Short answer: Some items can never leave our warehouse, including perfume, other flammable products, and loose batteries or power banks. If a package is flagged, our operations team reviews it within 1–2 days, and you can then remove the item, have it disposed of for free, or send it to another address in the US.
Prohibited vs restricted
- Prohibited items can't be shipped internationally through ForwardMe under any circumstances.
- Restricted items can only ship if they meet specific packing and paperwork rules. Our team may ask for extra information, such as a safety data sheet, before we can approve them.
Carriers, airlines and destination countries all set their own rules. An item can be accepted on one route and refused on another, and a country can ban products that are fine elsewhere.
Items we can't ship
Many common products count as dangerous goods for air transport, and others are prohibited outright:
| Item | Can we ship it internationally? |
|---|---|
| Perfume, cologne and liquid fragrances | No |
| Other flammable items (for example nail polish, aerosols and lighters) | No |
| Lithium-ion batteries packed with or installed in equipment (UN3481) | Yes, when properly packed |
| Loose or standalone batteries | No |
| Power banks | No |
| Alcohol | No |
| Tobacco, e-cigarettes and vapes | No |
| Cash and currency, and credit, debit or prepaid cards | No |
| Crypto hardware wallets holding funds | No |
| Passports and government-issued IDs | No |
| Knives, weapons, and firearm parts or accessories | No |
| Counterfeit and replica goods | No |
| Lottery tickets and gambling devices | No |
| Food that needs refrigeration, and other perishables | No |
Our Terms (§5.1) carry the full list of prohibited items, so check there as well if your item isn't in the table.
About batteries: we only ship lithium-ion batteries under UN3481, which means the battery is installed in a device (such as a laptop, phone or camera) or packed in the same box as the device it powers. Spare batteries on their own and power banks can't be accepted.
You can check what can be exported to your country with our import and export trade restrictions lookup tool. If you're still not sure about an item, check with our support team before you buy it. It's much easier than dealing with a flagged package later.
"It shipped fine last time"
We understand how frustrating this is. Rules change, and a previous shipment going through doesn't guarantee the same item will be accepted again. Every package is checked against the current rules for its carrier and destination.
What happens if your package is flagged
- We mark the package as Forbidden in your account. You'll see a warning message on the package and get an email. While it's marked, a shipment can't be created by mistake.
- Our operations team reviews it within 1–2 days. We may contact you for details or documents.
- You choose what happens next.
| Option | What it means | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Remove the item | We take the restricted item out, so the rest of the package can ship | Free |
| Dispose of the item | We safely dispose of it for you | Free |
| Send it to another US address (including back to the seller) | You provide a return label | $10 handling fee |
| Send it to another US address (including back to the seller) | We provide the label | Courier cost + $10 service fee |
Safety data sheets (MSDS/SDS)
For some products, such as chemicals, cosmetics or electronics with batteries, we may ask for a safety data sheet. This is a document from the manufacturer that describes the product's contents and hazards. You can usually get it from the seller or the manufacturer's website, or by asking their customer service team.
Common questions
Is my flagged package stuck at your warehouse forever? No. Once the review is done, you can have the item removed, disposed of for free, or sent to an address in the US.
Can I ship perfume if it's not in an aerosol can? No. Perfume and other flammable liquids can't be shipped, whatever the container.
My laptop has a built-in battery. Can I ship it? Yes. Batteries installed in a device, or packed with the device they power, ship under UN3481. Loose spare batteries and power banks can't.
Will choosing a different courier let me ship perfume or a power bank? No. Flammable items, loose batteries and power banks can't be shipped with any of our shipping options. For other restricted items, contact our support team before you buy.
Is disposal free? Yes. We don't charge to dispose of an item.
Still need help?
Our support team is available on weekdays from 09:00 to 17:00 ET at [email protected].