What You Can’t Send Internationally from India – Prohibited Items List 2025

Shipping internationally from India opens a world of opportunity, whether you're sending documents, personal items, or business goods. However, not everything can be shipped across borders. Knowing what you cannot send internationally from India is crucial to avoid legal issues, delays, or confiscation of parcels. In this guide, we provide an updated list of prohibited items for international shipping from India (2025), explain key regulations, and highlight the differences between restricted and prohibited goods.

Why You Should Know What Not to Send from India

Every country has its own import and customs policies. India, like others, enforces a strict set of rules about what can and cannot leave its borders. Ignorance of these rules can result in:

That’s why it's important to know the international courier prohibited items from India before sending any shipment abroad.

List of Prohibited Items You Cannot Send from India (2025)

Below is a comprehensive list of items that are strictly prohibited from being shipped internationally from India under customs and courier regulations:

This list is based on Indian Customs laws and updated courier guidelines for 2025.

Detailed Breakdown of Top Prohibited Categories

1. Currency & Precious Items

Sending Indian Rupees or foreign currency through courier is strictly prohibited. Similarly, valuable items like gold, silver, and diamonds require RBI permission and are generally not allowed through normal courier services.

2. Drugs and Controlled Substances

Any form of narcotics or psychotropic drugs is illegal to ship. Even if you have a medical prescription, such items are not allowed in international shipments unless you have government clearance.

3. Flammable and Hazardous Materials

This includes matchboxes, lighter fluid, industrial chemicals, and batteries. Such items pose safety risks and are banned by international air and cargo regulations.

Prohibited vs. Restricted Items – What's the Difference?

People often confuse between restricted items and prohibited items. Here's the key difference:

Example: Medicines with prescriptions are restricted, while narcotics are prohibited.

Common Mistakes People Make

These mistakes lead to parcel seizures, additional fees, or blacklisting by courier companies.

How We Help You Avoid These Problems

At Reliable International Courier, we specialize in handling secure, compliant, and reliable international shipping from India. Here's what we do for you:

We help customers daily to send packages worldwide, especially to the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and more — while staying 100% compliant with Indian export laws and international customs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I send medicines internationally from India?

Yes, but only with a valid prescription and courier guidelines. Over-the-counter medicines without proper labels are often rejected.

Can I ship food items?

Yes you can send Branded & Home made Food Items also, if they are properly packed, labelled, and approved by FSSAI or FDA (depending on destination). Perishables need special permission.

What happens if I accidentally send a prohibited item?

Your parcel will be stopped by Indian Customs or the receiving country. You may be fined or blacklisted.

How do I know if something is prohibited?

Ask your courier service before shipping, or check the updated guidelines on India Post or DGFT websites.

Final Words: Stay Informed, Ship Securely

International shipping from India requires more than just packing a parcel and calling a courier. You must ensure compliance with laws both in India and the destination country. Avoiding prohibited items is a critical step in successful delivery. With the updated list of prohibited items for 2025 and proper documentation, your shipment will reach its destination without delay or legal complications.

Need help with international shipping? Contact Reliable International Courier Services today for expert assistance, packaging, documentation, and doorstep pickup!

CORE VALUES

CLIENTS THAT TRUST


Our Google Review