Prohibited and restricted items

Our labels are for general goods only. When you buy a label, you confirm that the parcel holds no batteries, liquids, pastes, powders or magnets.

Some items can never go in the post. Others are allowed by Royal Mail with special packing, but we don't accept them yet. Both lists are below.

These are prohibited by Royal Mail and by law. Sending them can be a criminal offence.

• Explosives and fireworks, including ammunition, flares, party poppers and Christmas crackers
• Flammable liquids and solids, such as petrol, lighter fluid, matches, firelighters and paint thinners
• Gases, including gas canisters, camping gas, fire extinguishers and aerosols that are flammable or toxic, such as spray paint
• Corrosive substances, such as acids, bleach, drain cleaner and car batteries
• Poisons and toxic substances, including pesticides and weedkiller
• Infectious substances, clinical waste and used needles
• Radioactive materials
• Oxidising materials, such as pool chemicals and some hair dyes
• Lithium batteries on their own, power banks, and damaged or faulty batteries
• Firearms, including replicas, imitations and parts, and offensive weapons
• Illegal drugs and psychoactive substances
• Counterfeit goods and anything else illegal to own or send
• Indecent, obscene or offensive material
• Live animals, and human or animal remains

Royal Mail allows some of these with special packing or limits, but our labels don't cover them yet. Don't send them with a Parcel Partner label.

• Batteries of any kind, including batteries inside or packed with a device: phones, laptops, tablets, watches, toys, e-cigarettes and vapes
• Liquids: drinks including alcohol, perfume and aftershave, nail varnish, oils, shampoo, cleaning products and anything else liquid, however small
• Pastes and gels: toothpaste, creams, cosmetics, glue, sealants and food pastes
• Powders: protein powder, flour, cosmetics powders, printer toner and any loose powder
• Magnets and magnetised items, including magnetic toys, speakers and fridge magnets
• Aerosols of any kind, including deodorant, hairspray and shaving foam
• Medicines, whether prescription or bought over the counter
• Bladed items, such as knives and sharp scissors

Money, gift cards, jewellery, watches, precious metals and stones aren't prohibited, but they aren't covered for loss or damage beyond the cover limit shown when you buy, and some aren't covered at all. We recommend a Royal Mail service designed for valuables, such as Special Delivery, bought directly from Royal Mail.

Royal Mail keeps the full, up-to-date list at royalmail.com/prohibitedgoods. If an item isn't listed here but is restricted there, don't send it with our label. If you're still unsure, ask us through the support chat before you buy.

If you send an item that isn't allowed:

• it isn't covered for loss or damage, and we can't make a claim;
• Royal Mail may hold, return or destroy the parcel;
• you are responsible for any charges, fines or harm that result;
• we may close your account and report dangerous or illegal items to Royal Mail or the authorities.

Our terms and conditions set out these rules in full.