Prohibited Commodities
NOT acceptable for transport
The following commodities are NOT acceptable for transport by DHL – UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, including domestic (USA) moves.
- Live Animals, Reptiles, Snakes, Birds, Insects (other than those listed below for domestic transit under restricted commodities)
- Bullion
- Currency
- Firearms (Parts†thereof†including†paintball, pellet†guns, air†rifles, etc.) [Except for Domestic exceptions listed below under restricted commodities]
- Pornography
- Drugs / Narcotics (illegal)
- Human remains (including ashes)
- Counterfeit or Pirated goods or material
Any item(s), the carriage of which is prohibited by any law, regulation or statute of any federal, state or local government to or through which the shipment may be carried.
Special care
MAY be acceptable for transport
The following commodities MAY be acceptable for transport by DHL without restriction unless otherwise noted, if the following conditions are accepted by the shipper:
Artwork, Antiques and Collectibles
- Independent proof of value (replacement) must be available upon request
- Shipments must be professionally packaged
- Shipments in excess of USD 10,000 must be approved by DHL Risk
Management for authorization before items of this value can be shipped (please contact Sales Representative for more details)
Medical samples
(e.g. biological/diagnostic specimens, blood, urine, bodily fluids, etc.)
- May only be carried if NOT classified as infectious or dangerous goods
- Items must be packaged and labeled according to proper regulations
- Shipments must be sent through Express Air Service
- DHL is not liable for spoilage or degradation of goods due to delays
Perishable items
(e.g. flowers, plants, foodstuffs, items requiring temperature control, etc.)
- DHL does not provide temperature controls, therefore, items must be packaged appropriately for transit
- Domestic (USA) shipments must only ship through overnight air and must be packed appropriately for up to 48 hours. Friday and Saturday shipments must be packed for up to 72 hours.
- International shipments must be packaged appropriately for 24 hours greater than estimated transit time
- Perishable shipments sent outside the U.S. must not exceed USD 500
- Shipments must be sent through Express Air Service
- DHL is not liable for spoilage or degradation of goods due to delays
Restricted Commodities
MAY be acceptable for transport
The following commodities MAY be acceptable for transport by DHL with pre-approval of DHL Risk Management, if certain conditions or circumstances are fulfilled. Please contact DHL Sales Representative at 800-CALL DHL for more information. Additional fees may apply.
Alcoholic Beverages
(e.g. beer, wine, spirits).
Domestic (USA) wine carriage only from licensed distributors. Adult signature required. Outside the U.S. may be acceptable to send wine, beer and spirits from licensed distributors.
Live Animals
(Limited to non-venomous, frogs, insects, lizards, tortoises, sea life, and worms).
Domestic (USA) transportation only under certain conditions. Not permitted to be sent outside the U.S. DHL is not liable for degradation of goods due to delays. Shipments must be sent through Express Air Service.
Dangerous Goods
(Hazardous or combustible materials, including asbestos and ammunition, as defined by 49CFR, ICAO/IATA or by applicable sea or road transport regulations). Domestic (USA), including Puerto Rico, and Canada transportation only under certain conditions. Not permitted to be sent outside the U.S. or Canada with the exception of dry ice, diagnostic specimens (UN3373) and EQ’s (Excepted Quantities) to certain predefined sectors.
Firearms
Parts thereof including paintball, pellet guns, air rifles, etc.).
Domestic (USA) transportation only from and to licensed dealers. Domestic firearms must be rendered mechanically not fireable.
“Not permitted to be sent outside the U.S.”
Industrial Diamonds / Carbons
For values over USD 10,000.
Negotiable Instruments
(Currency and Bullion is prohibited).
Domestic (USA) exceptions for certain other negotiable instruments. DHL has no liability for negotiable value. Negotiable instruments in bearer form not permitted to be sent outside the U.S.
Precious Metals and Stones
(Including unfinished Jewelry).
Tobacco Products
Domestic (USA) restricted (shipments of cigarettes to individual consumers is prohibited). Adult signature required. Outside the U.S. many countries have specific import restrictions. Please contact Customer Service at 800-CALL DHL for details.