Never conceal a restricted item to get it moving. Every shipment can be opened and inspected, and misdeclared cargo is the fastest way to lose it. If you are unsure which column your goods fall into, call us on TOLL FREE Support before you book — that conversation is free and takes two minutes.
Never accepted
We will not carry these on any service, to any destination:
- Explosives, fireworks, ammunition, firearms and firearm components
- Compressed gases and aerosols, including camping canisters and CO₂ cartridges
- Flammable liquids and solids — petrol, lighter fluid, paint thinner, matches
- Corrosives and oxidisers, including drain cleaner and pool chemicals
- Radioactive material
- Illegal drugs, controlled substances, and drug paraphernalia
- Counterfeit goods and pirated media
- Live animals, and human or animal remains
- Currency, bearer bonds, and negotiable instruments in bearer form
- Loose precious stones and bullion
- Pornographic material, and any material that is illegal at origin or destination
- Hoverboards and loose lithium batteries shipped on their own
Accepted with conditions
These move fine once the right documents are in place. Tell us at booking, not at the dock.
| Item | What we need from you |
|---|---|
| Lithium batteries installed in equipment | UN38.3 test summary, correct labelling, battery under 100 Wh |
| Alcohol | Licensed shipper and licensed receiver, adult signature, destination must permit import |
| Perishables and temperature-controlled goods | Booked on a temperature-controlled service, packed with adequate coolant |
| Pharmaceuticals and medical samples | Import permit where required, correct category labelling, no controlled substances |
| Cosmetics and nail products | Safety data sheet — many are classified as flammable liquids |
| Jewellery and watches | Declared value, cover purchased, signature on delivery |
| Electronics containing magnets | Magnetic field declaration for air freight |
| Plants, seeds and soil | Phytosanitary certificate, and an import permit at destination |
| Food for commercial sale | DAFF import permit where required, ingredient list, country of origin |
| Artwork and antiques | Provenance documents, export licence where the origin country requires one |
Aerosols catch people out constantly. Deodorant, dry shampoo, spray paint, insect repellent and canned air are all pressurised, and all are barred from air freight. They can usually travel by road or ocean instead — ask us and we will re-route them.
Destination-specific restrictions
Rules vary by country and change without much notice. A few that come up often:
- European Union — CE marking required for most electronics and toys.
- Australia — DAFF biosecurity is strict on wood, seeds, soil, honey and anything organic. Untreated timber packaging needs ISPM 15 marking.
- United Kingdom — meat and dairy from outside the UK are barred for personal imports.
- Gulf states — alcohol, pork products and religious material are heavily restricted.
- China — used goods and refurbished electronics face strict import controls.
- New Zealand — MPI biosecurity mirrors the Australian rules and is enforced just as tightly.
We check destination rules when we rate the shipment. If something on your packing list is a problem, we tell you before collection rather than after seizure.
Sanctions and export control
We do not carry goods to or from sanctioned parties or embargoed destinations, and we screen every consignment against the DFAT Consolidated List, the US Treasury OFAC lists and the equivalent EU and UK registers. Shipments involving controlled technology may need a permit under the Defence Trade Controls Act — that responsibility sits with you as shipper.
What happens if a prohibited item is found
- The shipment is held and you are contacted the same business day.
- Where the law allows, we return it to the shipper at the shipper’s cost.
- Where it does not, the item is surrendered to the relevant authority.
- Any fine, storage charge or disposal cost is recharged to the shipper.
Liability cover does not apply to prohibited items, however they were described on the waybill.
See also the FAQ.
Not sure? Email a photograph and the product name to support@atlaslogisticscorp.com. We will tell you whether it moves, which service it has to move on, and what paperwork you need.