Not everything can be put in a box and shipped internationally. Every country has its own import restrictions, and DHL Express enforces its own prohibited items list on top of that. Shipping a banned item doesn't just mean your parcel gets returned — it can result in seizure, fines, or delays that hold up your entire shipment.
Here's a practical guide to what's allowed, what needs special permission, and what can never be shipped.
✓ Accepted
⚠ Restricted
✗ Prohibited
Commonly Shipped Items
✓ Accepted
Documents & Letters
Legal papers, contracts, passports (copies), letters, business correspondence
✓ Accepted
Electronics
Phones, laptops, tablets — must include commercial invoice with declared value. Lithium batteries have additional rules (see below).
✓ Accepted
Clothing & Textiles
Personal clothing, gifts, commercial garments — customs duties may apply above threshold
✓ Accepted
Gifts & Retail Goods
Consumer goods, toys, books, homeware — declare value accurately on customs form
✓ Accepted
Food (Non-Perishable)
Packaged dry foods, snacks, supplements — some destinations have additional food import rules
✓ Accepted
Business Samples
Product samples, catalogues, display materials — may require commercial invoice even with no sale value
⚠ Restricted
Alcohol
Permitted in some countries with import licence. Prohibited in Malaysia without authorisation, and in all Muslim-majority countries.
⚠ Restricted
Medications & Supplements
Prescription drugs require a valid prescription letter. Some supplements are classified as controlled substances in certain countries (e.g. melatonin in Malaysia).
⚠ Restricted
Cosmetics & Skincare
Generally accepted. Products containing CBD or controlled ingredients may be flagged. Declare all contents accurately.
⚠ Restricted
Lithium Batteries (standalone)
Power banks and loose batteries require special packaging and watt-hour declaration. Batteries inside devices are generally accepted.
⚠ Restricted
Jewellery & Watches
Accepted but must be declared at full value. High-value items may require insurance and additional customs documentation.
✗ Prohibited
Cash & Currency
Never accepted by any courier under any circumstances
✗ Prohibited
Counterfeit Goods
Fake branded goods are seized and destroyed. Criminal charges may apply.
✗ Prohibited
Dangerous Goods (IATA Class 1–9)
Explosives, flammable liquids, compressed gas, corrosives. DHL Express cannot carry these without specialised dangerous goods certification.
✗ Prohibited
Illegal Drugs & Controlled Substances
Strictly prohibited worldwide. Seizure, criminal prosecution, and permanent blacklisting from DHL services.
✗ Prohibited
Perishable Items
Fresh food, live animals, and temperature-sensitive goods are not accepted for international express shipping.
Why Declaring Accurately Matters
Every international shipment requires a customs declaration — the description and declared value of contents. Under-declaring (stating a lower value to avoid customs duties) is a customs offence in virtually every country. Consequences include:
- Parcel held at customs pending inspection
- Seizure of goods without compensation
- Fines levied on the sender or recipient
- Delays that can stretch from days to weeks
⚠️ We never help customers under-declare. If you ask us to mark a $500 item as a $10 "gift", we will decline. It's not worth the risk to you or us.
Destination-Specific Restrictions
Beyond DHL's global list, every destination country has its own import rules. A few common examples:
- Malaysia: Pork products and alcohol face strict restrictions. Medications require import approval.
- Indonesia: Cosmetics and health products require pre-approval from BPOM. Food products need a permit.
- India: Electronics above ₹10,000 face customs duty. Gold and silver have strict import limits.
- China: All commercial goods require an import licence. Personal gifts under RMB 50 may pass duty-free.
- United States: FDA-regulated goods (food, supplements, cosmetics) may require prior notice.
- Australia: Strict biosecurity laws — no fresh produce, seeds, soil, or used sporting goods without treatment certificates.
💡 Not sure about your destination? WhatsApp us the item and destination country — we'll tell you exactly what's required before you pack anything.
The Bottom Line
When in doubt, declare everything accurately and check with us first. Most items people want to ship internationally are perfectly fine — the issues usually arise from obscure regulations that are easy to miss if you're not shipping daily.
We've been navigating DHL Express customs documentation since 2002. If there's a way to get your item delivered legally, we know it.
Not sure if your item can be shipped?
WhatsApp us — we'll advise in minutes, no commitment needed.
