the 'smart way' to deliver
the 'smart way' to deliver

Prohibited Items Policy

Not all items can move through a parcel network safely and some items can cause serious harm. HubEurope therefore has a strict policy that aims to minimise the risk to our people, our operation, and to the general public.

Prohibited and Restricted Items

HubEurope does not carry the items listed below on any service. You must not send such items through our network under any circumstances. Further information can be found within our terms and conditions.

  • Animals: Live animals, including mammals, reptiles, spiders, fish, birds, insects, and larvae.
  • Banderols and tax stickers: Commonly used for alcohol and tobacco.
  • Bullion: Of any precious metal.
  • Cash and cash-like negotiable instruments in bearer form: This includes any item that in the hands of the bearer can be used for financial gain, such as activated SIM cards, cash dispenser cards, blank cheques, event tickets, money or postal orders, pre-paid phone cards, traveller’s cheques, and unused stamps.
  • Dangerous Goods: HubEurope will not accept for carriage any items categorised under applicable law or regulation as dangerous or hazardous, including:
    • Explosive substances and articles
    • Aerosols (e.g., deodorant, hairspray)
    • Gases (flammable, toxic, and non-flammable/non-toxic gases)
    • Flammable liquids (e.g., petrol, paint, hand sanitisers)
    • Flammable solids, self-reactive substances, and solid desensitised explosives
    • Oxidising substances and organic peroxides
    • Toxic and infectious substances
    • Batteries, including items with Lithium elements
    • Radioactive material
    • Corrosives
    • Miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles
  • Drugs: Any medicinal, narcotic, or psychoactive substance controlled under applicable Misuse of Drugs legislation.
  • Firearms, weapons, explosives, and ammunition: Commodities designed to inflict injury or cause death, such as complete firearms, explosives (including fireworks), and ammunition.
  • Human and animal remains or ashes.
  • Illegal goods: Goods considered illegal in any territory, including pirated goods, counterfeit goods, and narcotics.
  • Imitation or replica firearms, weapons, explosive devices, or ammunition.
  • Knives: Any knife, knife blade, or razor blade; any axe; and any other article made or adapted for use for causing injury.
  • Loose precious stones: Including industrial diamonds, regardless of value.
  • Medical samples: This includes bodily fluids and tissue samples (both animal and human).
  • Overweight parcels: Parcels that weigh in excess of 30kg.
  • Antiques and works of art: Regardless of value.
  • Costume jewellery.
  • Dangerous goods in limited quantities: As permitted by law and regulations, such as perfume and lithium batteries, subject to compliance with laws and regulations.
  • Electronic components: Such as mobile phones, laptops, tablets, computers, and game consoles over £1000 value.
  • Electronic cigarettes (e-cigs and vaping pipes).
  • Firearms parts: All component parts of firearms manufactured for the purpose of creating a functional firearm.
  • Flowers and plant products.
  • Foodstuffs (human or animal): Dry foods, tinned foods, and similar products with a shelf-life of 21 days or more.
  • Fresh foods (perishable).
  • Furs and garments trimmed with furs.
  • Glassware and items containing glass: Note that HubEurope does not accept liability for glassware unless otherwise authorised.
  • High-value goods: Goods with an order value in excess of £1000.
  • Ivory and products containing ivory.
  • Jewellery and objects constructed of precious metals or stones.
  • Legal drugs and pharmaceutical products.
  • Liquids.
  • Pornography: Material specifically designed to stimulate sexual interest or excitement, only legal material can be considered for carriage.
  • Televisions: With a screen width greater than 42”.
  • Tobacco: Both loose-leaf tobacco products and pre-rolled cigarettes.
  • Used car parts and components: Due to the risk of containing lubricants such as engine oil, grease, diesel, and petrol.
No Protection Items
  • Ceramics/porcelain/china/stone/granite/marble.
  • Packaging: Including the box, media packaging, suitcases used as packaging.
  • Precious metals and stones: Including gold, silver, gems, diamond, including in jewellery form.
  • Watches.
  • Cosmetics.
Covered for Loss Only
  • Any type of wooden flooring including laminate.
  • Coffee machines, coffee grinders, coffee roasters.
  • Electrical appliances: Such as cameras, monitors, computers, drones, TVs, or items related to knitting machines or sewing machines.
  • Models, kits.
  • Musical instruments including amplifiers, speakers, or turntables. All musical instruments must be sent in a hard case and boxed.
  • Suitcase: A suitcase will not be protected if used as packaging for internal items.
  • Telescopes or microscopes.
  • Wall decor items: Including canvas prints, clocks, framed pictures, pictures, posters, prints, paintings.
Territorial Restrictions

In respect of our international services, we do not carry any items which are prohibited or restricted by the laws, regulations, or other rules applicable to any territory which the items will travel through or to which the items are to be sent. Prohibitions and restrictions vary significantly by territory and can apply to items which may be considered harmless in your own territory. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with the most up-to-date rules affecting the territory to which you are sending the parcel.

We may amend this webpage from time to time, and it is your responsibility to ensure that you comply with the most up-to-date version at all times. We may also impose additional prohibitions depending upon the territory to which the items are to be sent.

Additionally, we do not carry any other items which in our sole discretion we believe may pose a risk to our people, our operation, or to the general public.