Sending Mail Internationally

Aerosols for toiletry or medicinal purposes (including deodorants, body sprays, hair sprays, shaving and hair removal creams and medicinal aerosols for prevention or cure such as flea sprays).

International destinations – Not allowed in the mail.

Alcoholic beverages and liquids containing more than 70% alcohol by volume (ABV) – International destinations – Not allowed in the mail.

Alcoholic beverages and liquids containing more than 24% but not more than 70% alcohol by volume (ABV) (including whisky, vodka and most spirits and liqueurs) – International destinations – Not allowed in the mail.

Alcoholic beverages and liquids containing 24% alcohol by volume (ABV) or less (including beer, ale, cider, wine, fortified wine, champagne) – International destinations – Allowed in the mail, with restrictions and packaging guidelines below:

• Volume should not exceed 1 litre per item.
• No more than two items in any one parcel.
• Wrap in polythene and seal with tape.
• Surround with absorbent material such as newspaper and sufficient cushioning material to protect each item from breakage.
• Mark as ‘FRAGILE’ when sending glass bottles.
• The sender’s name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.
• Returns can only be sent using Royal Mail Tracked Returns® and Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed Returns®. All variants of Business Response and Freepost are excluded.

International destinations – Not allowed in the mail.

International destinations – Not allowed in the mail.

International destinations – Not allowed in the mail.

International destinations – Not allowed in the mail.

Batteries not connected to, not installed or not posted with the equipment / device it is intended to power – International destinations – Not allowed in the mail.

Alkaline metal, nickel metal hydride (NiMH), nickel cadmium (NiCd), zinc-air and zinc chloride batteries sent without equipment / devices (Including D, C, 9V, AA, AAA and AAAA alkaline batteries) – International destinations – Allowed in the mail, with restrictions and packaging guidelines below:

• Must be new and sent unopened in their original retail packaging, surrounded with cushioning material e.g. bubble wrap.
• The sender’s name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.
• Returns can only be sent using Royal Mail Tracked Returns® and Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed Returns®. All variants of Business Response and Freepost are excluded.

Batteries – new wet, non-spillable (for example sealed lead acid batteries, absorbed glass mat and gel cell batteries) – International destinations – Not allowed in the mail.

Lithium ion / polymer batteries or cells – sent with equipment / devices (for example rechargeable batteries/cells found in portable electronics such as laptops, mobile phones, iPads, camcorders, cordless power tools etc. Includes mains powered battery chargers but excludes battery packs) – International destinations – Not allowed in the mail.

Lithium ion / polymer batteries – contained in / connected to equipment / devices (for example rechargeable batteries/cells found in portable electronics such as laptops, mobile phones, iPads, camcorders, cordless power tools etc.) – International destinations – Allowed in the mail, with restrictions and packaging guidelines below:

• Damaged or recalled batteries or cells are not allowed.
• Each package must contain no more than four cells or two batteries installed in or connected to equipment/devices.
• The maximum net quantity of cells or batteries is 5kg per package.
• Watt-hour rating must not exceed 20Wh per cell or 100Wh per battery.
• Each cell and battery must be of a type proven to meet the requirements of each test in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, section 38.3.
• Batteries are subject to these tests irrespective of whether the cells of which they are composed have been so tested.
• Cells and batteries must be manufactured under a quality management programme as specified in the ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air.
• Any person preparing or offering cells or batteries with or in equipment for transport must receive adequate instruction on the requirements commensurate with their responsibilities.
• Cells and batteries must be protected against short circuit.
• The equipment containing cells or batteries must be packed in strong rigid packaging and must be secured against movement within the outer packaging and packed to prevent accidental activation.
• The sender’s name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.

These items may only be sent using the Royal Mail’s 1st Class or 2nd Class services paid for via franking or on account (VAT exempt 1st and 2nd Class Account Mail), Special Delivery® paid for via franking or on account, Royal Mail Tracked®, Royal Mail Sameday®, Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed Returns® and Royal Mail Tracked Returns®. Please note Business Response, Freepost® and all variants of Royal Mail 24 and Royal Mail 48 are excluded.

Lithium metal / alloy batteries or cells – sent with equipment / devices (for example non-rechargeable batteries commonly used in electronic equipment/devices such as cameras, smoke detectors etc.) – International destinations – Not allowed in the mail.

