support@gorillaship.co.uk

 ⚠️Prohibited Items & Cross Border Shipping

 

When shipping internationally, compliance is not just a formality—it is a legal obligation and a critical safeguard for collectors, couriers, and customs authorities. Attempting to send items that are classified as prohibited places your shipment, account, and even personal liability at risk.

At GorillaShip, we take compliance extremely seriously. Our role is not only to move packages from Point A to Point B but also to ensure that every shipment adheres to the strict regulatory frameworks that govern global logistics. By understanding the importance of prohibited items and respecting international shipping standards, collectors can avoid unnecessary delays, penalties, and losses.

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🌍 Why Shipping Prohibited Items Puts You at Risk

International shipping is heavily monitored by customs authorities, transportation regulators, and courier networks. Every package is subject to inspection and scanning. Attempting to include a prohibited item exposes you to the following risks:

• Legal Consequences – Shipping items that violate international law (such as weapons or narcotics) can result in fines, criminal charges, or permanent bans from carriers.

• Seizure or Destruction of Goods – Customs officers are legally authorized to seize or destroy any package containing prohibited materials. No refund or compensation will be issued.

• Delays to Legitimate Shipments – When a prohibited item is discovered, not only does that shipment stall, but it can also affect the speed and credibility of associated packages.

• Reputation Damage – For businesses and collectors, non-compliance erodes trust in the marketplace. Buyers and sellers want assurance that shipments will arrive safely and legally.

• Financial Loss – Items seized are rarely returned, and costs associated with shipping, duties, or insurance are not recoverable.

The global collectibles community thrives on trust, reliability, and consistency. Ensuring your shipments are compliant protects you, your reputation, and the entire supply chain.

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📋 What Items Are Generally Considered Prohibited?

​Prohibited items vary slightly depending on courier and destination country. However, most customs authorities and international couriers maintain a core list of items universally banned from international transport. Below is a consolidated list:

 

1.Explosives & Flammable Materials

• Fireworks, gasoline, lighter fluid, propane tanks

• Aerosol sprays, paint thinners, matches

• Any item that presents a combustion hazard in transit

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Hazardous & Dangerous Goods

• Pesticides, fertilizers, industrial solvents

• Strong acids, corrosive liquids, or toxic chemicals

• Radioactive materials of any type

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3. Weapons & Weapon Components

• Firearms (handguns, rifles, shotguns)

• Ammunition, magazines, or clips

• Replica or imitation weapons resembling real firearms

• Knives, brass knuckles, pepper spray, stun guns

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4. Illegal or Restricted Substances

• Narcotics, illegal drugs, or controlled substances

• Cannabis products (including CBD in countries where restricted)

• Prescription medications not authorized for international transport

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5. Perishable or Biological Materials

• Fresh or frozen foods, meats, dairy products

• Live plants, seeds, or soil samples

• Live animals, insects, or animal remains

• Human remains or biological samples (blood, tissue, etc.)

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6. Counterfeit or Unlicensed Goods

• Fake branded merchandise

• Unauthorized reproductions of DVDs, CDs, or media

• Counterfeit currency, stamps, or securities

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7. Valuables Restricted by Carriers

• Cash, coins, currency notes

• Gold bullion, loose precious stones

• High-risk valuables that exceed courier liability coverage

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8. Cultural or Banned Goods

• Ivory or products from endangered species

• Certain antiques, artifacts, or culturally protected items

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9. High-Risk Electronics & Components

• Lithium batteries not packaged to IATA standards

• Magnets, powerful transmitters, or restricted electronic components

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✅ How GorillaShip Ensures Compliance

 

As a specialized logistics partner for the collectible's community, GorillaShip follows a strict compliance-first process to protect both our customers and our reputation:

• Intake Review – All packages arriving at GorillaShip facilities are visually inspected. Suspicious or restricted goods may be flagged and rejected before they ever enter a courier’s network.

• Customer Education – We provide collectors with guidance, resources, and advisory support on international rules to prevent mistakes before they happen.

• Courier Alignment – GorillaShip works only with major couriers who maintain compliance with IATA, ICAO, and country-specific shipping regulations.

• Risk Reduction – By keeping shipments compliant, we reduce the chance of loss, seizure, or customer disputes.

Our mission is to give collectors peace of mind. GorillaShip ensures that the packages you entrust to us are not only delivered securely, but also in line with international law.

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📦 Shipping Collectibles Safely with GorillaShip

 

When you ship with GorillaShip, you gain the advantage of:

• Specialized experience – Over 15 years in collectibles and logistics

• Secure handling – Professional packaging designed for cards, comics, and memorabilia

• Global reach – Access to every major courier, tailored to your budget and deadlines

• Peace of mind – Compliance and security at the forefront of every shipment

By respecting prohibited item rules, you protect your collection, your investments, and the entire global hobby ecosystem. GorillaShip is here to help you navigate logistics with confidence, ensuring your collectibles move across borders safely, legally, and reliably.