Prohibited and Restricted Items

1. Prohibited — never through Parcelane

• Drugs and precursors: narcotics, psychotropic substances, cannabis in any form, precursors, "designer" substances, drug paraphernalia.
• Weapons and parts: firearms and their parts, ammunition, pneumatic and traumatic weapons, cold steel, stun guns, pepper sprays, tactical accessories, replicas that can be mistaken for weapons.
• Explosive and dangerous substances: explosives, pyrotechnics, fireworks, gas canisters, lighters in bulk, flammable liquids, oxidizers, toxic and radioactive materials, compressed gases, corrosive substances, mercury.
• Human and animal materials: human remains and organs, biological samples, blood, live animals, birds, insects.
• Protected flora and fauna: species and products protected by CITES (ivory, coral, exotic leather, rare plants and seeds), hunting trophies.
• Counterfeit and stolen goods: fakes of brands, pirated copies, items without proof of lawful origin, stolen property, "found" phones and documents.
• Documents and identity: other people's passports, IDs, bank cards, SIM cards, blank documents, stamps and seals.
• Money and securities above limits: cash, checks and securities above the amount that may be moved without declaration on the route; any cash that belongs to a third party.
• Pornography involving minors and any other illegal content on media.
• Anything sealed, packed or hidden that the sender refuses to open and show — regardless of what they say is inside.
• Anything prohibited by the law of the departure, transit or destination country, or by the airline's rules.

2. Restricted — only with documents and within limits

These items can be lawfully carried, but the traveler must know the rules of every country on the route and, where required, declare the item and pay duties. The sender must provide the documents in advance.

• Cash and valuables: within the limits of the departure and destination country, declared where required (in many countries the threshold is the equivalent of 10 000 USD or EUR); jewelry with receipts.
• Medicines: only in original packaging, with a prescription and a doctor's note in a language understood on the route; controlled and psychotropic medicines are often prohibited even with a prescription — check first.
• Alcohol and tobacco: only within the duty-free allowance of the destination country and only for adults; nothing for resale.
• Food and plants: meat, dairy, honey, seeds, fresh fruit and plants are restricted or banned in many countries; check quarantine rules.
• Electronics and batteries: lithium batteries only in carry-on and within airline limits; no damaged or swollen batteries; drones and radio equipment may need permits.
• Cultural values: antiques, art, coins, icons, old books usually need an export permit.
• Large quantities of anything (more items than one person would need) may be treated as commercial goods and require import formalities.

3. Traveler checklist — before you accept

Good signs — it is probably fine to take it

• The sender opened the parcel and showed each item; you could touch and inspect it.
• The description and photos on the Platform match what you see.
• The items make sense as a personal favor: documents, clothes, a gift, medicine with a prescription, a phone with a receipt.
• The sender answers questions calmly, agrees to your conditions, does not rush you.
• You know how to declare the item, if needed, and what duties may apply.

Bad signs — refuse and report

• Sealed, taped, vacuum-packed or "already packed for the airport" items; a request not to open.
• "You do not need to know what is inside", "just say it is yours", "do not declare it".
• Powders, liquids, pills without packaging, unusual smell, hidden compartments, double bottoms.
• Contents differ from the description or photos; the story changes.
• Pressure, urgency, unusually high reward, prepayment outside the Platform, meeting in a hidden place.
• The sender refuses to show ID or the profile looks fake.

What to do if in doubt

• Do not take the item. You do not owe anyone an explanation.
• Cancel the offer on the Platform and press "Report" — we review such reports within 24 hours.
• If you are already holding a suspicious item at an airport or a border, tell the authorities before screening; do not try to "get rid of it".

4. Sender checklist — check your parcel

• Everything inside is on neither the prohibited list nor the restricted list, or you have the documents for it.
• The parcel is not sealed: the traveler can open it and see every item.
• The description and photos on the Platform show exactly these items, with quantity and approximate value.
• Batteries are removed or comply with airline rules; liquids are sealed against leaks.
• You have receipts, prescriptions or permits ready if the item may need them at customs.
• You are not asking the traveler to hide, undervalue or misdeclare anything.
• You understand that the traveler may refuse the item at handover, and that is their right.

5. Consequences

• Attempting to arrange transport of a prohibited item, hiding contents or pressuring a traveler to skip inspection leads to an immediate block on Parcelane, without warning.
• We disclose data about such attempts to law-enforcement and customs authorities on a lawful request.
• Legal liability for what is carried lies with the person carrying it and with the person who handed it over. Parcelane is not a party to the handover and bears no responsibility for the items (see the Terms of Service, sections 2, 9 and 10).

6. Rules of the countries on your route

Customs and import rules change and differ by country. Before every trip check the official sources: the customs service and the airline of your route, and the embassy of the destination country. Weight and value limits, allowances for alcohol and tobacco, rules on medicines, food and cash are set by each country. Knowing them is part of the traveler's responsibility.

Questions: [email protected]