Prohibited/Restricted Items
To comply with transport
regulations and in line with other parcel delivery companies, Parcelforce
does not carry the majority of goods classified as dangerous in the
latest edition of the International Civil Aviation Organization’s Technical
Instructions. Parcelforce also prohibit or restrict other materials and
products that may be hazardous to our staff and operation.
List is not definitive and may be changed from time to time refer to parcelforce.com for the most up to date information.
Goods excluded from compensation
List is not definitive and may
be changed from time to time.
The following goods are
excluded from compensation: Dangerous, prohibited & restricted goods
(where you do not comply with the relevant terms & conditions) or goods
sent in breach of sanctions. Further information about sanctions can be found at
parcelforce.com/sanctions
Money • Money, credit cards, coins, financial documents – or money’s equivalent including bankers drafts, current bank notes, currency notes or coins, postal orders, cheques or dividend warrants; bearer securities including share warrants, scripts, or subscription certificates, bonds or relative coupons, unfranked postage stamps, or revenue stamps, (except a revenue stamp embossed or impressed on an instrument which has been executed); coupons, vouchers, tokens, lottery tickets, scratch cards or similar items which can be exchanged themselves or with any other item for money, goods or services; national insurance stamps; all tickets, including travel and events. Out of circulation coins (not made of Silver or Gold) are classed as Collectables.
• Negotiable documents • Stamps un-obliterated postage or revenue
stamps. Out of circulation stamps are treated as collectables for
compensation purposes (see Collectables, above).
• Tickets, or tickets which are exchangeable for
goods or services (including without limitation, airline tickets or tickets for
any mode of transportation).
Valuables
• Antiques (objects over 100 years old).
• Articles made largely or wholly of gold,
silver or other precious metals.
• Collectables - items which have appreciated in value either due to their scarcity or due to their being out of production are not excluded from cover, but any compensation payable for loss of, or damage to, any collectable shall be limited to the actual price paid for the item • Diamonds and other precious stones • Fur (except imitation) • Jewellery (except imitation) • Sim cards • Watches
Perishable foodstuffs and articles
• Eggs – compensation will be paid for loss or
delay but not in the event of damage.
• Cakes – compensation will be paid for loss or
delay but not in the event of damage.
• Plants, cut flowers and seeds and all other perishable foodstuffs & articles – (including plants, flowers, medicines, seeds and other vegetable products intended for further processing), may only be sent in accordance with the terms and conditions set out under the heading "Perishable foodstuffs and articles" in the "Restricted Goods" section of this document. In the case of Consignments for delivery in the UK which contain perishable foodstuffs or articles, these must be sent by a guaranteed next day service as a minimum requirement & be able to withstand transit times of at least 48 hours. Claims for damage will not be accepted where the goods have perished & the parcel was delivered within 48 hours. Claims for damage caused by late delivery will not be accepted where this was outside of our control. In the case of Consignments containing perishable foodstuffs we will not pay compensation for the loss or delay of the Consignment or damage to the items.
Fragile items
Unless stated otherwise, we'll pay compensation
for loss or delay of parcels, but not damage to the items.
• Cases (including suitcases and musical
instrument cases) used as external packaging; where hard outer cases are used
as packaging, the case will not be covered for damage. This does not affect
damage claims for contents providing that our packaging guidelines have been
followed.
• Ceramics or composites wholly or partially made of china and/or porcelain.
Marble or any stoneware or derivatives, fragonite and granite. Fossils, rock and stone items.• Glassware – items wholly or partially made of glass, or containing glass, e.g. glazed picture frames and bottles.• Lighting – damage in transit or in handling of fluorescent tubes, neon lighting, neon signs, X-ray tubes, laser tubes and light bulbs or other inherently fragile items.• Musical instruments – no enhanced compensation is available. We'll pay compensation for loss, delay or damage up to the maximum inclusive compensation, and on condition that the item is packaged correctly (see our Packaging Guidelines).
• Plaster items, including plaster of Paris, and
Fibre Clay.
• Resin items including amorphite, amber and
composites.
Other
• Any items or commodity that by its inherent nature is particularly susceptible to damage, or the market value of which is particularly variable or difficult are also excluded from compensation cover.
