Can I ship branded items (Nike, Disney) if they are real?

Technically yes if you have proper authorisation from the brand owner (proof of purchase from authorised distributor, reseller agreement, etc.). However, customs officers are extremely sceptical of branded goods from China. Even genuine branded products can get detained for 30+ days whilst customs investigates. Unless you have rock-solid documentation (invoices from Nike corporate, authorised distributor paperwork), I'd avoid shipping branded items entirely. The hassle isn't worth it.

What is the best way to ship e-cigarettes and vaping products?

E-cigarettes and vaping liquids are subject to complex regulations that vary by destination. In the US, the FDA regulates these as tobacco products, and many states ban their shipment entirely. The UK and EU require compliance with TPD regulations and tax stamps. For lithium batteries in vapes, you must follow IATA DGR 66 (UN3481) with proper packaging and documentation. Best approach: Use a specialist freight forwarder who handles dangerous goods and has customs broker relationships. We handle this for clients but it requires proper paperwork and DHL/FedEx (never postal services).

Do I need to pay for fumigation on wooden toys?

Depends on the wood treatment. If wooden toys are made from manufactured wood products (plywood, MDF, particle board), fumigation is NOT required. If they're made from raw/solid wood, you need ISPM-15 certification proving heat treatment or methyl bromide fumigation. Australia is strictest about this—untreated wood can result in shipment destruction. Ask your supplier for IPPC stamps on wooden items or request heat-treated certification. Fumigation costs £150-300 per container if needed, but it's worth it to avoid biosecurity violations.

My supplier says they can ship anything. Should I trust them?

Absolutely not. I've seen this backfire hundreds of times. Chinese suppliers often say 'yes, we can ship anything' because they don't understand destination country regulations—or worse, they know the shipment will clear Chinese customs but don't care if it gets seized at US/UK/EU customs. The financial risk falls entirely on you, not the supplier. Common lies: 'We can ship lithium batteries by air' (only if IATA compliant), 'No problem shipping branded goods' (trademark violations), 'Liquid supplements are fine' (FDA registration required). Always verify restrictions independently through a freight forwarder or customs broker.

What happens if customs seizes my shipment due to restricted items?

Customs seizure is a nightmare scenario with severe consequences. Your shipment will be held indefinitely (30-90 days typical), you'll receive a customs notice requiring detailed documentation, and you have limited time to respond (usually 30 days). If you can't prove compliance, the goods are destroyed—no refund, no return. You may also face fines (£500-5,000 depending on violation severity) and future shipments face increased scrutiny. Worst case: Criminal charges for smuggling if customs believes it was intentional (counterfeit goods, drug-related items). Prevention is infinitely better than dealing with seizures.

How do I get IATA DGR 66 compliance for shipping lithium batteries?

IATA DGR 66 (Dangerous Goods Regulations, 66th Edition) compliance requires: 1) UN38.3 test certification from battery manufacturer, 2) Proper classification (UN3481 for batteries contained in equipment), 3) Correct packaging (must meet Section II requirements—individual protection, non-conductive materials), 4) Clear labeling (lithium battery handling label, cargo aircraft only if over limits), 5) Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods form. Most ecommerce sellers can't handle this themselves—use a freight forwarder with IATA DG certification. We handle this for clients shipping battery products globally. Cost: £50-100 documentation fee per shipment plus compliant packaging.

China Shipping Restrictions 2025: The Definitive "Can I Ship This?" Guide

I've been shipping products out of China for over a decade, and I'll tell you straight: the question "Can I ship this from China?" is one I hear at least three times a day. And honestly? The answer changes constantly. What was perfectly fine to ship last quarter might now be sitting in customs detention, costing you thousands in storage fees whilst you scramble for paperwork.

Here's the truth—shipping restrictions from China in 2025 are the most complex they've ever been. Between US CBP's Type 86 crackdown, the EU's ICS2 Release 3 rollout, and China's own export controls tightening, there's a minefield of regulations that can turn profitable shipments into expensive disasters. Let me walk you through exactly what you can and absolutely cannot ship, based on real-world experience from our Shenzhen facility processing thousands of shipments monthly.

