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How to Check Restricted and Prohibited Items Before Buying Overseas

Tap through each step to check whether what you want to order is restricted.

  1. Know which items are banned outright

    Illegal drugs, firearms and weapons, counterfeit goods, and products made from endangered species (such as ivory or certain furs) are banned from import in most countries, regardless of quantity or intended personal use.

  2. Check items that are allowed only with conditions

    Medicines, dietary supplements, cosmetics, and electronics with wireless functions often require quantity limits or separate certification (such as health authority approval or radio-frequency certification) before they can clear customs.

  3. Know that restricted items are usually excluded from simplified clearance

    The items above are typically routed through formal customs clearance no matter how low the declared value is, since they need closer review.

  4. Check your national customs authority's current guidance

    The exact and current list of banned and restricted items is maintained on your national customs authority's website by product category β€” check there before ordering anything unfamiliar.

  5. Verify authenticity and intended use before you buy

    For medicines and supplements especially, verify the ingredients and intended use in advance, since these details matter for whether the item can clear customs at all.

  6. Understand the consequences of importing a banned item

    If a prohibited item is caught at customs, it can be seized and destroyed, and in some cases the importer can face legal penalties.

Not Knowing the Rule Doesn't Exempt You From It

Customs authorities generally don't make exceptions for buyers who genuinely didn't know an item was restricted β€” if a shipment is caught, it can be held or seized regardless of intent, and refunds in that situation are often difficult. Before ordering from an unfamiliar product category, it's worth building the habit of checking import eligibility first.

For Counterfeit Risk, Also Check This

Some categories with restricted or fake goods overlap heavily with counterfeit risk β€” it's worth reviewing general online shopping safety habits alongside this guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can't I just buy vitamins or supplements freely?

Dietary supplements and medicines often have quantity limits even for personal use, so it's worth checking the rules before ordering, even though outright bans are less common for this category.

Is it okay if I genuinely didn't know an item was restricted?

Not knowing generally doesn't change the outcome β€” if a banned or restricted item is identified at customs, it can still be held or seized, so it's safer to check before you buy.