• Film – or photographic images, including
photographic negatives, photographic chromes and photographic slides.4
Restrictions and
Prohibitions
Restrictions
We can carry the following items for you, but
conditions are applied,
Aerosols for personal use are ok, Aerosols for other purposes (including spray paints, lacquers, polishes, solvents, air-fresheners, oven cleaners etc CAN NOT BE SENT)
*Volume per item must not exceed 500ml. No more than two aerosols can be sent in any one package. Valves must be protected by a cap or other suitable means to prevent inadvertent release of the contents during transport. Aerosols must be tightly packed in strong outer packaging and must be secured or cushioned to prevent any damage.Any package containing aerosol(s) must display the “ID8000” label. See Annex A.The sender’s name & return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.
Alcoholic beverages
Volume must not exceed 1 litre for any one item
and no more than two items can be sent in any one package. Must be
securely closed & placed in a leak-proof liner, such as a sealed polythene
bag. Surround with absorbent material and sufficient cushioning material to
protect each item from breakage. No more than two items can be sent in any one
package. Mark as ‘FRAGILE’ when sending glass bottles. The sender’s name & return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.
Arms & ammunition
Carriage of firearms
between registered firearms dealers CAN NOT be accepted by us.
Batteries
Alkaline, nickel metal
hydride (NiMH) or nickel cadmium (NiCd) batteries - Must be new & sent unopened in their
original retail packaging. Surround with cushioning material e.g. bubble wrap.
The sender’s name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer
packaging.
Lithium ion/polymer batteries sent with
equipment - The maximum number of batteries allowed in each package is the
minimum number required to power the equipment plus two spares. The maximum net
quantity of cells or batteries is 5kg per package. Watt-hour rating must not
exceed 20Wh per cell or 100Wh per battery. Each cell and battery must be of a
type proven to meet the requirements of each test in the UN Manual of Tests and
Criteria, Part III, section 38.3.
Batteries are subject to these tests
irrespective of whether the cells of which they are composed have been so
tested.
Cells and batteries must be manufactured under a
quality management programme as specified in the ICAO Technical Instructions
for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air. Cells or batteries that are
defective for safety reasons, or that have been damaged, are forbidden. Any
person preparing or offering cells or batteries with equipment for transport
must receive adequate instruction on the requirements commensurate with their
responsibilities. The consignment must be accompanied with a document with
an indication that the package contains lithium ion cells or batteries; that
the package must be handled with care and that a flammability hazard exists if
the package is damaged; that special procedures must be followed in the event
the package is damaged, to include inspection and repacking if necessary; and
also a telephone number for additional information. Cells and batteries must be
packed in inner packagings that completely enclose the cell or battery.
Cells and batteries must be protected against
short circuit, including protection against contact with conductive materials
within the same packaging that could lead to a short circuit. The equipment
sent with cells or batteries must be packed in strong rigid packaging and must
be secured against movement within the outer packaging and packed to prevent
accidental activation. Outer package must display the Lithium battery handling
label (See Annex A). The sender’s name & return address must be clearly
visible on the outer packaging.
Lithium ion/polymer
batteries contained in equipment - Each package must contain no more than four cells or two batteries
installed in equipment. The maximum net quantity of cells or batteries is 5kg
per package. Watt-hour rating must not exceed 20Wh per cell or 100Wh per
battery. Each cell and battery must be of a type proven to meet the
requirements of each test in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III,
section 38.3. Batteries are subject to these tests irrespective of whether the
cells of which they are composed have been so tested. Cells and batteries must
be manufactured under a quality management programme as specified in the ICAO
Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air. Cells
or batteries that are defective for safety reasons, or that have been damaged,
are forbidden.
Any person preparing or offering cells or
batteries in equipment for transport must receive adequate instruction on the
requirements commensurate with their responsibilities. Cells and batteries must
be protected against short circuit. The equipment containing cells or batteries
must be packed in strong rigid packaging and must be secured against movement
within the outer packaging and packed to prevent accidental activation. The
sender’s name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer
packaging.
Lithium ion/polymer/metal
batteries sent on their own -
only via the concurrence process and only available to limited mainland
destinations (road only).
Must be sent in compliance with Special
Provision 188 of ADR:
Cells and batteries offered for carriage are not
subject to other provisions of ADR if they meet the following:
(a) For a lithium metal or lithium alloy cell,
the lithium content is not more than 1 g, and for a lithium ion cell, the
Watt-hour rating is not more than 20 Wh;
(b) For a lithium metal or lithium alloy battery
the aggregate lithium content is not more than 2 g, and for a lithium ion
battery, the Watt-hour rating is not more than 100 Wh. Lithium ion batteries
subject to this provision shall be marked with the Watt-hour rating on the
outside case, except those manufactured before 1 January 2009;
(c) Each cell and battery must be of a type
proven to meet the requirements of each test in the UN Manual of Tests and
Criteria, Part III, section 38.3. Batteries are subject to these tests
irrespective of whether the cells of which they are composed have been so
tested. Cells and batteries must be manufactured under a quality management
programme as specified in ADR. Cells or batteries that are defective for safety
reasons, or that have been damaged, are forbidden.
