You’ve carefully packed your parcel, printed the address, and are ready to send it off. But before you do, there’s a critical question you must answer: Is everything in that box actually allowed to be shipped?

Shipping carriers and customs authorities worldwide have very strict lists of prohibited and restricted items. Accidentally including a banned item can lead to your parcel being seized, destroyed, or returned to you at your own expense. In some cases, it can even result in legal penalties.

To ensure a smooth and hassle-free shipping experience, we’ve created this essential guide to what you cannot ship from Singapore, whether you're sending something domestically or internationally.

Why Are Certain Items Prohibited?

Items are typically banned for three main reasons:

1. Safety: They pose a danger to aircraft, transport personnel, and handling facilities (e.g., explosives, flammable liquids).

2. Legality: They are illegal substances or illegal to trade under Singaporean or international law (e.g., drugs, counterfeit goods).

3. Biosecurity: They could introduce pests or diseases into another country (e.g., fresh food, plants).

The Absolute "No-Go" List: Generally Prohibited Items

The following items are banned by all major couriers (like FedEx, DHL, UPS) and postal services for both international and domestic shipments from Singapore.

1. Dangerous Goods & Combustibles

This category is the most critical due to the direct safety risk.

• Explosives: Fireworks, flares, party poppers, or ammunition.

• Flammable Liquids & Solids: Lighter fluid, petrol, paint, certain adhesives, and matches.

• Gases: Aerosol cans (like spray paint or deodorant), propane tanks, and butane lighters.

• Oxidizers & Organic Peroxides: Bleach, pool chemicals.

2. Weapons & Related Items

• Firearms: Any type of gun, whether real, replica, or deactivated.

• Sharp Weapons: Switchblades, throwing stars, and other martial arts weapons.

• Self-Defence Sprays: Pepper spray, mace, and tear gas.

3. Illegal Substances & Paraphernalia

• Narcotic Drugs: Cannabis, heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, and other controlled substances. This includes substances that may be legal in some countries but are illegal in Singapore.

• Prescription Medicines: Shipping prescription drugs is highly restricted and often requires special licenses and documentation. It is generally prohibited for individuals to send them via standard courier services.

• Drug Paraphernalia: Equipment associated with illegal drug use.

4. Perishable Foods & Live Animals

• Perishable Foods: Fresh meat, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. These can spoil quickly and pose a biohazard risk.

• Live Animals: It is illegal and inhumane to ship live animals, insects, or birds through standard parcel services. Specialised pet relocation services are required.

• Animal By-Products: Untanned hides, ivory, and other protected species products (regulated by CITES).

The "Handle With Care" List: Restricted & Regulated Items

These items are not always completely banned, but they are heavily restricted. They often require special approval, specific packaging, or official documentation. You must always check with your shipping provider before attempting to send these.

• Lithium Batteries: Found in laptops, smartphones, and power banks. These are powerful and can be a fire risk if damaged. They are subject to strict packaging regulations.

• Alcohol & Tobacco: Heavily taxed and regulated. You will need special permits and will be liable for customs duties and taxes in the destination country.

• Currency & Valuables: Cash, bank cards, jewellery, and precious stones. While not always prohibited, they are high-risk for loss or theft and are often not covered by standard shipping insurance.

• Seeds & Plants: Require phytosanitary certificates from the relevant agricultural authority to prove they are pest-free.

• Cultural Artifacts & Antiques: Many countries have laws protecting their cultural heritage, requiring export permits.

A Special Note on Singapore's Export Laws

Remember, you must also comply with Singapore's laws. For instance, certain controlled items like weapons, strategic goods, and telecommunication equipment require an export permit from Singapore Customs before they can be shipped. Always ensure you are not breaking any local laws when preparing your shipment.

What Happens If You Ship a Prohibited Item?

If a prohibited item is discovered, the consequences are immediate and inconvenient:

1. Seizure & Destruction: The item will be removed from your parcel and destroyed. The rest of your parcel may be delayed or returned.

2. Return to Sender: The entire parcel will be sent back to you, often at your own cost.

3. Fines & Legal Action: You could be fined by the carrier or face legal investigation from authorities.

The Golden Rule: When in Doubt, Check!

The rules can be complex and vary by destination country. The safest approach is to be transparent.

Before you pack your parcel, always:

1. Declare Your Contents Accurately: When creating your shipping label on SimplyParcel.sg, you will be asked to list and describe the contents. Be honest and specific. This is a legal document.

2. Contact Us: If you are unsure about an item, our customer support team is here to help. It’s always better to ask first than to deal with a rejected parcel later.

By understanding and respecting these rules, you help ensure the safety of everyone in the logistics chain and guarantee that your important parcels arrive at their destination without any issues.

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