Sending with DPD: prohibited items
Some items (or items similar in description or content) can’t be sent using DPD’s network for safety and security reasons. Make sure you’re clear on what’s allowed through the network before you send.
Why we ask what’s in your parcel
If you're sending your item at the Post Office, you'll be asked about the contents of your parcel at the counter. We promise we’re not being nosey. It's to make sure the items are safe to post. If you send prohibited or restricted goods in your parcel, the carrier may deal with it as they see fit, which might involve disposing of or destroying it
Prohibited items
Here's a full list of items, or any items similar in description or content, that can’t be carried on any DPD service.
At Post Office, we also reserve the right to refuse any other item banned by law or that, in our opinion, may be harmful or dangerous to our customers or employees.
- Dangerous goods - explosives, flammable liquids, flammable solids and gases, lighters and refills, air bags, life jackets, poisons and toxins, corrosive substances, matches, and batteries
- Hazardous goods - goods that pose a risk to staff or the environment but do not have a UN number; such as bleach, engine oil, and paint
- Flammable goods Firearms (including imitation firearms and firearm components)
- Bladed products or articles
- Cannabidiol products - gummies, vape liquids with CBD, chewing gum, liquid drops that go under your tongue, tablets
- Tobacco products, or any products containing nicotine
- Alcohol including wines, beers and spirits
- Perishable food (non-ambient foods such as flowers, fresh fruit, vegetables and frozen or chilled foodstuffs, frozen water and dry ice)
- Pharmaceutical products
- Batteries - lithium batteries are prohibited, as are gel and wet batteries (flooded cell car batteries); we do accept alkaline/nickel cadmium (NiCad) batteries which are new and unopened in their original packaging
- Biological substances
- Paints, wood varnishes and enamels
- Glass or any articles (or part of them) that are made of glass, porcelain, earthenware or other similar materials
- Jewellery (including watches) with a value of over £250
- Liquids over 100ml
- Cash or documents which can be exchanged for cash or goods or services (for example cheques, credit/debit cards, vouchers with a face value, event tickets)
- Living or dead animals, fish or birds, or any living organism of any type (including trees, or flowers shipped in liquid)
- Human or animal remains (including ashes)
- Any goods which are destined to a PO box or BFPO address