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Posting rules
Can I send this?
Search any item to find out if it's allowed, restricted, or prohibited by Royal Mail, DPD and Evri.
All items (32)
Cannot be sent by any postal or courier service.
Explosives, fireworks, flares, and pyrotechnics are prohibited by all carriers including Royal Mail, DPD and Evri. Attempting to post these is a criminal offence.
Firearms, ammunition and most offensive weapons cannot be posted.
Firearms, airguns, ammunition and most bladed/offensive weapons are prohibited. Antique or deactivated firearms may be sent under strict conditions — seek specialist guidance.
Tip: For legal sporting knives, use specialist courier services with appropriate declarations.
Controlled substances are strictly prohibited. Sending them is a criminal offence.
All controlled drugs (Class A, B and C) are prohibited. Attempting to post them is a serious criminal offence and will be reported to the police.
Radioactive materials cannot be sent through standard postal services.
Radioactive materials of any kind are prohibited by all carriers. Specialist licensed couriers with appropriate certifications are required.
Poisons and highly toxic substances cannot be posted.
Pesticides, herbicides, rat poison and other toxic substances are prohibited. Some non-toxic weed killers may be allowed — check the specific product's safety data sheet.
Disposable lighters are prohibited by Royal Mail due to flammable gas.
Disposable (non-refillable) lighters containing flammable gas are prohibited by Royal Mail. Refillable lighters may be sent emptied and cleaned by some couriers — check with DPD or Evri directly.
Counterfeit or pirated goods are prohibited and constitute fraud.
Sending counterfeit goods (fake branded items, pirated media, etc.) is prohibited by all carriers and is a criminal offence under the Trade Marks Act.
Loose lithium batteries have strict quantity and packaging rules.
Standalone lithium batteries are allowed by Royal Mail (up to 4 cells per package) but must be packed in a rigid outer box with terminals protected. Quantities above this require specialist dangerous goods couriers. DPD and Evri also allow them with similar restrictions.
Tip: Pack batteries in their original retail packaging or wrap terminals with insulating tape inside a rigid box.
Allowed, but lithium battery rules apply. Declare value for adequate compensation.
Laptops can be posted but the built-in lithium battery means they count as dangerous goods for air freight. Royal Mail, DPD and Evri all accept them for UK domestic post. For international shipments, additional restrictions apply.
Tip: Use Royal Mail Special Delivery or a tracked service for insurance. Declare full value.
Allowed domestically. Lithium battery restrictions apply for international air mail.
Phones and tablets are accepted by Royal Mail, DPD and Evri for UK delivery. For international post, lithium battery rules apply — phones must be packaged to prevent accidental activation.
Tip: Power the device off before posting. Use a tracked service and declare full value.
Allowed with restrictions — capacity limits apply for international air mail.
Power banks are allowed for UK domestic post by Royal Mail and couriers. For international air mail, capacity is typically limited to 100Wh per cell. Very high-capacity banks (over 160Wh) are prohibited on aircraft.
Tip: Check the Wh rating on the device label. Most consumer power banks are under 100Wh.
Allowed by road (UK domestic) only. Prohibited via Royal Mail airmail.
Perfumes and colognes contain flammable alcohol and are classified as flammable liquids. Royal Mail prohibits them for international airmail but DPD and Evri can carry them domestically via road. Quantities over 150ml per bottle may face additional restrictions.
Tip: Use DPD or Evri for domestic UK delivery. For international, use a specialist freight service.
Non-flammable aerosols allowed in small quantities. Flammable aerosols are prohibited.
Non-flammable aerosols (e.g. some dry shampoos, air fresheners) are allowed by Royal Mail in small quantities up to 500ml. Flammable aerosols (those with a flame symbol) are prohibited. DPD and Evri have similar rules.
Tip: Check the label — if the can has a flame hazard symbol, it cannot be posted via standard services.
Flammable — restricted by Royal Mail airmail. Domestic road delivery is generally accepted.
Nail varnish and acetone-based removers are flammable liquids. Royal Mail prohibits them for international airmail. Domestic delivery via road couriers (DPD, Evri) is generally acceptable in small quantities.
Tip: Use DPD or Evri for UK domestic. Pack upright in a sealed bag to prevent leaks.
UK domestic delivery is allowed with courier services. Royal Mail has restrictions.
Alcohol can be sent domestically via DPD and Evri (both accept alcohol). Royal Mail does not accept alcohol for posting. International shipping requires compliance with destination country import laws — many countries prohibit it entirely.
Tip: Use DPD or Evri. Pack bottles in a wine shipper or with absorbent material in case of breakage.
Allowed domestically with restrictions. Nicotine liquid has quantity limits.
