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Shipping to United States (USA): what is not allowed

Shipping to the USA is straightforward for most personal goods, but food, medicines, and high-value items have specific customs (CBP/FDA) rules.

Not accepted for United States (USA)

Prescription medicines — personal quantity only, in original packaging, with a copy of the prescription
Packaged, sealed, shelf-stable food (no meat); declare contents
Vitamins and supplements — declare; some ingredients are restricted by the FDA
Gold jewellery in personal quantities — declare the value
Electronics — declare the accurate value

Goods valued under about USD 800 usually enter duty-free (de-minimis); above that, duty and taxes may apply.

The receiver may be contacted by CBP to clear the shipment and pay any charges.

These are refused by the airlines and by Indian export rules, so they cannot leave our warehouse for any destination.

Cash, currency, cheques, bullion, and loose precious stones
Narcotics, illegal drugs, and psychotropic substances
Firearms, ammunition, explosives, fireworks, and weapons (including replicas)
Loose lithium batteries and power banks
Flammable, corrosive, or pressurised goods — perfumes/deodorant sprays, aerosols, paints, thinners, fuel, gas cylinders, lighters, and matches
Live animals, plants, seeds, soil, and products of endangered species (CITES)
Pornographic, obscene, or seditious material
Counterfeit goods and pirated media
Human remains, biological samples, and infectious substances
Radioactive and toxic substances

If you are not sure about something, ask on WhatsApp before you order it. We would much rather answer a question than tell you a parcel is stuck.