Prohibited & Restricted Items List
Prohibited & Restricted Items
Complete reference guide for items that cannot be shipped or require special handling. Compliance with IATA, ICAO, DGCA, and Indian regulations.
Strictly Prohibited Items
Narcotics & Drugs
- Cannabis / Marijuana
- Opium & derivatives
- Cocaine / Heroin
- Psychotropic substances
- Unlicensed pharmaceuticals
- Drug paraphernalia
Explosives & Weapons
- Firearms & ammunition
- Explosives / Detonators
- Fireworks / Pyrotechnics
- Knives & offensive weapons
- Pepper spray / Mace
- Replica weapons
Hazardous Materials
- Radioactive substances
- Infectious substances (Cat A)
- Corrosive acids
- Toxic gases & poisons
- Asbestos
- Mercury
Live Animals & Biological
- Live animals (except via Cuddle Service)
- Human remains / ashes
- Pathological specimens
- Endangered species (CITES)
- Insects & pests
- Biological weapons
Currency & Valuables
- Cash currency (INR & foreign)
- Bearer bonds / cheques
- Bullion / gold bars
- Loose precious stones
- Unset diamonds
- Negotiable instruments
Perishable Food
- Fresh fruits & vegetables
- Dairy products (unsealed)
- Raw meat / seafood
- Frozen foods (without cold chain)
- Home-cooked meals
- Expired food products
Dangerous Goods (DG) — IATA Classes
Explosives
Prohibited on all services. Includes fireworks, ammunition, detonators, and all explosive substances.
Gases
Aerosols, compressed gases (oxygen, nitrogen, CO₂), lighters, and gas cylinders. Restricted — UN-certified packaging mandatory.
Flammable Liquids
Paints, varnishes, adhesives, perfumes, alcohol-based products. Restricted — flash point documentation required.
Flammable Solids
Matches, magnesium, sulphur, metal powders. Restricted — IATA packing instructions apply.
Oxidising Substances
Hydrogen peroxide, ammonium nitrate fertilisers, bleaching agents. Restricted.
Toxic & Infectious Substances
Pesticides, clinical waste, biological samples. Cat A prohibited. Cat B restricted with UN3373 packaging.
Radioactive Material
Strictly prohibited on all Deliverymen services. No exceptions.
Corrosives
Battery acids, drain cleaners, mercury. Restricted — UN packaging required.
Miscellaneous DG
Dry ice, lithium batteries, magnetised materials, environmentally hazardous substances. Restricted — declaration mandatory.
DG Shipping Requirements
- Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods — mandatory for all DG classes
- UN-specification certified packaging required
- DG surcharge applies per airline tariff
- Advance booking 72 hours minimum for DG shipments
- Not all flights accept DG — subject to airline approval
- Misdeclaration penalty: ₹10,000–₹1,00,000+
Restricted Items
Lithium Batteries
- Only when installed in equipment
- UN38.3 test certificate required
- Max 2 batteries per package
- Loose batteries prohibited
- DG Class 9 declaration mandatory
Jewelry & Valuables
- Declared value insurance mandatory
- Original invoice required
- Tamper-proof packaging
- Max declared value: ₹5,00,000
- Subject to management approval
Antiques & Art
- ASI clearance may be required
- Insurance mandatory
- Professional packing certificate
- Export license for international
- Photographic condition report
Chemicals & Samples
- MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet)
- Laboratory samples only (non-infectious)
- Triple-layer leak-proof packaging
- Customs declaration for international
- Quantity limits apply
Alcohol & Tobacco
- Excise duty paid proof
- Sealed manufacturer packaging
- Quantity limits per state
- International: destination laws apply
- Age verification required
Pharmaceuticals
- Valid prescription / invoice
- Licensed manufacturer only
- Temperature-controlled packaging
- Narcotic-containing: prohibited
- Import license for international
Domestic Shipment — Specific Restrictions
Narcotics (NDPS Act)
All substances listed under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985. Includes cannabis, opium, cocaine, and all derivatives. Zero tolerance — immediate reporting to authorities.