(d) Cells and batteries shall be packed in inner
packaging’s that completely enclose the cell or battery. Cells and batteries
shall be protected so as to prevent short circuits. This includes protection
against contact with conductive materials within the same packaging that could
lead to a short circuit. The inner packaging’s shall be packed in strong outer
packagings which conform to the provisions of 4.1.1.1, 4.1.1.2 and 4.1.1.5;
(e) Each package shall be
marked with the following:
(i) an indication that the package contains
"lithium metal" or "lithium ion" cells or batteries, as
appropriate;
(ii) an indication that the package shall be
handled with care and that a flammability hazard exists if the package is
damaged;
(iii) an indication that special procedures
shall be followed in the event the package is damaged, to include inspection
and repacking if necessary; and
(iv) a telephone number for additional
information;
(f) Each consignment of one
or more packages marked in accordance with paragraph (e) shall be accompanied
with a document including the following:
(i) an indication that the package contains
"lithium metal" or "lithium ion"cells or batteries, as
appropriate;
(ii) an indication that the package shall be
handled with care and that a flammability hazard exists if the package is
damaged;
(iii) an indication that special procedures
shall be followed in the event the package is damaged, to include inspection
and repacking if necessary; and
(iv) a telephone number for additional
information;
(h) Each package shall be capable of
withstanding a 1.2 m drop test in any orientation without damage to cells or
batteries contained therein, without shifting of the contents so as to allow
battery to battery (or cell to cell) contact and without release of contents;
and
(i) Packages shall not exceed 30 kg gross mass.
As used above and elsewhere in ADR, "lithium content" means the mass
of lithium in the anode of a lithium metal or lithium alloy cell. Separate
entries exist for lithium metal batteries and lithium ion batteries to
facilitate the carriage of these batteries for specific modes of carriage and
to enable the application of different emergency response actions.
Any person preparing or offering cells or
batteries with or in equipment for transport must receive adequate instruction
on the requirements commensurate with their responsibilities.
Lithium metal/alloy
batteries sent with equipment - The maximum number of batteries allowed in each package is the
minimum number required to power the equipment plus two spares. The maximum net
quantity of cells or batteries is 5kg per package. The lithium content must not
be more than 1g per cell or 2g per battery. Each cell and battery must be of a
type proven to meet the requirements of each test in the UN Manual of Tests and
Criteria, Part III, section 38.3.
Batteries are subject to these tests
irrespective of whether the cells of which they are composed have been so
tested. Cells and batteries must be manufactured under a quality management
programme as specified in the ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe
Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air. Cells or batteries that are defective for
safety reasons, or that have been damaged, are forbidden.
Any person preparing or offering cells or
batteries with equipment for transport must receive adequate instruction on the
requirements commensurate with their responsibilities. The consignment must be
accompanied with a document with an indication that the package contains
lithium metal cells or batteries; that the package must be handled with care
and that a flammability hazard exists if the package is damaged; that special
procedures must be followed in the event the package is damaged, to
include inspection and repacking if necessary; and also a telephone number for
additional information. Cells and batteries must be packed in inner packaging’s
that completely enclose the cell or battery. Cells and batteries must be
protected against short circuit, including protection against contact with
conductive materials within the same packaging that could lead to a short
circuit. The equipment sent with cells or batteries must be packed in strong
rigid packaging and must be secured against movement within the outer packaging
and packed to prevent accidental activation. Outer package must display the
Lithium battery handling label. The sender’s name and return address must be
clearly visible on the outer packaging. Lithium metal/alloy batteries contained
in equipment - Each package must contain no more than four cells or two
batteries installed in equipment. The maximum net quantity of cells or
batteries is 5kg per package. The lithium content must not be more than 1g per cell
or 2g per battery. Each cell and battery must be of a type proven to meet the
requirements of each test in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III,
section 38.3. Batteries are subject to these tests irrespective of whether the
cells of which they are composed have been so tested. Cells and batteries must
be manufactured under a quality management programme as specified in the ICAO
Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air.
