FedEx is a popular option to send and receive parcels across locations both domestically and internationally. If you are looking for options to send items cross-borders, then FedEx does it efficiently within a specific time frame. Hence FedEx is best suited for time-sensitive deliveries. However, it is important to learn about FedEx shipping restrictions and prohibited items before you are shipping with FedEx.
It is important to stay mindful of the FedEx restrictions and ensure that you follow the guidelines mentioned by FedEx. It will assure that your account is well regarded and your packages will be shipped to the final destination without any complications.
Why Do FedEx Shipping Restrictions and Prohibited Items Exist?
- Legal Reasons
FedEx must comply with local, national and International laws governing the transportation of goods. Certain items such as narcotics, hazardous materials are illegal to be sipped in certain regions.
- Safety and Security Reasons
The main goal of FedEx Shipping Restrictions is to maintain the safety and security of its customers, employees and general public. Items like explosives, flammable substances and other hazardous materials are a threat during transportation as they can cause injuries or damage to property during shipping.
- Environmental Protection
Certain items are prohibited from shipping due to their potential environmental impact. Chemicals, toxic substances, and non-biodegradable materials can harm ecosystems if not handled correctly. FedEx enforces shipping restrictions to minimize its environmental footprint and prevent harmful substances from entering the environment.
FedEx Shipping Restrictions
Even if an item falls under the category of restricted items in FedEx, it doesn’t mean it cannot be shipped. For FedEx to accept a certain item for shipping, you need to have a contract to ship a regular volume and also be able to adhere to the regulations directed by FedEx. The next important thing is about dangerous materials, which are items that contain hazardous materials that need to be shipped under certain stipulated conditions.
FedEx Restricted Items
Here are some of the items that are marked as restricted as per FedEx rules and regulations:
- Any items that involve International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or items subject to import licenses.
- Shipping alcohol or tobacco products requires the recipient to be of legal age, which varies by location.
- Antiquities, artwork, and archaeological artifacts.
- Biological agents, hosts, and vectors of human diseases, etiological agents, etc.
- Class 9 Miscellaneous, which includes items like dry ice, lithium batteries, etc.
- Fresh food and flowers.
- Cut or uncut diamonds.
- Hazardous materials, dangerous goods as per FedEx, and radioactive goods.
- Lithium metal and ion batteries.
- Medical devices.
- Microprocessors, microchips, mobile telephones, CPU (Central Processing Units), and computer chips.
- Special one-of-a-kind artworks, which are irreplaceable and valued between US$250,000 and US$500,000 each, and other single items valued at US$250,000 and higher.
- Pharmaceuticals.
- Perishables.
- Precious metals like gold, platinum, silver, etc.
- Project cargo
- Tobacco products.
- Ammunition and Tranquilizing guns.
For more data visit FedEx’s Global Prohibited and Restricted Items page.
FedEx Size Restrictions
FedEx imposes certain restrictions in terms of the size and dimensions of items that are being shipped.
| Service | Max Length | Combined Length & Girth | Max Weight |
| FedEx Ground | 108″(274 cm) | 165″ (419 cm) | 150 lbs. (68 kg) |
| FedEx 2-Day | 119″ (302 cm) | 165″ (419 cm) | 150 lbs. (68 kg) |
| FedEx 2-Day AM | 119″ (302 cm) | 165″ (419 cm) | 150 lbs. (68 kg) |
| FedEx Express Saver | 119″ (302 cm) | 165″ (419 cm) | 150 lbs. (68 kg) |
| Standard Overnight | 119″ (302 cm) | 165″ (419 cm) | 150 lbs. (68 kg) |
| First Overnight | 119″ (302 cm) | 165″ (419 cm) | 150 lbs. (68 kg) |
| Priority Overnight | 119″ (302 cm) | 165″ (419 cm) | 150 lbs. (68 kg) |
| International Economy | 108″ (274 cm) | 130″ (330 cm) | 150 lbs. (68 kg) |
| International First* | 108″ (274 cm) | 130″ (330 cm) | 150 lbs. (68 kg) |
| International Priority | 108″ (274 cm) | 130″ (330 cm) | 150 lbs. (68 kg) |
International FedEx Shipping Restrictions
FedEx imposes certain restrictions on shipping based on the region. In the case of international shipping, you can find FedEx’s Country and Territory Specific Lists, which is a great tool to help you discover items that are restricted in certain countries. You can choose the country and look for the rules and regulations for each country as per FedEx shipping rules.
It is always advisable to follow these rules very strictly.
FedEx Prohibited Items
When they say prohibited items, it means they are not allowed to be shipped by FedEx. If the items contain any prohibited items then FedEx will automatically decline the service. If you are hiding the contents or misleading FedEx regarding the same, then your account will be suspended or closed.
Here are some of the items that are prohibited by FedEx:
- Anything valued over $20,000 without approval.
- Any artwork or irreplaceable items valued over $500,000 each.
- Flammables with a flashpoint of 140 degrees Fahrenheit or less.
- Any kind of auto parts with fluid in them.
- Fine art and jewelry.
- Furs.
- Pornography/obscene material.
- Precious metals such as silver, gold, and platinum.
- Watches that are valued over $1000.
- Weapons or accessories for weapons.
- Money (cash, coins, currency, banknotes, etc.) and bullion.
- Credit cards, debit cards, tickets, vouchers, tokens, stamps, etc.
- Time-sensitive or written material or documents.
- Contraband goods that do limit illicit drugs, counterfeit goods, etc.
