What can I send? This guide is for information only.

For further details and a copy of our terms and conditions please visit www.royalmail.com
Item UK Int. Item UK Int. Item UK Int.
Environmentally hazardous substances
Aerosols for toiletry or medicinal purposes
(Including deodorants, body sprays, hairsprays, shaving   Biological substances (Category B)
(Diagnostic specimens including urine, blood, faeces and   Packaging guidelines: Samples must not exceed 5litres/5kgs. Pack in  
and hair removal creams and medicinal aerosols for animal remains) a leakproof or sift-proof inner and protect by cushioning material in
prevention or cure such as flea sprays) Packaging guidelines: The total sample volume/mass in any parcel rigid outer packaging.
Packaging guidelines: Valves must be protected to prevent must not exceed 50ml/50g. All biological substances must be posted
Environmental waste
inadvertent release of the contents. Volume per item must not exceed
500ml. No more than two items in any one parcel, tightly packed.
in packaging that complies with Packaging Instruction 650.
(Including used batteries and used engine oil)  
Bladed Items
Must be presented at the counter. Sender’s name and address must
(Bladed Articles and Bladed Products as defined by Offensive Weapons   Explosives
be visible on the parcel.
Act 2019) including, but not limited to, any knife (including a folding (Including fireworks, flares, blasting caps, party poppers)  
Aerosols for any other purpose pocket knife), any knife blade, cutlery knife, scissors with sharp edges
(Including spray paints, air fresheners, etc.)   or points and sporting equipment with a blade). Flammable liquids
Royal Mail: cannot be sent via a Post Office counter. Go to (Including petroleum, lighter fluid, certain adhesives,  
Alcoholic beverages containing more than 70% alcohol www.royalmail.com for details on how these items can be sent. solvent-based paints, wood varnish, enamels, acetone and
by volume (ABV)   Parcelforce Worldwide: Prohibited from all Parcelforce Worldwide all nail varnish removers)
services UK and International.
Flammable solids
Alcoholic beverages containing more than 24% but not more
than 70% alcohol by volume (ABV)   Clinical and medical waste
  (Including magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, sodium, zinc  
(E.g. contaminated dressings, bandages and needles) powder and firelighters)
(E.g. gin, rum, vodka, whisky)
Packaging guidelines: Volume must not exceed 1 litre per item. Gases, including flammable, non-flammable, toxic and
No more than two items in any one parcel. Wrap in polythene and
Controlled drugs and narcotics
(Such as cannabis, cocaine, heroin, LSD, opium and amyl nitrate and   compressed gases  
seal with tape. Surround with absorbent material and cushioning to (Including new, used and empty gas cylinders, ethane, butane, refills
all non-prescription controlled drugs)
prevent breakage. Mark as ‘FRAGILE’ when sending glass bottles. for lighters, fire extinguishers and scuba tanks, life jackets, nitrogen
Must be presented at the counter. Sender’s name and address must Corrosives dioxide and carbon dioxide canisters including culinary foaming
be visible on the parcel. (Including dyes, acids, corrosive paint and rust removers, caustic   devices and soda stream)
soda, mercury and gallium metal)
Alcoholic beverages containing 24% alcohol Guns for sporting use
by volume (ABV) or less   Electronic devices sent with lithium batteries Royal Mail: (Section 1 and Section 2 firearms, low-powered air  
(E.g. beer, wine and champagne) (Including mobile phones, digital cameras, etc.) where the battery is   weapons and their component parts) May be sent in compliance
Packaging guidelines: Volume per item must not exceed not connected to the device with UK law and subject to any applicable controls on the possession
1 litre. Wrap in polythene and seal with tape. Surround with absorbent Packaging guidelines: The maximum number of lithium batteries of firearms.
material and cushioning to prevent breakage. allowed in each parcel is the minimum number required to power the Parcelforce Worldwide: Only low-powered air weapons accepted.
Mark as ‘FRAGILE’ when sending glass bottles. device plus two spares. For lithium ion/polymer batteries the Watt- Must be sent using express48 via Post Office.
hour rating must not exceed 20Wh per cell or 100Wh per battery. Packaging guidelines: Sender’s name and address must be visible
Ammunition
(Excluding lead pellets and other airgun and airsoft projectiles)   For lithium metal/alloy batteries the lithium content must not be
more than 1g per cell or 2g per battery. The maximum net quantity
on the parcel.
Human or animal ashes
Batteries that are classified as dangerous goods and certain
of cells or batteries is 5kg per parcel. Each cell and battery must
Accepted on Royal Mail services only. Prohibited by  
used batteries   be of a type proven to meet the requirements of each test in the UN
Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, section 38.3. Cells or batteries Parcelforce Worldwide.
(Including wet spillable lead acid/lead alkaline batteries (such as car that are defective or damaged are forbidden. Cells and batteries must Packaging guidelines: Volume per item must not exceed 50g.
batteries), used alkaline metal, nickel metal hydride (NiMH), nickel be packed in inner packagings that completely enclose the cell or Ashes must be placed in a sift-proof container and securely closed.
cadmium (NiCd), zinc-air batteries, solo lithium batteries, power battery and protect it from short circuit. The equipment sent with cells Items must be tightly packed in strong outer packaging and must be

PROHIBITED AND banks and damaged batteries of any type) or batteries must be packed in strong rigid packaging and must be
secured against movement within the outer packaging and packed
secured or cushioned to prevent any damage. The sender’s name and
return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.

