FedEx Shipping Restrictions & Prohibited Items

Key Points:

• FedEx prohibited items may vary depending on the country you are shipping in
• Some countries require stricter and additional documentation to pass through customs for certain prohibited items
• FedEx shipping length restrictions are up to 108 inches (274 cm) and 130 inches (330 cm) in length and girth

FedEx is a reliable courier company to use if you’re looking to send your items cross-border safely and within a specific timeframe. However, it’s important to be familiar with their conditions for carriage, specifically their restricted and prohibited items.

By being mindful of FedEx shipping restrictions, you can ensure that your account remains in good standing and, most importantly, that your packages are able to be shipped to their final destination. When you're unsure, Easyship has your back as a logistics partner.

FedEx Shipping Restrictions

If an item falls under FedEx shipping restrictions, it may still be shipped. However, you must have a contract with regular volume and be able to adhere to all regulations before FedEx decides to accept it. FedEx dangerous goods also make this list. The items considered FedEx dangerous goods are those that have hazardous materials.

FedEx Restricted Items

• Any transaction involving International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or other commodities subject to import licenses
• Artwork, archaeological artifacts, and antiquities
• Biological agents, etiological agents, and hosts and vectors of human disease
• Class 9 Miscellaneous (e.g., self-inflating life rafts, lithium batteries and dry ice)
• Flowers
• Fresh food
• Gems, cut or uncut
• Hazardous materials/FedEx dangerous goods and radioactive materials
• Lithium ion and lithium metal batteries
• Medical Devices – must verify that the accepting warehouse complies with state requirements/ licensing/permits for distribution of medical devices
• Microchips, computer chips, microprocessors, central processing units (CPUs) and mobile telephones
• One-of-a-kind/irreplaceable articles such as artwork valued between US$250,000 and US$500,000 each and other single items valued at US$250,000 and higher
• Other perishables
• Pharmaceuticals
• Precious metals such as gold, silver and platinum in the form of scrap, dust, sulfides, residue, industrial preparations such as silver powder and silver termination paste, and jewelry
• Project cargo
• Retail tobacco products
• Tranquilizing guns and ammunition - Please note: Items that may be flammable, corrosive, or contain gases are also restricted.

For the complete and most up-to-date list, visit FedEx’s Global Prohibited and Restricted Items page.

Related: FedEx Customs Clearance: What Are the Steps

FedEx Size Restrictions

For  global fulfillment, FedEx shipping length restrictions are up to 108 inches (274 cm) and 130 inches (330 cm) in length and girth.

International FedEx Shipping Restrictions

As every country has its own import laws and agreements, certain international FedEx shipping restrictions may apply.

FedEx’s Country and Territory Specific Lists are a great tool to help you discover specific restricted items you may encounter when shipping cross-border. By clicking on the country you want to ship to, you’ll be able to see a list of import restrictions and additional context on why items may be restricted.

FedEx Prohibited Items

FedEx prohibited items are strictly not allowed to be shipped by FedEx. Service will automatically be declined if your shipment’s contents are FedEx prohibited items. If you weren’t honest about the contents of your shipment and FedEx finds out, they can either suspend or close your account.

The following items are currently FedEx prohibited items for all global shipments:

• All commodities valued over US$20,000 without approval
• One-of-a-kind/irreplaceable articles such as artwork valued over US$500,000 each
• Flammables with a flash point of 140 degrees Fahrenheit or less
• Auto parts with fluids in them
• Fine art
• Fine jewelry
• Furs
• Pornography/obscene material
• Precious metals such as gold, silver and platinum in the form of bullion, coins or ingots
• Watches valued over US$1000
• Weapons and weapons accessories
• Bullion and money of every description such as cash, bank notes, coins, currency notes, or currency of any kind
• Stamps (postage or revenue); vouchers; tokens; tickets of any kind; and credit, debit or cash cards
• Time-sensitive or critical written materials or documents including, but not limited to, bids and contract proposals
• Contraband including, but not limited to, illicit drugs and counterfeit goods
• Livestock, bloodstock and living animals

For the complete and most up-to-date list, visit FedEx’s Global Prohibited and Restricted Items page.