Cells or batteries that are defective for safety reasons, or that have been
damaged, are forbidden.
Any person preparing or offering cells or
batteries in equipment for transport must receive adequate instruction on the
requirements commensurate with their responsibilities. Cells and batteries must
be protected against short circuit. The equipment containing cells or batteries
must be packed in strong rigid packaging and must be secured against movement
within the outer packaging and packed to prevent accidental activation. The
sender’s name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer
packaging.
Wet, non-spillable
batteries - Batteries must
comply with Special Provision 238 of the UN Recommendations on the Transport of
Dangerous Goods, Model Regulations (please check with the manufacturer or
distributor). No more than one battery in any one package. Maximum weight
1.5kg. Item must be protected against short circuit (by the effective
insulation of exposed terminals) and securely packaged. Package must be marked
“NOT RESTRICTED” and “SPA67 /SP238”. The sender’s name and return address must
be clearly visible on the outer packaging.
Biological Substance (Category B)
Diagnostic specimens including blood and urine.
Category B (UN3373) as classified in the latest edition of the ICAO Technical
Instructions for Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air. May only be sent by,
or at the specific request of, a qualified medical practitioner, registered
dental practitioner, veterinary surgeon, registered nurse or a recognised
laboratory or institution. The total sample volume/mass in any parcel must not
exceed 50ml/50g.
All biological substances must be posted in
packaging that complies with Packaging Instruction 650 of the Technical
Instructions, however dry ice (UN1845) is not permitted. The sender’s name and
return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging. Infectious
Substances assigned to Category B are only permitted for destinations within
the United Kingdom.
Financial documents
None of the following can be sent on any
Parcelforce export service. They can only be sent on a Parcelforce UK service,
however these items are excluded from compensation.
Money: bankers drafts, current bank notes,
currency notes or coins, postal orders, cheques or dividend warrants; bearer
securities including share warrants, scrips, or subscription certificates,
bonds or relative coupons, unfranked postage stamps, or revenue stamps, (except
a revenue stamp embossed or impressed on an instrument which has been
executed); coupons, vouchers, tokens, lottery tickets, scratch cards or similar
items which can be exchanged themselves or with any other item for money,
goods or services; national insurance stamps; all tickets, including travel and
events. Out of circulation coins (not made of Silver or Gold) are classed as Collectables.
International Export Licences and International
Packaging
Items requiring Parcelforce to obtain any
special licence or permit for transportation, importation or exportation; or
consignments with a declared value for customs in excess of that permitted for
the particular destination should not be sent on any international service.
Any items packaged in Kraft paper can not be
sent via our globalexpress service.
Lighters (new, not containing flammable liquids
or gases)
Must be new, empty and sent unopened in their
original retail packaging. A sender’s name and return address must be clearly
visible on the outer packaging,
Living creatures
Certain living creatures are accepted only if
enclosed in packs constructed so as to prevent injury to Parcelforce staff and
its agents, or damage to other packages. The following are accepted
• Bees.
• Destroyers of noxious pests and other insects
sent to or from officially recognised institutions.
• Leeches and certain parasites.
• Silkworms.
In addition, the following may be sent to
destinations in Zones 1 to 3:
• Caterpillars.
• Earthworms.
• Fish fry and eggs.
• Lugworms.
• Maggots.
• Mealworms.
• Pupae and chrysalides.
• Ragworms.
No other living creatures are accepted.
To send any of the above, express9, express10,
expressAM or express24 services must be used for Zones 1 to 3.
Perfume & aftershave (including Eau de
Toilette, eau de perfume)
May be sent within the UK, Channel Islands & Isle of Man only. Volume per item must not exceed 150ml. No more than four
perfumes or aftershaves can be sent in any one package. The perfume or
aftershave must be within its original retail packaging & then placed in
strong outer packaging. The inner packagings must be packed, secured or
cushioned to prevent breakage or leakage of their contents into the outer
packaging. An ID8000 label must be applied (See Annex A). The sender’s name & return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.
Nail varnish & polish Volume per item must not exceed 30ml. No more than four bottles of nail varnish can be sent in any one package. Bottles of nail varnish must be placed in strong outer packaging & be so packed, secured or cushioned in such a way that they cannot break, be punctured or leak their contents into the outer packaging. An ID8000 label must be applied (See Annex A). The sender’s name & return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.
