What CANNOT Be Shipped (and what requires special approval)

Support Team • March 30, 2026

Shipping rules can be confusing — especially when different carriers have different policies.

As a UPS Authorized Service Provider, we follow the same regulations and restrictions that apply across the entire UPS network. That means some items are completely prohibited, while others are restricted and can only be shipped under a special UPS contract.



This guide explains both categories clearly so you know what to expect before you visit our location.

UPS Prohibited Items
(CANNOT Be Shipped Under Any Circumstance)

UPS prohibits these items network‑wide. No UPS Store, no third‑party shipper, and no ASP can accept them — ever. These rules come directly from UPS’ official prohibited‑items list.

1. Items Prohibited by Law

  • Anything illegal under federal, state, or local law

2. Currency & Negotiable Instruments

  • Bank bills
  • Notes
  • Currency

3. Explosives & Fireworks

  • Common fireworks

4. Hazardous Waste

  • Hazardous waste
  • Hazardous waste service items

5. Human Remains & Related Materials

  • Human remains
  • Fetal remains
  • Human body parts
  • Human embryos
  • Any components thereof

6. Wildlife‑Prohibited Materials

  • Ivory
  • Shark fins

7. Marijuana & Certain CBD Products

  • Marijuana (including medical marijuana)
  • CBD derived from marijuana

8. Postage Stamps

  • Postage stamps as a shipment commodity

9. Vape Products (U.S. Only)

  • All vape devices
  • Vape liquids
  • Vape gels

10. Items Requiring Special Customs Documents

  • Goods moving under ATA Carnet
  • Temporary exports/imports
  • Goods under FCR, FCT, CAD

11. Items With “Inherent Vice”

Items that by their nature are likely to:

  • Soil
  • Impair
  • Damage persons, merchandise, or equipment

12. Goods Prohibited in Origin/Transit/Destination Country

  • Example: ivory in many countries

13. Goods That Require Special Facilities or Permits

  • Example: spirits (alcohol) without proper contracts/permits


UPS Restricted Items
(Allowed Only With a UPS Contract)

These items can be shipped through UPS — but not through a retail counter or Authorized Service Provider unless the shipper has a special written agreement with UPS.

If you don’t have a UPS account with the required authorization, we cannot accept these items at our location.

Alcoholic Beverages

  • Beer, wine, spirits

Animal Products (Non‑Domesticated)

  • Example: crocodile skin boots

Articles of High or Unusual Value

  • Precious stones
  • High‑value collectibles

Ammunition

Biological Substances

  • Category B
  • Exempt human or animal specimens

Dangerous Goods / Hazardous Materials

  • Many chemicals
  • Batteries
  • Flammables

Firearms & Weapons

  • Including replicas and inert explosive devices

Furs

Gold or Precious Metals

Hemp & CBD (Non‑Marijuana Derived)

Live Animals

Perishables

Personal Effects

Plants & Seeds

Tobacco


Why These Rules Matter

UPS sets these restrictions to comply with:

  • Federal and international laws
  • Safety regulations
  • Hazardous materials standards
  • Customs requirements


As an Authorized Service Provider, we must follow these rules exactly — and we appreciate your understanding.


Being upfront about UPS shipping restrictions helps everyone — you avoid wasted trips, and we can serve you faster and more efficiently.