Lithium metal / alloy batteries or cells – contained in / connected to equipment / devices (for example non-rechargeable batteries commonly used in electronic equipment/devices such as cameras, smoke detectors etc.) – International destinations – Allowed in the mail, with restrictions and packaging guidelines below:

• Damaged or recalled batteries or cells are not allowed.
• Each package must contain no more than four cells or two batteries installed in or connected to equipment/devices.
• The maximum net quantity of cells or batteries is 5kg per package.
• Watt-hour rating must not exceed 20Wh per cell or 100Wh per battery.
• Each cell and battery must be of a type proven to meet the requirements of each test in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, section 38.3.
• Batteries are subject to these tests irrespective of whether the cells of which they are composed have been so tested.
• Cells and batteries must be manufactured under a quality management programme as specified in the ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air.
• Any person preparing or offering cells or batteries with or in equipment for transport must receive adequate instruction on the requirements commensurate with their responsibilities.
• Cells and batteries must be protected against short circuit.
• The equipment containing cells or batteries must be packed in strong rigid packaging and must be secured against movement within the outer packaging and packed to prevent accidental activation.
• The sender’s name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.

These items may only be sent using the Royal Mail’s 1st Class or 2nd Class services paid for via franking or on account (VAT exempt 1st and 2nd Class Account Mail), Special Delivery® paid for via franking or on account, Royal Mail Tracked®, Royal Mail Sameday®, Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed Returns® and Royal Mail Tracked Returns®. Please note Business Response, Freepost® and all variants of Royal Mail 24 and Royal Mail 48 are excluded.

UN3373 Biological Substances Category B as detailed in the latest edition of the Technical Instructions for Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air published by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)

International destinations – Not allowed in the mail.

• Package appropriately so items present no risk to employees, other postal items or recipients.
• Wrap heavy cardboard around sharp edges and points, strong enough to ensure that the contents do not pierce the outer packaging.
• Wrap each item with cushioning material and place in a suitable outer container such as a padded envelope.
• The sender’s name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.
• Marked to clearly indicate a bladed item is enclosed.

International destinations – Not allowed in the mail.

CBD products containing more than 0.2% of THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) International destinations – Not allowed in the mail.

CBD products containing 0.2% or less of THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), including oils, liquids, sprays, capsules) International destinations – Allowed in the mail, with restrictions and packaging guidelines below:

• Items must be securely closed and placed in a leak-proof inner liner, such as a sealed polythene bag and in a leak-proof outer.
• If sending more than one item, surround with absorbent material such as newspaper and sufficient cushioning material to protect each item from damage.
• Mark as “FRAGILE” when sending glass bottles.
• The sender’s name and address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.
• Returns can only be sent using Royal Mail Tracked Returns® and Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed Returns®. All variants of Business Response and Freepost are excluded.

• Can only be sent in their made-up form and in their original retail packaging.
• Returns can only be sent using Royal Mail Tracked Returns® and Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed Returns®. All variants of Business Response and Freepost are excluded.

International destinations – Not allowed in the mail.

International destinations – Not allowed in the mail.

Substances which can cause severe damage to living tissue, other freight or transport by its chemical action including aluminium chloride, caustic soda, corrosive cleaning fluid, dyes, acids, corrosive paint and rust removers, mercury and gallium metal.

International destinations – Not allowed in the mail.

Including any false instrument, or copy of a false instrument within the meaning of section 5 of the Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981)

International destinations – Not allowed in the mail.

• Follow instructions on sample preparation and packing.
• Can only be returned in supplier provided packaging.
• Returns can only be sent using Royal Mail Tracked Returns® and Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed Returns®. All variants of Business Response and Freepost are excluded.

International destinations – Not allowed in the mail.

• Each package must contain no more than two assembled e-cigarettes and should be securely packed to prevent movement in the outer packaging.
• Returns can only be sent using Royal Mail Tracked Returns® and Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed Returns®. All variants of Business Response and Freepost are excluded.

International destinations – Not allowed in the mail.

International destinations – Not allowed in the mail.

Any chemical compound, mixture or device capable of producing an explosive or pyrotechnic effect with substantial instantaneous release of heat and gas is prohibited e.g. ammunition, blasting caps, fireworks, flares, fuses, igniters and nitro-glycerine.