- Living animals, livestock, and bloodstock.
To find the complete list of prohibited items by FedEx visit FedEx’s Global Prohibited and Restricted Items page.
FedEx Prohibited Items – Domestic
In the case of domestic shipping, the prohibited items that are listed by FedEx may vary with the country from which they are shipping and the country to which they are shipping to. While shipping domestically, certain items are not allowed to be shipped. For example, no live animals or firearms are allowed to be shipped via FedEx, it is a no-go.
Some of the items that are prohibited by FedEx include:
- Live animals.
- Cash or currency.
- Animal carcasses (excluding meat and poultry subjected for human consumption).
- Any shipment that requires a special license for transportation from the Federal, state, and local government.
- Any shipment that causes delay or damage to personnel, equipment, or shipment.
- Objects that resemble bombs, grenades, or explosives, fire stocks, or rapid-fire triggers.
- Firearms not containing serial numbers or guns.
- Any weapon or firearm manufactured using a 3-D printing machine.
- Gambling devices or lottery machines prohibited by law.
- Any hazardous waste.
- Live insects.
- Any package that is wet or emits any kind of odor.
- Counterfeit goods.
- Tobacco or tobacco products but not limited to cigars, cigarettes, hookah, smokeless tobacco, and shisha.
- Marijuana, which is defined by US federal law (21 U.S.C. 802(16)), which includes marijuana intended for recreational or medicinal use and cannabidiol (“CBD”); any product that contains any amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (“THC”), except that is set out in 21 CFR 1308.35; and synthetic cannabinoids.
- Hemp oil, hemp plants, CBD derived from hemp plants, etc.
- Any items that are unapproved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and are considered as a drug under the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration but not limited to Salvia Divinorum and Kratom.
- Waste or any kind of garbage disposal.
FedEx Prohibited Items – International
FedEx prohibits shipping any kind of items that are mentioned as prohibited. The restrictions vary with the country, hence you need to find out what each country restricts before shipping. More than restriction it is mostly the essential documents that you need to provide to dart through the customs clearance process for each country. In certain countries you need to ensure that you are sending the requisite customs documents without fail, else they will be stuck at the customs.
Find out about FedEx prohibited items from the Country and Territory Specific Lists tool.
How to include FedEx services in your WooCommerce store?
If you want to include FedEx services in your WooCommerce store, then you can make use of the ELEX EasyPost (FedEx, UPS, Canada Post & USPS) Shipping & Label Printing Plugin for WooCommerce.
Using the plugin, you can clearly segregate the products on your store based on prohibited and restricted items and then make necessary changes to ensure that you are not deviating from any shipping guidelines by FedEx when you are shipping these perishable items.
For example, you can ship items that require dry ice by mentioning in the product detail that the items require dry ice for shipping as shown in the image below:
Similarly, you can also add the HS Tariff number, UN number, or any shipping restrictions that you want to include in your shipments on the WooCommerce product page. The plugin will work accordingly while a customer places an order in your store for the corresponding product. The same applies to the shipping labels too. If you are shipping any items that require specific mention on the shipping label, the plugin does help you print labels as per the FedEx guidelines.
You can learn more about the plugin from the product page.
The Last Shot
In this article, we have looked into the list of items that are restricted and prohibited by FedEx. Obtaining a better understanding of these items before you ship is essential for following the shipping guidelines without fail. Be honest with your customs paperwork or you are likely to get caught at the customs or at risk of being fined by countries you will be importing to.
FAQs
- How can I check if my item is part of FedEx shipping restrictions and prohibited items?
To verify if your item falls under FedEx shipping restrictions and prohibited items, you can use FedEx’s tools like the Global Trade Manager, the Dangerous Goods Guide, and the Shipping Restrictions Database. These resources will help you determine the eligibility of your item for shipment. - Are there special packaging requirements for items under FedEx shipping restrictions and prohibited items?
Yes, items that fall under FedEx shipping restrictions and prohibited items often require special packaging and labeling. For example, hazardous materials, such as lithium batteries, must follow strict packaging guidelines to ensure safe transport. Always consult FedEx’s guidelines or speak to customer service for proper packaging instructions. - What happens if I ship an item that violates FedEx shipping restrictions and prohibited items?
If you attempt to ship an item that violates FedEx shipping restrictions and prohibited items, the package may be delayed, confiscated, or destroyed. Additionally, you could face legal penalties, fines, or be banned from using FedEx services in the future. - Can I ship alcohol or tobacco under FedEx shipping restrictions and prohibited items?
Yes, you can ship alcohol and tobacco, but they are subject to FedEx shipping restrictions and prohibited items guidelines. You must ensure that the recipient is of legal age and comply with state-specific regulations, which may require adult signature verification and appropriate permits. - Are there country-specific FedEx shipping restrictions and prohibited items?
Yes, FedEx shipping restrictions and prohibited items vary by country. Certain countries may ban the import of specific goods like pharmaceuticals, cultural artifacts, or certain electronics. You should always check the destination country’s regulations using FedEx’s Global Trade Manager before shipping.
Further Reading
- All about USPS Shipping Restrictions and Prohibited Items
- How to identify dangerous and prohibited goods while shipping through Australia Post on your WooCommerce Store
- How to identify Prohibited and Counterfeit goods to avoid shipping hassles with DHL
- How to Ship Perfumes and Makeup Accessories Safely
- Understanding Shipping Duties and Taxes
- Shipping Liquids Rules for USPS, FedEx, DHL & UPS: A Detailed Guide