E-cigarettes and vape devices are allowed for UK domestic post but fall under lithium battery rules for the battery component. Nicotine-containing e-liquids are restricted — maximum 10ml per bottle and 20mg/ml strength for domestic post. International shipping may be prohibited depending on the destination.
Tip: Separate the battery if possible. Declare accurately on any customs forms for international shipments.
Allowed domestically but require accurate description. International rules vary by country.
Prescription medicines can be sent domestically if properly labelled with the item description. For international post, many countries restrict pharmaceutical imports and require customs declarations. Some medications (e.g. controlled drugs) are prohibited internationally.
Tip: Always include the generic medicine name (not just brand) on customs forms. Check the destination country's import rules for medicines.
Legal household sharp items are allowed but must be packaged to prevent injury.
Non-offensive household items such as kitchen knives, scissors, and craft knives are allowed. They must be packaged so the sharp edges are completely protected and cannot cut through the packaging. Offensive weapons (e.g. flick knives) are prohibited.
Tip: Wrap blades in thick cardboard and tape securely. Do not use only bubble wrap — blades can cut through it.
Allowed but risky — use Special Delivery for compensation cover.
Cash can be sent by post but Royal Mail's standard services offer minimal compensation if it's lost (up to £20 for 2nd Class). Special Delivery offers up to £750 compensation. Sending large amounts of cash is inadvisable.
Tip: Use Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed for up to £750 cover, or consider a bank transfer instead.
Allowed, but standard services offer low compensation. Use Special Delivery.
Jewellery and watches can be posted but standard Royal Mail services only compensate up to £20 if lost or damaged. For valuable items, use Special Delivery (up to £750) or declare additional value.
Tip: Use Special Delivery Guaranteed for compensation up to £750. For higher-value items, consider courier insurance.
Allowed with appropriate packaging, but must reach destination before spoiling.
Perishable food can be sent but the sender is responsible for ensuring it arrives fresh. Adequate insulation and ice packs are required. Royal Mail and couriers accept perishables but will not compensate if spoilage is due to transit time.
Tip: Use next-day tracked services (Royal Mail Tracked 24 or Special Delivery). Pack with insulated lining and freeze-packs.
UK domestic is generally allowed. International requires phytosanitary certificates.
Plants and seeds can be sent within the UK. For international shipping, most countries require a phytosanitary certificate from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). Some species are banned entirely under CITES regulations.
Tip: For international plant post, apply for a phytosanitary certificate via APHA before sending.
No restrictions — one of the most commonly posted items.
Clothing and footwear can be posted freely with any carrier. Use a tracked service if the value is significant.
No restrictions. Books are eligible for cheaper Royal Mail Large Letter rates if flat.
Books and printed matter can be sent freely. Slim paperbacks often qualify as Large Letters; hardbacks typically require Small Parcel pricing. No customs duties apply to books sent to most countries.
No restrictions for non-battery toys. Battery-powered toys: see lithium battery guidance.
Toys and games have no restrictions. Battery-powered toys containing lithium batteries are subject to standard lithium battery rules for international air mail but are freely postable within the UK.
Non-flammable cosmetics are allowed. Nail varnish and aerosol products have restrictions.
Standard cosmetics (lipstick, foundation, mascara, creams, lotions) are allowed by all carriers. Flammable products like nail varnish and aerosol sprays have separate restrictions — see those categories.
No restrictions. Pack carefully to prevent damage.
Glasses and sunglasses can be sent without restrictions. Pack in a hard case and use bubble wrap inside the outer box to prevent breakage.
No restrictions. Use Signed For or Special Delivery for important documents.
All types of documents and paperwork can be posted freely. For important or irreplaceable documents, use a signed-for or tracked service so you have proof of delivery.
Tip: For official certificates, passports, or legal documents, use Special Delivery for a signature on delivery and tracking.
Allowed. Wireless models with lithium batteries: standard battery rules apply.
Wired headphones have no restrictions. Wireless/Bluetooth headphones and earbuds contain small lithium batteries and fall under standard lithium battery guidelines — all carriers accept them for UK domestic delivery without issue.
No restrictions. Ensure adequate packaging to prevent damage.
Artwork, prints and canvases can be posted without restrictions. Use rigid cardboard backing and sturdy tubes or boxes. For valuable originals, use Special Delivery and consider declaring the full value.
Non-prescription vitamins and supplements are allowed domestically and most internationally.
Over-the-counter vitamins and dietary supplements are generally allowed. For international shipments, some countries restrict supplements — check the destination country's customs rules. Always label the contents accurately.
Unlit candles are allowed with no restrictions.
Standard wax candles (unlit) are allowed by all carriers with no restrictions. They should be wrapped to prevent breakage or wax damage to other items in transit.
Not sure? Ask us in branch.
This tool covers common items — rules change and edge cases exist. Our staff can check specific items and carrier guidelines before you post.