Items that appear to be prohibited explosive ordnance may be subject to additional checks and delays.

International destinations – Not allowed in the mail.

This includes mixtures of liquids or liquids containing solids in solution or suspension which give off a flammable vapour. Any liquid with a closed cup flash point below 60.5° C is prohibited e.g. acetone, benzene, cleaning compounds, gasoline, lighter fuel, paint thinners and removers, petroleum and solvents certain alcoholic beverages, perfumes and aftershaves, varnishes and enamels including nail varnish.

International destinations – Not allowed in the mail.

Solid materials which are liable to cause fire by friction, absorption of water, spontaneous chemical changes or retained heat from manufacturing or processing, or which can be readily ignited and burn vigorously e.g. adhesives, calcium carbide, cellulose nitrate products, fire lighters, matches, metallic magnesium, nitro-cellulose based film, phosphorous, potassium, sodium, sodium hydride, zinc powder, zirconium hydride.

International destinations – Not allowed in the mail.

International destinations – Not allowed in the mail.

Gases that are compressed, liquefied or dissolved under pressure, permanent gases which cannot be liquefied at ambient temperatures, liquefied gases which become liquid under pressure at ambient temperatures, dissolved gases which are dissolved under pressure in a solvent.

1. All flammable compressed gases are prohibited e.g. blowlamps; butane; lighters and refills containing flammable liquid or gas; ethane; gas cylinders for camping stoves; hydrogen; methane and propane.
2. All toxic compressed gases are prohibited e.g. chlorine; fluorine etc.
3. All non-flammable compressed gases are prohibited e.g. air bags; scuba tanks, carbon dioxide; fire extinguishers; neon and nitrogen.
4. Empty cylinders that are sealed so that residual gas under pressure are prohibited, only those cylinders which are open to the atmosphere for inspection are permitted.

International destinations – Not allowed in the mail.

International destinations – Not allowed in the mail.

• Volume per item must not exceed 50g.
• Ashes must be placed in a sift-proof container and securely closed. Items must be tightly packed in strong outer packaging and must be secured or cushioned to prevent any damage.
• The sender’s name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.
• Returns can only be sent using Royal Mail Tracked Returns® and Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed Returns®. All variants of Business Response and Freepost are excluded.

International destinations – Not allowed in the mail.

As classified in the latest edition of the Technical Instructions for Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air published by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) e.g. Ebola, Anthrax, Foot and Mouth disease.Technical Instructions.

International destinations – Not allowed in the mail.

International destinations – Not allowed in the mail.

• Must be new, empty and sent unopened in their original retail packaging.
• A sender’s name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.
• Returns can only be sent using Royal Mail Tracked Returns® and Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed Returns®. All variants of Business Response and Freepost are excluded.

Liquids 1 litre and over International destinations – Not allowed in the mail.

Liquids under 1 litre International destinations – Allowed in the mail, with restrictions and packaging guidelines below:

• Must be new, empty and sent unopened in their original retail packaging.
• A sender’s name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.
• Returns can only be sent using Royal Mail Tracked Returns® and Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed Returns®. All variants of Business Response and Freepost are excluded.

International destinations – Not allowed in the mail.

Including bees, caterpillars, cockroaches, crickets, destroyers of noxious pests, earthworms, leeches and other parasites, lugworms, maggots, mealworms, pupae and chrysalides, rag worms, silkworms, spiders and stick insects. Dead insects, sent as collectables, are allowed. International destinations – Allowed in the mail, with restrictions and packaging guidelines below:

• Inner packaging
• Any internal packaging materials must be based on the requirements of the live creatures, insects and invertebrates, taking into consideration the necessary humane care they require while in transportation
• Outer Packaging
• Must be constructed to protect, keep safe and securely contain live creatures, insects and invertebrates.
• Must be constructed to prevent escape and to preclude the container and its contents from being crushed in normal handling.
• Any outer packaging containing live creatures, insects and invertebrates requiring moisture during transportation must be constructed of water resistant material.
• Security and Ventilation
• Containers must be constructed to prevent the escape of the live creatures, insects and invertebrates and must always provide adequate ventilation.
• Posting and Markings
• 1st Class must be used as the minimum service.
• Items must be clearly marked ‘URGENT – LIVING CREATURES – HANDLE WITH CARE’.
• The sender’s name and address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.
• Returns can only be sent using Royal Mail Tracked Returns® and Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed Returns®. All variants of Business Response and Freepost are excluded.