FedEx Prohibited Items – Domestic

When shipping domestically, FedEx prohibited items may vary depending on the country you are shipping in. When shipping domestically, some items cannot be shipped. For example, shipping firearms via FedEx is a no-go. Same with live animals.

Below is a list of some prohibited items that FedEx will not ship within the United States.

• Cash and currency.
• Live animals*. (Edible seafood, such as live lobsters, crabs or other types of fish and shellfish for human consumption, is acceptable, provided the shipper is in compliance with all local, state and federal laws.)
• Animal carcasses*. (This restriction does not apply to properly packaged meat or poultry products intended for human consumption.)
• Shipments that require FedEx to obtain a local, state or federal license for their transportation.
• Shipments that may cause damage or delay to equipment, personnel or other shipments.
• Items resembling a bomb, hand grenade or other explosive device*. This includes, but is not limited to, inert products such as novelty items, training aids and works of art.
• Bump fire stocks and other rapid-fire trigger activators.
• Ghost guns and other firearms not containing a serial number.
• Any firearm or other weapon manufactured using a 3-D printing machine.
• 3-D printing machines designed, or that function exclusively, to manufacture firearms.
• Lottery tickets and gambling devices where prohibited by law.
• Hazardous waste. This includes, but is not limited to, used hypodermic needles or syringes transported for sterilization, recycling, disposal or for any other purpose, or other medical waste.
• Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odor of any kind.
• Live insects.
• Shipments or commodities that are prohibited by applicable local, state or federal law.
• Counterfeit goods, including, but not limited to, goods under a trademark that is identical to or substantially indistinguishable from a registered trademark, without the approval or oversight of the registered trademark owner (also commonly referred to as “fake goods” or “knock-offs”).
• Tobacco and tobacco products, including but not limited to cigarettes, cigars, loose tobacco, smokeless tobacco, hookah or shisha.
• Marijuana, as defined by U.S. federal law, 21 U.S.C. 802(16), including marijuana intended for recreational or medicinal use and cannabidiol (“CBD”); any product that contains any amount of tetrahydrocannabinols (“THC”), except as set out in 21 CFR 1308.35; and synthetic cannabinoids.
• Hemp plants, hemp leaves, hemp oil, hemp seed oil and CBD derived from hemp.
• Any substance that has not been approved for a medical use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and also has been listed as a Drug or Chemical of Concern by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, including, but not limited to, Kratom and Salvia Divinorum.
• Waste or garbage for disposal.

FedEx Prohibited Items – International

As it goes, there are international shipping restrictions with each carrier, and certain items may be prohibited for international shipping with FedEx. Shipping firearms with FedEx is a blanket prohibited category.  More than restrictions, standards for customs differ by country. Some countries require stricter and additional documentation to pass through customs.

The courier's Country and Territory Specific Lists are a great tool to help you discover specific FedEx prohibited items you may encounter when shipping cross-border.

By clicking on the country you want to ship to, you’ll be able to see a full list of specific international shipping restrictions.

How Easyship Can Help

Hopefully, your eCommerce inventory isn’t on the FedEx prohibited items list! But if they are on the restricted list, be sure to speak to your account manager about getting permission to ship such items.

Also, we highly recommend against being honest about your shipment contents on your FedEx label and paperwork. Not only can being dishonest put your account at risk for suspension or closure, but your business will be at risk of getting heavily fined by the countries you are importing to.

By paying attention and following FedEx’s restrictions, you can ensure your shipment will be allowed to ship and be delivered safely to your customer.

Sign up for an Easyship account today!

FedEx Shipping Restrictions FAQ

Does FedEx require a picture ID before shipping a package?

Yes, FedEx requires a government-issued ID before shipping a package. This practice is meant to prevent fraud.

Does FedEx X-ray all packages?

No, FedEx doesn't X-ray packages before shipping.

What packages require a signature from FedEx?

Alcohol, high-valued goods, dangerous goods, hazardous materials, pharmaceuticals, and firearms all require a signature upon delivery.