE and packaging obligations, REACH for chemicals
- Middle East – alcohol and pork products restricted in several markets; Arabic labelling often required
- Australia and New Zealand – strict biosecurity: wooden packaging, food and plant material are inspected closely
How We Pre-Check Your Cargo
Send us the product name, material composition and whether it contains batteries, liquid, powder or a brand. We confirm acceptance before you book, tell you which documents are needed, and route the shipment through the matching channel. Declaring cargo attributes honestly is not paperwork – mis-declared dangerous goods are seized at screening and can carry legal liability for the shipper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ship lithium batteries from China?
Yes, with a UN38.3 test report, MSDS and proper DG packaging. Devices with built-in batteries, spare batteries and pure batteries follow different rules – pure batteries move only on dedicated battery lines.
Are liquids and powders allowed?
Non-hazardous liquids and powders are accepted with a non-hazardous appraisal report and sealed packaging. Hazardous ones require full DG documentation and a designated channel.
What happens if I declare my cargo incorrectly?
Security screening will stop the shipment, and the consequences range from return and destruction to fines and legal liability. We screen every booking in advance so this does not happen.
Can you ship branded products?
Genuine branded goods can move with an authorisation letter or purchase invoice. Counterfeit or replica goods are prohibited on every channel.