Creatures or insects classified as dangerous within the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 (including certain venomous spiders). International destinations – Not allowed in the mail.

International destinations – Not allowed in the mail.

With a magnetic field strength of 0.418A/metre or more at a distance of 4.6 metres from the outside of the package (including certain Public Address systems) International destinations – Not allowed in the mail.

Other than those that are prohibited as specified above (including loud speakers) International destinations – Allowed in the mail, with restrictions and packaging guidelines below:

• Wrap soft packing material at least 2cm thick around each item.
• The sender’s name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.
• Returns can only be sent using Royal Mail Tracked Returns® and Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed Returns®. All variants of Business Response and Freepost are excluded.

International destinations – Not allowed in the mail.

International destinations – Not allowed in the mail.

Solutions containing a nicotine concentration of more than 5%. International destinations – Not allowed in the mail.

Solutions containing a nicotine concentration of 5% or less. International destinations – Allowed in the mail, with restrictions and packaging guidelines below:

• Items must be securely closed and placed in a leak-proof inner liner, such as a sealed polythene bag and in a leak-proof outer packaging.
• If sending more than one item, surround with absorbent material such as newspaper and sufficient cushioning material to protect each item from damage.
• Mark as “FRAGILE” when sending glass bottles.
• The sender’s name and address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.
• Returns can only be sent using Royal Mail Tracked Returns® and Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed Returns®. All variants of Business Response and Freepost are excluded.

Including obscene or extreme pornography as detailed in Part 5 of the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 and indecent photographs or pseudo-photographs of a child as detailed in section 160 and 161 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988

International destinations – Not allowed in the mail.

These are substances such as disinfectants that may cause or contribute to combustion of other substances. They may also be liable to explosive decomposition, react dangerously with other substances and injure health e.g. bromides, chlorates, components of fibreglass repair kits, disinfectants, nitrates, per chlorates, permanganates and peroxides, including hair dyes and colourants containing peroxide.

International destinations – Not allowed in the mail.

Solvent-based paints, wood varnishes and enamels, including gloss paint. Also see Nail varnish, polish. International destinations – Not allowed in the mail.

Water-based paints, wood varnishes and enamels International destinations – Allowed in the mail, with restrictions and packaging guidelines below:

• Volume per item for all international destinations and the Channel Islands and Isle of Man should not exceed 150ml.
• Volume per item for UK destinations should not exceed 500ml. Excludes Channel Islands and Isle of Man.
• All items must be new and unopened with the seals intact.
• All tins of paint , wood varnishes and enamels must be sealed tightly, using paint tin clips or reinforced parcel tape or duct tape, applied in two directions, to securely hold the lid in place.
• All items (tins, tubes and bottles) must be wrapped with bubble wrap and secured with parcel tape.
• All items (tins, tubes and bottles) must be placed into in a leak-proof liner, such as polythene bag with a cable tie to secure it closed or a Ziplock bag. This is to ensure any inadvertent leakages will stay inside the bag.
• All items must be placed in a double wall cardboard box. Empty spaces must be filled with cushioning material (to keep the items from moving around) and the box must be sealed securely with parcel tape.
• The sender’s name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.
• Returns can only be sent using Royal Mail Tracked Returns® and Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed Returns® and must be packaged in the same way. All variants of Business Response and Freepost are excluded.
• Note: If you’re posting water-based paints, wood varnishes or enamels over 150ml to and from geographic locations within the UK where we use air transport, which is generally for some next day services where we need to cross the sea or reach distant locations, extended delivery times may apply.

Including blood or urine tests to monitor cholesterol levels, blood glucose levels, hormone levels, or prostate specific antibodies (PSA); tests required to monitor organ function such as heart, liver or kidney function for humans or animals with non-infectious diseases, or therapeutic drug monitoring; tests conducted for insurance or employment purposes and are intended to determine the presence of drugs or alcohol; pregnancy tests; biopsies to detect cancer; and antibody detection in humans or animals in the absence of any concern for infection (e.g. evaluation of vaccine induced immunity, diagnosis of autoimmune disease, etc. Excludes blood spot and hair samples)

International destinations – Not allowed in the mail.

