Whether it’s by land, sea, or air, all freight forwarders must adhere to international shipping customs regulations which control the types of goods that may be sent to and received by a destination country. These regulations are imposed for safety reasons as some items become hazardous while in transit. Air shipments are also required to follow airline-specific guidelines when it comes to the types of items that are being transported. Certain goods that are sent via air shipment can become dangerous due to the changes in air pressure, which may cause leaks, spills, rot, or worse – volatility. Items that are commonly forbidden in air shipments include, but are not limited to the following:
- Firearms
- Explosives (fireworks and detonating fuses)
- Flammables (liquids or solids)
- Toxic and infectious items (pesticides)
- Gases (compressed gas, dry ice, fire extinguishers, gas lighters)
- Biological products and waste (medical or dangerous pathogens)
- Perishables (including food) and items that can pose a danger to public health
- Drain cleaners, bleaches, detergents, and solvents
- Pressurized containers (aerosols, fuel, scuba tanks, propane tanks)
- Paints and paint thinners
- Other hazardous materials (Gasoline powered tools, Lithium batteries, equipment with fuel, radioactive materials, poisons, etc)
- Any living materials (Plants, animals)
The moving company will provide you with the latest customs information for the country you are moving to and will advise you accordingly as to what items are restricted or prohibited when shipping via air.