FedEx Shipping Restrictions (What You Can and Can’t Send)
If you’re only using FedEx to ship business documents or the occasional birthday gift, you don’t need to worry too much about shipping restrictions. But what would you do if you owned a jewelry or tobacco business? Can you ship these items through FedEx?
In this article, we’ll do our best to demystify FedEx shipping restrictions and bans. More specifically, we’ll look at which items are always banned and which items can be sent under certain conditions, so read on to learn more!
What are FedEx’s shipping restrictions for 2022?
FedEx restricts and prohibits some items from being shipped domestically and internationally in 2022. Restricted items may be sent if they are approved and accompanied by a permit and/or permit. Prohibited items are always prohibited, regardless of the package’s origin or destination. Prohibited items include art, fine jewelry, furs and weapons.
We’re just starting to understand FedEx’s shipping restrictions, so make sure you keep reading to get all the information you need!
Are there shipping restrictions on FedEx?
While FedEx gives customers a lot of wiggle room when it comes to shipping, it’s not free. There are a variety of items that are restricted or prohibited from shipping at all.
Restricted items may be sent with prior approval from FedEx’s Regulatory Compliance, Risk Management and Legal Departments and/or upon obtaining a special permit or license.
Prohibited items cannot be accepted, stored, transported or imported/exported regardless of the origin or destination of the package due to regulatory, hazard, security or other reasons.
These restrictions and prohibitions vary depending on whether the shipment is domestic or international. There are also some country-specific rules to be aware of when shipping.
What items are restricted for FedEx shipments?
Restricted items are items that can be sent through FedEx, provided they are approved and accompanied by any necessary permits or licenses.
We provide a partial list of restricted items below (see the full list on the FedEx website):
- Artwork, Archaeological Artifacts and Antiquities
- Alcohol
- flowers
- fresh food
- Gemstones (cut or uncut)
- Dangerous Goods/Dangerous Goods and Radioactive Substances
- Lithium Ion and Lithium Metal Batteries
- Microchips, computer chips, microprocessors, central processing units (CPUs) and mobile phones
- drug
- Retail Tobacco Products
What items are prohibited in FedEx shipments?
FedEx refuses to accept many items, regardless of origin or destination. We’ve provided a condensed list below, but you can view the full list here:
- All items over $20,000 are unapproved
- One-of-a-kind/irreplaceable item over $500,000
- art
- fine jewelry
- fur
- pornographic/obscene material
- Precious metals such as gold, silver and platinum in the form of bars, coins or ingots
- Weapons and Weapon Accessories
- Contraband, such as illegal drugs and counterfeit goods
- Livestock, Thoroughbreds and Live Animals
- human remains
What items are prohibited in FedEx domestic shipments?
In addition to the items listed above, FedEx does not ship many other items within the United States.
Below is a list of some items that cannot be shipped domestically via FedEx. You can see the full list here:
- cash and currency
- Live animals (except edible seafood, provided the shipper complies with all local, state and federal laws)
- Animal carcasses (not suitable for properly packaged meat or poultry for human consumption)
- Ghost guns and other firearms without serial numbers
- Lottery and gambling equipment prohibited by law
- Hazardous waste (including hypodermic needles or medical waste)
- live insects
- Hemp plant, leaves, oil and hemp-derived CBD
- Waste and garbage to be disposed of
What items are prohibited in international FedEx shipments?
In addition to the items already listed, different countries have different restrictions. Some require additional documents to pass through customs.
If you’re shipping internationally, we recommend that you use FedEx’s country-specific lists for prohibited items in your destination country.
What items cannot be shipped to the US via FedEx?
Much of this article focuses on sending items domestically or from the US to another country via FedEx.
That’s all good, but it’s important to note that FedEx also restricts certain items from entering the US.
Some restricted items include:
- Clocks (watches, pocket watches, wall clocks, desk clocks)
- shoe
- DVD/Blu-ray/VHS
To learn more, you can also read our posts on Does FedEx Deliver to PO Boxes, FedEx Informed Delivery, and What Warehouse Scanning in FedEx Means.
in conclusion
FedEx has many shipping restrictions and bans, so if you have questions about sending something, it’s best to check the company website.
It’s also a good idea to ask FedEx staff before you plan to ship to avoid any last-minute surprises.
