Germany is a thriving economic hub that attracts businesses and individuals from all over the world. With its strong infrastructure and access to global markets, shipping goods to Germany is a common practice. However, there are certain regulations and restrictions in place when it comes to shipping prohibited and restricted items from Hong Kong to Germany. Understanding these rules is crucial to ensure compliance and a smooth shipping process.

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Prohibited Items

All Warehouses

When shipping from Hong Kong to Germany, there are certain items that are strictly prohibited and cannot be transported under any circumstances. These items include:

1. Aerosols: Items that are pressurized and can potentially explode or cause harm.
2. Aftershaves: Personal care products that contain alcohol or other hazardous substances.
3. Air Bag: Safety devices that are classified as dangerous goods.
4. Ammunition: Firearms, explosives, or any related items.
5. Animals: Live or dead animals, including any animal by-products.
6. Petrol: Any item containing petrol in liquid, gas, or fume form.
7. Aromatherapy Oil: Oils with potentially flammable or hazardous properties.
8. Basin: Large containers that may contain hazardous substances.
9. Biological Samples: Specimens that may pose a risk to health or safety.
10. Counterfeit Currency: Fake or unauthorized currency.
11. Dangerous Goods: Items that are classified as dangerous by carriers.
12. Driving License and other ID Cards/Passports: Official documents that cannot be shipped.
13. Explosives: Substances that have the potential to explode or cause harm.
14. Filth: Waste materials or substances that are unsanitary or hazardous.
15. Fire Extinguisher: Safety devices that are classified as dangerous goods.
16. Flammable Liquids: Liquids with a high alcohol content or other flammable properties.
17. Fragrance: Perfumes or other scented products that contain alcohol or other hazardous substances.
18. Goods from Ethiopia: Items that are prohibited for import/export from Ethiopia.
19. Guns: Firearms or replicas of firearms.
20. Hazardous Goods: Items that are classified as hazardous by carriers.
21. Human Flesh/Remains: Biological materials that are hazardous or illegal to transport.
22. Ice/Dry Ice: Frozen substances that may pose a risk during transportation.
23. Infectious Substances: Biological specimens or materials that may cause disease.
24. Ivory: Products made from ivory, including jewelry or decorative items.
25. Knives: Sharp objects that may cause harm.
26. Lighter/Matches: Fire-starting devices that are classified as dangerous goods.
27. Magnets: Magnetic objects that may interfere with transportation equipment.
28. Meat: Perishable food items that require special handling.
29. Nail Varnish/Polish/Gel: Cosmetics that contain hazardous substances.
30. Perishable Goods: Items that can spoil or deteriorate during transportation.
31. Plants: Live or dried plants that may carry pests or diseases.
32. Powders/Crystals: Substances in powdered or crystallized form that may be hazardous.
33. Weapons: Firearms or replicas of firearms.

Hong Kong Warehouse

In addition to the prohibited items listed above, there are a few additional items that cannot be shipped from Hong Kong to Germany:

1. Laptops: Electronic devices that contain lithium batteries and are classified as dangerous goods.

Czech Republic Warehouse

In addition to the prohibited items listed above, there are specific restrictions on certain items shipped from the Czech Republic to Germany:

1. Food (incl. retail packed) to the UK: Food products that cannot be shipped to the United Kingdom.
2. Items with batteries (outside EU): Items that contain batteries and are restricted for shipment by Deutsche Post DHL.

Germany Warehouse

In addition to the prohibited items listed above, there are specific restrictions on certain items shipped from Germany to other countries:

1. Battery/Items with batteries shipped via AIR: Items that contain batteries and can only be shipped via air with Deutsche Post DHL.
2. Food (incl. retail packed) to the UK: Food products that cannot be shipped to the United Kingdom.

United Kingdom Warehouse

In addition to the prohibited items listed above, there are specific restrictions on certain items shipped from the United Kingdom to other countries:

