Shipping Restrictions Reference
Quick lookup of commonly restricted and prohibited shipping categories by destination. Source-cited from FedEx, UPS, DHL, USPS, IATA DGR, and CITES. Not a customs ruling — verify each shipment with the carrier and the destination's customs authority.
Look up category × destination
Lithium batteries → United States
Restricted (permits / conditions)
Restricted under IATA DGR / IMO IMDG. Air shipment limits depend on Wh rating, packaging, and whether cells are loose vs installed. State of charge usually capped at 30% for air. Most carriers require a UN 38.3 test summary and Section II/IA/IB packaging. Loose lithium cells are forbidden in passenger aircraft.
Loose cells, power banks, and devices with installed lithium-ion or lithium-metal batteries.
Authoritative sources for this category
Important: This reference summarizes commonly searched and well-documented restrictions only. It is not legal advice or a customs ruling. Rules change. Carrier-specific service exceptions exist. Always verify against the carrier's current prohibited-items list and the destination country's customs authority before shipping.
All categories
How to use
- Pick the category for what you're shipping.
- Pick the destination country.
- Read the rule + cited sources.
- Verify with your carrier and destination customs before shipping.
Carrier prohibited lists
Treaty / regulator