RESTRICTED ITEMS
Batteries, specifically new alkaline metal, nickel metal hydride
(NiMH), nickel cadmium (NiCd), zinc-air and zinc chloride   to prevent accidental activation. Must be presented at the counter.
Sender’s name and address must be visible on the parcel.
Lighters and refills containing flammable liquid or gas
 
Packaging guidelines: Must be new and sent unopened in their (Including used butane, petrol cigar and cigarette lighters)
Electronic devices connected to lithium batteries
A guide to what you can
original retail packaging. Surround with cushioning material e.g.
(Including mobile phones, digital cameras, etc.) where the battery   Liquids over 1 litre
bubble wrap.
Batteries, specifically new and used lithium batteries when not
is connected to the device. (Containing liquids not classified as dangerous goods)  
and cannot send in the mail sent with or connected to an electronic device   Packaging guidelines: Each parcel must contain no more than four
cells or two batteries installed in a device. For lithium ion/polymer
Packaging guidelines: Items must be securely closed and placed
in a leakproof inner liner, such as a sealed polythene bag, and in a
(Including power banks) batteries the Watt-hour rating must not exceed 20Wh per cell or leakproof outer. Mark as “FRAGILE” when sending glass bottles.
Valid from March 2023 Batteries – new wet, non-spillable 100Wh per battery. For lithium metal/alloy batteries the lithium Customers posting via Parcelforce Worldwide, maximum 5 litres per
(E.g. sealed lead acid batteries, absorbed glass mat and   content must not be more than 1g per cell or 2g per battery. The box per container, must be sent using express48.
gel cell batteries). maximum net quantity of cells or batteries is 5kg per parcel. Each
Liquids under 1 litre
Packaging guidelines: No more than one battery in any one parcel.
Maximum weight 1.5kg. Item must be protected against short circuit
cell and battery must be of a type proven to meet the requirements
of each test in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, section (Containing liquids not classified as dangerous goods)  
38.3. Cells or batteries that are defective or damaged are forbidden. Packaging guidelines: Items must be securely closed and placed
(by insulation of exposed terminals) and securely packaged. Package
The equipment containing cells or batteries must be packed in strong in a leakproof inner liner, such as a sealed polythene bag’ and in a
must be marked. “NOT RESTRICTED” and “SPA67 / SP238”.
rigid packaging and must be secured against movement within the leakproof outer. Mark as “FRAGILE” when sending glass bottles.
outer packaging and packed to prevent accidental activation. Must be
presented at the counter. Sender’s name and address must be visible
on the parcel.
What can I send? Key:  Allowed in the mail  Not allowed in the mail ARE YOU POSTING To help you:
Item UK Int. Item UK Int. SAFELY? Royal Mail can arrange for alternative formats of
this leaflet to be sent to you in:
Live creatures, insects and invertebrates
Royal Mail: Including bees, caterpillars, cockroaches, crickets,   Prescription medicines and drugs sent for scientific
or medical purposes   • Large print
destroyers of noxious pests, earthworms, leeches and other
parasites, lugworms, maggots, mealworms, pupae and chrysalides,
(Toxic, flammable or toxic and flammable) To comply with national and international • Braille
Packaging guidelines: Inner packaging can be blister packs of
rag worms, silkworms, spiders and stick insects. Dead insects, sent tablets or capsules of liquid (each pack not to exceed 50ml/50g per regulations governing the carriage of mail, • Audio CD
as collectables, are also allowed. Royal Mail do not accept fish or tablet/capsule), or small bottles of liquid up to 50ml. Net quantity
fish fry. Restrictions and packaging guidelines apply. in any parcel not to exceed 500ml/500g. Medicines must be and ensure that mail in transport does not • Audio cassette
Parcelforce Worldwide: Bees, spiders, fish, fish fry and coral
are all prohibited from all Parcelforce Worldwide services UK
securely closed and placed in a sealed polythene bag (for liquids) or
a sift-proof container (for solids). Must be tightly packed in strong
present a danger to the general public, To obtain a free copy call Customer Services on
and International. outer packaging and cushioned to prevent breakage. Sender’s
name and address must be visible on the parcel.
we restrict or prohibit certain items 03457 740 740.
Magnetised material
(With a field strength of 0.418A/metre or more at a distance of   Prescription medicines and drugs sent for scientific
from our network.
Relay UK service for deaf, hearing or speech
4.6 metres from the outside of the package) or medical purposes  
Matches (Non-toxic and non-flammable including asthma inhalers) impaired customers:
(Including safety matches)   Packaging guidelines: Inner packaging can be blister packs of We want to ensure the mail is safe for everyone.
Royal Mail 18001 0345 266 0075,
tablets or capsules of liquid (each pack not to exceed 50ml/50g Many everyday items, such as aerosols, nail varnish
Nail varnish, polish or gel per tablet/capsule), or small bottles of liquid up to 50ml. Net
Parcelforce Worldwide 18001 03447480019.