International destinations – Not allowed in the mail.

International destinations – Not allowed in the mail.

International destinations – Not allowed in the mail.

Including substances that are liable to cause death or injury if swallowed or inhaled or by skin contact, such as arsenic, beryllium, cyanide, fluorine, rat poison.

International destinations – Not allowed in the mail.

Non-toxic and non-flammable International destinations – Allowed in the mail, with restrictions and packaging guidelines below:

• May only be sent by or at the specific request of, a recognised professional registered clinician/practitioner who is permitted to practice within the UK in accordance with the relevant UK regulations. For example (but not limited to) a qualified medical practitioner, registered dental practitioner, veterinary surgeon, registered nurse or a recognised laboratory or institution.
• The medicines must be securely closed and placed in a leak-proof container such as a sealed polythene bag (for liquids) or a sift-proof container (for solids).
• Must be tightly packed in strong outer packaging and must be secured or cushioned to prevent any damage.
• The sender’s name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.
• Returns can only be sent using Royal Mail Tracked Returns® and Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed Returns®. All variants of Business Response and Freepost are excluded.

Toxic, flammable or toxic and flammable International destinations – Not allowed in the mail.

Controlled Drugs prescriptions: Schedule 1 International destinations – Not allowed in the mail.

Controlled Drugs prescriptions: Schedule 2-5. Non-toxic and non-flammable International destinations – Not allowed in the mail.

Toxic, flammable or toxic and flammable International destinations – Not allowed in the mail.

Not classified as dangerous goods in the latest edition of the Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air published by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) such as samples of granite rock International destinations – Allowed in the mail, with restrictions and packaging guidelines below:

• Surround with cushioning material e.g. bubble wrap.
• The sender’s name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.
• Returns can only be sent using Royal Mail Tracked Returns® and Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed Returns®. All variants of Business Response and Freepost are excluded.

Classified as dangerous goods in the latest edition of the Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air published by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) e.g. fissile material (uranium 235, etc), radioactive waste material, thorium or uranium ores and luminous dials from aircraft. International destinations – Not allowed in the mail.

(excludes: (i) knives prohibited under UK law – see Weapons – and (ii) Bladed items. Includes, but not limited to scissors, mini chopper blades, food processor blades, sewing kits, knitting needles, syringes, chisels, piercing awls, saws, nails, pins, fishing hooks).

International destinations – Allowed in the mail, with restrictions and packaging guidelines below:

• Package appropriately so items present no risk to employees, other postal items or recipients.
• Wrap heavy cardboard around sharp edges and points, strong enough to ensure that the contents do not pierce the outer packaging.
• Wrap each item with cushioning material and place in a suitable outer container such as a padded envelope.
• The sender’s name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.
• Returns can only be sent using Royal Mail Tracked Returns® and Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed Returns®. All variants of Business Response and Freepost are excluded.

International destinations – Not allowed in the mail.

International destinations – Allowed in the mail, with restrictions and packaging guidelines below:

• May only be sent by, or at the specific request of, a qualified medical practitioner, registered dental practitioner, veterinary surgeon, registered nurse or a recognised laboratory or institution.
• The vaccines must be securely closed and placed in a leak-proof liner such as a sealed polythene bag (for liquids) or a sift-proof container (for solids).
• Must be tightly packed in strong outer packaging and must be secured or cushioned to prevent any damage.
• The sender’s name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.
• Returns can only be sent using Royal Mail Tracked Returns® and Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed Returns®. All variants of Business Response and Freepost are excluded.

International destinations – Not allowed in the mail.

Includes items made for the sole purpose of causing injury to a person, items adapted for use to cause injury to a person, and any item intended by the person sending or receiving it to cause injury to a person Also including, but not limited to, Section 5 firearms, CS gas, pepper sprays, tasers and stun guns, flick knives, gravity knives, disguised knives, butterfly knives, crossbows, and other items that are banned under laws applicable in the UK or the destination country.

Items that appear to be prohibited weapons may be subject to additional checks and delays.

International destinations – Not allowed in the mail.