If you need to get something sent using one of the many courier services that are available these days, you need to check the item can actually be sent. You should consider the fact that most courier companies will have a list of items that they will not deliver. You may find that different companies will have different items on their prohibited list so it is always wise to ask them before sending anything that could be on their list. Any of the following items being sent could possibly result in prosecution, heavy fines and/or imprisonment.

Animal skins / Furs / Any Animal Parts / Ivory and ivory products.

Banderols and any stickers linked with tax.

Packaging with any hazard labels attached – if you send something with a hazardous sticker, it is going to be treated as though it is hazardous. Do not re-use old hazardous boxes.

Dangerous goods – eg Explosives / Fireworks / Radioactive Materials /
Deactivated or Replica Weapons and Munitions / Firearms / Swords / Knives / Weapons.

Engines / Generators / Gearboxes or any part containing or having contained oil/petrol unless flushed through.

No life jackets or fire extinguishers.

Food products may not be sent to the US or Canada.

Any items that are being moved under ATA Carnet and anything that is a temporary import or export; items that are being shipped under FCT, FCR and Cash Against Document.

Hazardous materials eg Aerosols / Paint / Adhesives / Chemicals / Flammable resins, solvents, liquids / Compressed Air / Items containing any gases.

Household goods containing flammable or corrosive liquids, such as oven or drain cleaners.

Liquids / Adhesives / Paint (NO WINE, CHAMPAGNE, BEER any liquids).

Fish, birds or any other type of live animal. 

Human remains, ashes.

Magnets or items containing ferro-magnetic material .

Money, Keys, Negotiable items / Payment cards /Vouchers /Event Tickets .

Any items of a sexually explicit and pornographic nature.

Tobacco and tobacco products / Drugs / Medicines.

Any batteries or power cells that are wet or lithium based.

As long as you check with the company you have selected with to carry out the courier services then you will be fine but as a guide, it is best not to attempt to send any of the above items through a normal courier. If you do have any of the items listed that need to be sent you should look into using a specialist courier that is prepared to ship them for you.