Luggage Forward is committed to the safe and reliable delivery of every shipment. Certain items are prohibited not as a matter of preference, but because they present genuine safety risks during transit, are subject to strict carrier and government regulations, or create legal and customs complications that cannot be resolved on your behalf.
Understanding why these restrictions exist can help you pack with confidence and avoid delays, holds, or disruption to your shipment. Any shipment found to contain disallowed goods will void all guarantees, warranties, credits, and protections under Luggage Forward's Terms of Service.
Electronics
Electronics — including laptops, personal computers, cell phones, tablets, stereo equipment, personal audio devices, range finders, and plasma screens — cannot be shipped. Many electronics contain lithium batteries, which are subject to strict hazardous materials regulations. Electronics are also subject to import duties and customs scrutiny that may affect the transit of your entire shipment. We recommend carrying electronics with you personally.
Batteries
All wet and lithium batteries are prohibited, including batteries integrated within electronic devices such as cell phones, laptops, tablets, and personal audio devices. Lithium batteries present a well-documented fire risk during transit and are strictly regulated by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the U.S. Department of Transportation. This also includes Air Tags, while these maybe allowed on commercial flights in some countries, our Terms of service are designed to protect you for all the locations we ship to.
Alcohol and items containing alcohol
Alcoholic beverages and any product containing alcohol — including perfume, cologne, and insect repellent — cannot be shipped. Alcohol is a flammable liquid classified as a hazardous material under federal regulations and is a regulated commodity in many jurisdictions. These items are prohibited by our carrier partners as well as Luggage Forward.
Medications, drugs, and medical equipment
All prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, supplements, and medical equipment — including test meters — are prohibited. Medications are subject to strict import and export regulations that vary by country and jurisdiction and cannot always be cleared through customs as part of a personal luggage shipment. We recommend carrying medications with you in your hand luggage.
Pressurized containers
Aerosol cans, CO2 cartridges, and all other pressurized containers are classified as hazardous materials. Changes in temperature and pressure during transit can cause these items to rupture or leak, creating a risk to handlers, other shipments, and carrier equipment.
Hazardous materials
The following are prohibited as hazardous materials: infectious substances, poisons, hazardous or corrosive chemicals, tear gas, mace, pepper spray, dry ice, explosives including fireworks, and any flammable or combustible materials including gasoline. These items are subject to Federal Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR Parts 100–185). Violations may result in civil penalties of up to $75,000 per violation, or $175,000 if the violation results in severe injury or substantial property damage.
Firearms and ammunition
Firearms and ammunition of any kind cannot be accepted for shipment through Luggage Forward.
Gambling devices
Gambling devices are prohibited from all shipments. Each country has different standards of what is coincided gambling devices.
Tobacco products
Cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, pipes, and all other tobacco products cannot be shipped. Tobacco is a regulated commodity subject to excise taxes and import restrictions across many jurisdictions.
Food and perishables
All food items — including spices, oils, organic matter, and perishable goods — are prohibited. Food items are subject to agricultural import restrictions and customs regulations, particularly on international routes, and can result in seizure of an entire shipment.
Hazardous waste
Hazardous waste — including used hypodermic needles, syringes, and other medical waste — cannot be shipped under any circumstances.
Waste and garbage
Items intended for disposal or considered garbage are not accepted for shipment.
Cash and negotiable instruments
Cash, coins, currency, stamps, lottery tickets, gift cards, gift certificates, traveler's checks, money orders, bonds, prepaid calling cards, and other negotiable instruments cannot be shipped. These items carry significant liability and are not covered under any Luggage Forward protection.
Live animals
Live animals of any kind, including pets and insects, cannot be shipped through Luggage Forward.
Animal carcasses
Animal corpses, animal parts intended for taxidermy, meat, and poultry products cannot be accepted for shipment.
Human remains
Human remains of any kind, including cremated remains, fetal remains, disinterred remains, and body parts, cannot be shipped.
Additional restrictions
In addition to the categories above, the following are also prohibited:
- Any item classified as hazardous by the Federal Aviation Administration. A full list is available at faa.gov/hazmat/packsafe
- Any item listed as prohibited by FedEx, UPS, or DHL
- Packages that are wet, leaking, or emit an odor
- Any shipment that may cause damage or delay to equipment, personnel, or other shipments
- Any item that requires a local, state, or federal license for transportation
- Any item prohibited by applicable local, state, or federal law
Important
Customer is solely responsible for ensuring that no prohibited or restricted items are included in any shipment. Any shipment tendered that contains disallowed goods may be returned to the origin address at the customer's expense, and all guarantees, protections, and Value Protection coverage will be void.
If you have questions about a specific item, contact our Client Experience Team at +1 617-482-1100 or support@luggageforward.com before booking.