Packaging guidelines: Volume per item must not exceed 30ml. No   quantity in any parcel not to exceed 1litre/1kg. Medicines must be and perfumes, are considered dangerous goods under
more than four items in any one parcel. Must be placed in strong outer securely closed and placed in a sealed polythene bag (for liquids) transport legislation. Alternatively, please visit
packaging and cushioned to prevent breakage. Must be presented at or a sift-proof container (for solids). Must be tightly packed in
the counter. Sender’s name and address must be visible on the parcel. strong outer packaging and cushioned to prevent breakage.
Sender’s name and address must be visible on the parcel.
www.royalmail.com/prohibitedgoods or
Oxidising materials or organic peroxides
  [Note: Some services and countries have additional requirements.
Failure to comply with these controls
www.parcelforce.com/retailprohibitions
(Including disinfectants, nitrates and hair dyes or colourants Please check before sending]
containing peroxide)
Radioactive materials and samples could result in prosecution.
Patient specimens
  (Classified as dangerous goods, such as luminous dials from   Please note consequential loss cover is not
Accepted on Royal Mail services only.
Prohibited by Parcelforce Worldwide.
aircraft) available when posting any restricted materials.
(May only be sent at the specific request of a medical professional, Sharp objects
(Excludes: (i) knives prohibited under UK law - see Weapons - and   You are responsible for checking whether
a recognised laboratory or institution)
(ii) Bladed items) or not an item is prohibited or restricted. Although correct on the date this leaflet went to print, March 2023,
Packaging guidelines: Sample returns should only be made in
the sample kits provided. The total sample volume/mass in any parcel Packaging guidelines: Items must present no risk to employees, prohibitions and restrictions along with other terms and conditions
must not exceed 250g/250ml. The packaging must be designed to other postal items or recipients. Wrap heavy cardboard around sharp are subject to revision from time to time. We reserve the right to refuse
edges and points, strong enough to ensure that the contents do not
any other item banned by law or that in our opinion may be harmful or
prevent any leakage and marked with the words “Exempt human
specimen” or “Exempt animal specimen”, as appropriate. pierce the outer packaging. Wrap each item with cushioning material
and place in a suitable outer container such as a padded envelope.
Consumer warning markings dangerous to our customers or employees. Up-to-date information
Perfumes and aftershaves may be obtained by contacting Royal Mail Customer Services on
(Including eau de parfum and eau de toilette)   Solvent-based paints, wood varnishes and enamels
  Products bearing the following consumer warning 03457 740 740 or by visiting www.royalmail.com/prohibitedgoods or
Packaging guidelines: Volume per item must not exceed 150ml. No
more than four items in any one parcel. Must be sent in its original
symbols ARE dangerous goods and are prohibited www.parcelforce.com/retailprohibitions
retail packaging, placed in strong outer packaging and cushioned to Waste, dirt, filth or refuse
  unless specifically permitted overleaf. Royal Mail, the cruciform, Parcelforce Worldwide, the Parcelforce
prevent breakage. Must be presented at the counter. Sender’s name (Including household waste. Note, soil samples sent for analysis
are permitted, provided they are packaged so that any leaks and Worldwide globe and all marks indicated with ® are registered trade
and address must be visible on the parcel.
spills are contained in the outer packaging) marks of Royal Mail Group Ltd. © Royal Mail Group Ltd 2023. All rights
Perishables
Royal Mail accepts items for delivery in the UK only. Parcelforce   Weapons
(Including Section 5 firearms, CS gas and pepper sprays, flick  
reserved. Royal Mail Group Ltd, registered in England and Wales,
number 4138203, registered office: 185 Farringdon Road, London,
Worldwide accepts items for delivery in the UK, and internationally
knives and other knives that are banned under UK laws, tasers and EC1A 1AA.
using the globalpriority service only,
stun guns)
(Including flowers, fresh fruit, vegetables and frozen or chilled
foodstuffs. Frozen water and dry ice are prohibited) RMDG19.
Packaging guidelines: Use 1st Class or express24 as the minimum  lease always check individual country prohibitions and restrictions
P
service. Should be able to withstand a journey of up to 48 hours in the before posting internationally.
UK. Must be suitably sealed to prevent leakage or tainting of other
items. Packages must be clearly labelled “PERISHABLE”.
If you send prohibited goods or restricted goods (and you do not comply
with the relevant terms and conditions), we may deal with the goods as Note 1: A product bearing only the corrosive marking (depicted bottom
Pesticides
(E.g. weedkiller and any chemical used to kill pests and insects   we see fit, including, but not limited to, disposing of the parcels concerned
(in whole or in part).
right above) is NOT classified as dangerous goods if the signal word and
hazard statement ‘Danger - causes serious eye damage’ applies.
including fly sprays)
Poisons, toxic liquids, solids and gases Note 2: Environmentally hazardous substances are prohibited for items
(Including substances that are liable to cause death or injury if   which exceed 5 litres/5kg.
swallowed or inhaled or by skin contact, including arsenic, cyanide,
fluorine, rat poison)