由 caicai8478 The following is a guide to avoid pitfalls when mailing goods across borders for international students, focusing on the list of prohibited items and minefields of declaration, to help you avoid fines, returns or legal risks:
I. List of common prohibited items in the world
(Specific details are subject to the latest customs regulations of each country, and must be confirmed twice before mailing)
- Items that are absolutely prohibited from mailing
Dangerous goods: lithium batteries (including power banks), flammable liquids (perfumes, alcohol>70%), compressed gases (sprays, balloons), gunpowder, firecrackers, etc.
Weapons: imitation guns, knives, stun guns, ammunition (including toy gun accessories may be misjudged).
Drugs and prohibited drugs: products containing marijuana ingredients (legal in some countries but illegal for cross-border mailing), prescription drugs (without a doctor’s certificate), and psychotropic drugs.
Infringing items: counterfeit goods, pirated CDs, and cracked electronic devices.
Animals and plants and products: fresh fruits/seeds, live pets, ivory/coral and other endangered species products (CITES license required).
Sensitive materials: reactionary publications, counterfeit currency, spy equipment.
- Items that are easily overlooked but may violate regulations
Food: Meat (such as sausages and beef jerky), dairy products (milk powder needs to be quarantined), mooncakes containing eggs (banned in some countries).
Daily necessities: nail polish, hair dye (containing flammable ingredients), magnets (affecting aviation instruments).
Academic related: soil samples (special permission is required), biological reagents (may be suspected of being biochemical hazardous materials).
- Minefields and pitfall avoidance skills for declaration
- Declared value
Minefield: Under-reporting the value (such as $20 declaration) may be suspected of tax evasion by customs, and over-reporting may result in high tariffs.
Recommendation: declare truthfully and keep the shopping receipt. Some countries have higher tax-free luggage allowances for students (such as Canadian international students who enter the country for the first time can carry some items tax-free).
- Product name description
Minefield: Vague expressions (such as “gift” and “sample”) are easy to trigger unpacking inspections.
Recommendation: specify in detail (such as “used winter coat, value $50”), avoid using broad terms such as “electronics”.
- Separation strategy
Risk of mixed packing: a box containing prohibited goods (such as medicines) will result in the detention of the entire box.
Recommendation: sensitive items (such as medicines, food) should be mailed separately, and accompanied by explanatory documents (such as translated prescriptions).
- Special certificates
Preparation in advance:
Prescription drugs: doctor’s certificate + English translation.
Branded goods: purchase invoice or authorization letter (to prevent infringement disputes).
Art: list of works + material description (to avoid misjudgment as commercial goods).
III. Examples of special regulations in countries/regions
United States: It is prohibited to mail medicines containing ephedrine (such as some cold medicines) and ivory products.
European Union: Meat and honey are strictly restricted, and cosmetics must comply with REACH regulations.
Australia: Wooden products require fumigation certificates, and the soles of sports shoes need to be cleaned (to prevent soil-borne species).
Japan: Dolls/toys require permission from the Cultural Affairs Bureau (may be considered cultural relics).
IV. Emergency handling
If the package is detained: contact the logistics company to request a customs notice and submit the required materials (such as a tax bill, a letter of explanation).
If the return is received: confirm whether it is worth bearing the freight. Some companies can pay to destroy the illegal items.
Legal disputes: contact the school’s international office or lawyer immediately, and do not sign a confession document at will.
V. Recommended practical tools
Query channels:
Official websites of customs of various countries (such as the General Administration of Customs of China, USCBP).
Prohibited lists of logistics companies (DHL/FedEx official websites are frequently updated).
Purchase of insurance: It is recommended to insure high-value items (specify “total loss insurance” to avoid compensation by weight).
Finally, a reminder: Before mailing, be sure to confirm the policy twice through official channels and choose a reputable logistics company (some postal routes have a low sampling rate but a long time limit). Keep all documents until the package is signed!