Restricted and prohibited items: what can’t ship
Some goods can’t ship at all; others only travel on certain lines. Here are the categories that catch beginners out — batteries, liquids, magnets, brands and more.
Nothing derails a parcel faster than an item that can’t legally or safely fly. A quick check before you buy avoids a rejected order or a parcel stuck at the border.
Prohibited — never ships
Weapons and replicas, flammable or explosive goods, certain chemicals, and anything illegal in transit or at the destination. No agent can ship these, and you shouldn’t try.
Restricted — line-dependent
- Batteries and power banks (limits vary; loose cells are hardest)
- Liquids, creams, powders and aerosols
- Strong magnets and some electronics
- Branded goods, which may be seized by customs for IP reasons
How to avoid a problem
Before ordering, check both the shipping line’s accepted-items rules and your own country’s import rules. If in doubt, ask support, and consider a line that specialises in your item type.
Restricted-item rules differ by line and country and change — confirm what your chosen line and destination allow on the official Wheebuy site before you submit a parcel.
Common questions
Genuinely dangerous or illegal goods (weapons, flammable liquids, some chemicals) are prohibited outright. Many everyday items — batteries, liquids, powders, magnets, aerosols — are restricted and only ship on specific lines.
Sometimes, on lines that accept them, and often with limits. Built-in batteries are usually easier than loose ones. Check the line’s rules and your country’s import rules before you submit the parcel.
Because it breached a shipping line’s or country’s rules — for example a banned liquid or an over-limit battery. The agent can’t send what a line won’t carry.
Put this guide into practice
Browse finds on W2CSpreadsheet, then order, check QC and ship through the official Wheebuy site.