1. Cash, Credit, and Debit Cards: Monetary instruments that cannot be shipped.
2. Chainsaw: Power tools that are classified as dangerous goods.
3. Cheques: Financial instruments that cannot be shipped.
4. Chocolate: Perishable food items that require special handling.
5. Christmas Crackers: Holiday items that contain explosives or hazardous materials.
6. Computers/Laptops/Notebooks/Tablets: Electronic devices that may contain lithium batteries and are classified as dangerous goods.
7. Drugs: Medications or substances that are regulated or illegal to transport.
8. Engines: Mechanical parts that may contain hazardous materials.
9. Food Items (incl. pet foods): Perishable food items that require special handling.
10. Gearbox: Mechanical parts that may contain hazardous materials.
11. Geochron: Timekeeping devices that may contain hazardous materials.
12. Hoverboard/Segway: Personal transportation devices that may contain lithium batteries and are classified as dangerous goods.
13. Jewelry: Valuable items that require special handling and insurance.
14. Juice: Liquid food items that may require special handling.
15. Kayaks: Large items that are difficult to transport and may require special handling.
16. Liquids/Creams/Oils: Substances that may require special handling due to their flammable or hazardous properties.
17. Lithium Batteries: Batteries that contain lithium and are classified as dangerous goods.
18. Lottery Tickets: Gambling-related items that cannot be shipped.
19. Medical Equipment: Devices or instruments that require special handling or licensing.
20. Milk Powder (Formula): Perishable food items that require special handling.
21. Mobile Phones (by air): Electronic devices that may contain lithium batteries and are classified as dangerous goods.
22. Oil: Substances that may require special handling due to their flammable or hazardous properties.
23. Paint: Substances that may require special handling due to their flammable or hazardous properties.
24. Perfumes: Fragrances that contain alcohol or other hazardous substances.
25. Precious Metals: Valuable items that require special handling and insurance.
26. Printer Toner/Ink Cartridges: Consumables that may contain hazardous materials.
27. Seatbelt Tensioner: Automotive safety devices that are classified as dangerous goods.
28. Settee: Large furniture items that are difficult to transport.
29. Sink/Basin: Large containers that may contain hazardous substances.
30. Slush Syrup: Liquid food items that may require special handling.
31. Sofa: Large furniture items that are difficult to transport.
32. Stamps: Items that have a cash value and cannot be shipped.
33. Steering Wheel: Automotive parts that may require special handling.
34. Tickets: Travel-related items that may have restrictions or require special handling.
35. Tobacco and Tobacco Products: Items that are regulated or illegal to transport.
36. Toilets: Large items that are difficult to transport.
37. Vehicle Bonnet: Automotive parts that may require special handling.
38. Vehicle Bumper: Automotive parts that may require special handling.
39. Water: Liquid substances that may require special handling.
40. Windscreen: Automotive parts that may require special handling.

Restricted Items

All Warehouses

In addition to the prohibited items, there are certain items that are occasionally restricted by carriers. This means that while these items can generally be shipped, surcharges may apply in addition to the regular shipping costs. It is advisable to contact the shipping provider prior to shipment to clarify any restrictions or additional charges. Some examples of restricted items include:

1. More than 2 devices with batteries: Items such as mobile phones that contain lithium batteries.

Shenzhen Warehouse

In addition to the restricted items listed above, there are a few additional items that have specific restrictions when shipping from Shenzhen to Germany:

1. Battery/Items with batteries: Items that contain batteries and can be shipped, but may incur additional charges that differ from general shipping rates.
2. Cultural items: Books, audio/video materials, or art items that may have specific shipping requirements.
3. Famous brand/brand copy items: Items that are replicas or imitations of well-known brands, such as Nike or Apple.
4. Food products, tea: Perishable food items or beverages that may require special handling.
5. Liquids, cream, cosmetics, powders: Substances that may require special handling due to their flammable or hazardous properties.
6. Medical items: Items such as masks or respirators that may require specific paperwork or documentation for shipment. Higher rates may apply, and it is recommended to contact the shipping provider for a quote.

Hong Kong Warehouse

In addition to the restricted items listed above, there are a few additional items that have specific restrictions when shipping from Hong Kong to Germany:

1. Medicine: Medications or substances that require special handling or licensing.
2. SIM cards (to China): SIM cards that are restricted for shipment to China through SF Express.

United Kingdom Warehouse

In addition to the restricted items listed above, there are a few additional items that have specific restrictions when shipping from the United Kingdom to other countries:

1. Alcoholic Beverages: While beer and wine are generally allowed, stronger liquors may have restrictions and can only be shipped by land.
2. Shipments to the Russian Federation: Shipments to Russia can only be made for commercial goods and not to individuals.

Customer Responsibility

When shipping items from Hong Kong to Germany, it is the customer’s responsibility to ensure that their packages do not contain any prohibited or restricted items. Customers should carefully review the list of prohibited and restricted items provided by the shipping provider and ensure compliance with all regulations. In case of any doubt or questions, it is recommended to contact the shipping provider prior to shipment for clarification and guidance. Failure to comply with these regulations may result in account termination or the refusal and destruction of the package without prior notice.

Conclusion

Shipping prohibited and restricted items from Hong Kong to Germany requires a thorough understanding of the regulations and restrictions in place. By familiarizing yourself with the list of prohibited and restricted items, you can ensure compliance and a smooth shipping process. Remember to contact the shipping provider for any additional information or clarification regarding specific items or requirements. By following these guidelines, you can navigate the shipping process with confidence and ensure the successful delivery of your goods to Germany.

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