Many everyday items are classified as Dangerous Goods (DG) for air transport. Because they need special handling, documentation, and trained staff, shipping them is more involved than a standard package — and some items can't be shipped at all, depending on the item and your destination.
Am I Shipping Dangerous Goods?
You might be surprised by what counts. Common examples include:
- Flammable liquids: perfumes, aftershaves, nail polish, and alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
- Pressurized goods: aerosols such as deodorants, hairsprays, and spray paint.
- Corrosives: some hair dyes, bleach, and strong cleaning fluids.
- Batteries: loose lithium-ion batteries and power banks are restricted. Batteries installed inside a device, such as a laptop, are usually easier to ship.
Before You Buy: The Dangerous Goods Process
If you think an item might be restricted, check with us before you order:
- Request a Safety Data Sheet (SDS). Ask the retailer for an SDS — this document tells our team exactly how the item must be classified.
- Contact us. Email info@forward2me.com with the SDS and your destination country.
- Check for surcharges. Couriers such as DHL, FedEx, and UPS often apply a Dangerous Goods Surcharge for specialized transport. The amount varies by item and destination.
- We'll confirm your destination. Some countries ban private individuals from receiving certain hazardous items, so we'll check whether yours allows the specific item.
Not Everything Can Be Shipped
Even with an SDS, some dangerous goods can't be shipped by air, or can't be sent to certain destinations. Following the steps above lets us confirm whether your item can be shipped before you buy. Some items also appear on our Prohibited Items and Restricted Items lists.
If you have further questions, please contact our Customer Experience team.