Wildlife Products
Ivory, tiger skin, shahtoosh, tortoise shell, and all products from endangered species protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and CITES. Strictly prohibited.
SIM Cards & Telecom
Bulk SIM cards, satellite phones, and telecom equipment may require DOT (Department of Telecommunications) clearance. Contact Sales Executive before booking.
Agricultural Products
Seeds, plants, soil samples, and fertilizers require phytosanitary certificates and state agricultural department clearance. Quarantine regulations apply.
Fuel & Petroleum
Petrol, diesel, kerosene, LPG cylinders, and all flammable fuels. Strictly prohibited on all domestic services.
State-Level Restrictions
Certain Indian states have additional restrictions on alcohol, tobacco, and specific goods. Check with your Sales Executive for state-wise prohibited lists before booking.
International Shipment — Destination Restrictions
United States
- FDA approval for food/medical
- FCC for electronic devices
- No Cuban-origin goods
- Strict wood packaging (ISPM 15)
United Kingdom
- UKCA/CE marking required
- Strict knife/blade regulations
- VAT & customs declaration
- No unscreened electronics
UAE / Middle East
- No alcohol without license
- No pork products
- No religious materials (restricted)
- Strict medication import rules
European Union
- CE marking mandatory
- REACH compliance for chemicals
- GDPR data devices restricted
- Strict food safety (EFSA)
Australia / NZ
- Extremely strict biosecurity
- No untreated wood/soil
- Food items heavily restricted
- Quarantine inspection mandatory
Other Destinations
- Check destination customs website
- Embargoed countries: no service
- Contact Sales Executive
- Sanctions screening applied
Penalties & Consequences
Airline Penalty (Domestic)
If a prohibited or misdeclared item is detected during airline security screening, the airline may levy a penalty of ₹500 to ₹25,000 (or higher depending on severity). This penalty is solely borne by the sender.
DG Misdeclaration
Misdeclared or undeclared Dangerous Goods discovered during screening attract severe penalties: ₹10,000 to ₹1,00,000+ as per airline/DGCA regulations, potential legal action, blacklisting, and criminal prosecution.
Confiscation & Disposal
Prohibited items will be confiscated by authorities. The shipment may be destroyed or disposed of without compensation. All associated costs (destruction, storage, disposal) are charged to the sender.
Account Suspension
Repeated violations or serious offences (narcotics, weapons, explosives) will result in permanent account termination, reporting to law enforcement authorities, and potential criminal liability.
Legal Framework
- Indian Postal Act, 1983 — Prohibits carriage of certain items by courier
- Customs Act, 1962 — Governs import/export restrictions
- NDPS Act, 1985 — Narcotics: criminal offence with imprisonment
- Arms Act, 1959 — Firearms and ammunition
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 — Endangered species products
- IATA DGR / ICAO Technical Instructions — Dangerous goods by air
- DGCA Civil Aviation Requirements — Air cargo security
Special Handling & Pre-Approval Items
Live Animals (Cuddle Service)
Only through our dedicated Cuddle Service. Requires IATA-compliant crate, health certificate, vaccination records. 72 hours advance booking mandatory.
Dry Ice Shipments
Classified as DG Class 9. Requires DG declaration, UN1845 labeling, and ventilated packaging. Quantity limits per package apply.
Medical Devices
Requires CDSCO approval for import/export, manufacturer license, and proper labeling. Contact Sales Executive for documentation checklist.
Electronic Equipment
Items containing lithium batteries (installed) require UN38.3 certificate. Large servers/equipment may need wooden crate packaging.
Artwork & Antiques
Requires professional condition report, insurance, and possibly ASI clearance. Custom crating may be required.
Temperature-Controlled
Pharma, vaccines, and perishables require validated cold-chain packaging. Dry ice = DG Class 9. Data loggers recommended.
+91 8181810580
Nathaniel Air Express Cargo Service Co.
Building No. 225/4, Shop No 3, 4 Marla,
Model Town, Sector-11,
Gurugram, Haryana - 122001
support@deliverymen.co.in