Perishables Fresh fruit, meat, fish & other perishable articles should be able to withstand transit times of at least 48 hours & must be sent on a next day service as a minimum requirement within the UK. Packages must be clearly labelled ‘PERISHABLE’. Packages of fish should be smoked or chilled & sealed in vacuum packs before sending. In all cases, they must be enclosed in adequate polystyrene containment to prevent contamination. It is the responsibility of the shipper to package all perishable articles in such a manner that during transport the contents are kept at an appropriate temperature that is unlikely to give rise to a risk to health.
Plants Live plants may only be sent in accordance with the terms and conditions set out in the heading ‘Perishable foodstuffs and articles’ above.
Prescription medicines drugs sent for scientific purposes. May only be sent by, or at the specific request of, a qualified medical practitioner, registered dental practitioner, veterinary surgeon, registered nurse or a recognised laboratory or institution. Volume/mass per item must not exceed 50ml/50g. The medicines must be securely closed & placed in a leak-proof container such as a sealed polythene bag (for liquids) or a sift-proof container (for solids). Must be tightly packed in strong outer packaging & must be secured or cushioned to prevent any damage. The sender’s name & return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging. If the medicines are classified as dangerous goods (flammable or toxic) by the ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air, an ID8000 label must be applied (See Annex A).
Radioactive materials Radioactive materials not classified as
dangerous goods in the latest edition of the ICAO Technical Instructions for
the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air, such as samples of granite rock, Surround with cushioning material e.g. bubble
wrap.The sender’s name & return address must be
clearly visible on the outer packaging.
Sharp objects and instruments (including
scissors and kitchen knives/utensils)
These items may only be despatched if they are
packaged appropriately so that they do not present a risk to staff, other
packages or recipients.
Works of art are excluded from compensation for loss or damage.
Prohibited goods In the event of Parcelforce returning an item to the sender due to contravention of customs regulations for Prohibited Goods, the charges will not be refunded & a return charge may apply.
Arms and ammunition Ammunition (other than lead pellets & other
airgun and airsoft projectiles) is prohibited. All weapons (including Section 5 firearms, CS
gas and pepper sprays, flick knives, tasers & stun guns; components of
firearms & all other items similar to, or resembling the foregoing) are
prohibited.
Christmas crackers Christmas Crackers are prohibited.
Counterfeit currency Counterfeit currency &counterfeit stamps are
prohibited.
Dangerous Goods To comply with transport regulations & in line
with other parcel delivery companies, Parcelforce does not carry the majority
of goods classified as dangerous in the latest edition of the International
Civil Aviation Organization’s Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of
Dangerous Goods by Air. Prohibited dangerous goods include (for example):
• Explosives such as fireworks, flares &
blasting caps
• Gases including cylinders for camping stoves,
gas cartridges, fire extinguishers & scuba tanks
• Flammable liquids including acetone, benzene, petroleum, lighter fluid, solvent-based paint thinners & removers and many paints, enamels & adhesives.
Next day or Two Days Delivery drop off at a Post Office up to 30kg or drop off at a Parcelforce depot up to 30kg.
You can send to any UK postcode except the channel islands.
*Fully tracked from the point of drop off.*This is a drop off service at either a UK Post Office or a Parcelforce Depot only and is delivered to the recipients door.
*A printer is required to use this service.
*Fully tracked from the point of drop off.
*Drop off your parcel during Post Office opening times of 9am to 5:30pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 12:30pm on Saturdays.
Parcelforce depots are open 8am - 7pm Monday - Fridays and Saturdays between 8am and 12:30pm only.
You
must print out the bar coded label which will be emailed to you and attach to the parcel. You will also need to write the recipients name, address & phone number on the parcel in case the label comes off.
The maximum length of a parcel is 150cm for this drop off service, if your parcel is longer than this you need to select a different service from the UK menu above.
Enter the length, width, height and weight in the boxes on the right to get a quote.
Over-sized parcels will be refused to be sent at the drop off point.
Do not send fragile items, furniture or white goods as these are not
insured.
Choose the level of insurance you require from the drop down menu, £100 of free insurance is included with each parcel sent.
If Parcelforce try to deliver the parcel and the recipient is not in, they will put a card through your door advising to call the phone number supplied to rebook a different delivery date. The main Parcelforce query line is 0344 800 4466.
Packaging
Ensure your parcels are well wrapped to protect them from damage, damage caused to parcels not sufficiently packaged will result in an insurance claim invalid.
Drop off points
You can drop off your parcel at any UK Post Office or Parcelforce depot.