⚠️ Quick Summary: The "Kill List" – High-Risk Items

Before we dive deep, here are the items most likely to get your shipment seized, detained, or rejected outright:

🚫 Universally Banned

• Counterfeit/branded goods
• Flammable liquids (alcohol >24%)
• Weapons & weapon parts
• Ivory & endangered species
• Narcotics & drug precursors

⚠️ High-Risk "Grey Area"

• Lithium batteries (need IATA DGR 66)
• Liquids >100ml
• Powders (white powders = instant flag)
• Magnets (strong rare-earth types)
• E-cigarettes & vaping products

Section 1: The "Hard No" List – Universal Bans

These items are banned by international conventions, Chinese export laws, or destination country import regulations. Attempting to ship them will result in immediate seizure, potential legal action, and possible criminal charges:

1.1 Dangerous Goods (IATA Class 1-9)

🔥 Flammable & Explosive Materials:

• Aerosols: Spray paints, compressed air, deodorants (butane propellant)
• Flammable liquids: Perfumes with >24% alcohol, nail polish remover (acetone), lighter fluid
• Explosives: Fireworks, ammunition, gunpowder, flares
• Oxidising agents: Hydrogen peroxide >3%, bleach concentrates

Why it matters: These violate IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations. Airlines refuse them, and attempting to misdeclare them is a criminal offence.

Banned flammable items and counterfeit goods

Common banned items: flammables, counterfeits, and dangerous goods

1.2 Counterfeit & Intellectual Property Violations

🚨 Trademark & Copyright Infringements:

• Fake branded goods: "Nike" shoes without authorisation, "Louis Vuitton" bags, "Disney" toys
• Pirated media: Copied software, pirated movies/music, bootleg books
• Patent violations: Products copying patented designs without licensing
• Logo misuse: Using brand logos on unauthorised merchandise

Real example: US CBP seized $1.3 billion in counterfeit goods in 2024, with China accounting for 76% of seizures. Even if you didn't know they were fake, YOU are liable for the violation.

💡 Grey Area: Genuine Branded Goods

Even real branded products can trigger customs issues if you lack proof of authorisation. If you're dropshipping genuine Nike shoes, customs may still seize them assuming they're counterfeit unless you have purchase invoices from authorised distributors. This is why reputable dropshipping fulfilment centres avoid branded goods entirely—the risk isn't worth it.

1.3 Legally Restricted Items

⚖️ Items Banned by International Law:

• Weapons & parts: Guns, knives (over legal blade length), brass knuckles, tasers
• Narcotics & precursors: Any controlled substances, chemicals used in drug manufacturing
• Endangered species products: Ivory, tortoiseshell, certain animal furs (CITES violations)
• Radioactive materials: Even low-level radioactive items like vintage watch dials
• Biological agents: Viruses, bacteria, toxins, medical waste

Section 2: The "Grey Area" – Items That Need Special Handling

These items aren't universally banned, but they require specific documentation, packaging, or carrier approval. Shipping them incorrectly causes delays, additional fees, or rejection:

2.1 Lithium Batteries – The IATA DGR 66 Challenge

Lithium batteries are the #1 compliance issue I see with ecommerce sellers. Since the IATA DGR 66th Edition (2025 regulations), requirements have tightened significantly:

✅ What's Required for Shipping Lithium Batteries:

1. UN38.3 Test Certification: Battery must pass UN safety testing (drop test, thermal test, vibration test). Your supplier should provide this—if they can't, don't ship it.
2. Correct Classification:
- • UN3481: Lithium-ion batteries contained in equipment (phones, laptops)
- • UN3480: Standalone lithium-ion batteries
- • Separate rules for lithium metal batteries (UN3090/UN3091)
3. Proper Packaging (Section II requirements):
- • Individual protection for each battery (blister pack, plastic sleeve)
- • Non-conductive materials between batteries
- • Maximum package limit: 5kg net battery weight for air shipping
4. Correct Labeling: Lithium battery handling label (black/white diamond) must be affixed to outer package
5. Documentation: Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods (if required by carrier)

Correct UN3481 lithium battery packaging and labeling

Proper UN3481 lithium battery packaging with required labels

⚠️ Common Mistake:

Sellers often ship battery-powered devices (wireless headphones, portable chargers, electric toothbrushes) without IATA compliance. Even if the battery is "built-in," it still requires proper documentation and labeling. China Post and EMS frequently reject these shipments—use DHL or FedEx with dangerous goods handling instead.

2.2 Liquids – Volume & Content Restrictions

💧 Liquid Shipping Rules (2025):

• Under 100ml: Generally acceptable for most carriers (perfume samples, essential oils)
• 100ml - 500ml: Requires special packaging (leak-proof containers, absorbent material) and may be refused by air carriers
• Over 500ml: Must ship via sea freight or ground transport—air carriers refuse them
• Alcohol content >24%: Flammable liquid classification (requires DG documentation)
• Cosmetics & supplements: US FDA registration required, EU CLP labeling required

2.3 Powders – The 2025 "White Powder Rule"

Since 2018, powders have faced extreme scrutiny due to security concerns. In 2025, this has intensified:

🔬 Powder Restrictions:

• Unidentified white powders: Instant customs detention for testing (7-30 days)
• Protein powder, baby formula, supplements: Require ingredient declarations and safety certifications
• Cosmetic powders (makeup, talc): Need labeling with full ingredient list
• Industrial powders: Chemical safety data sheets (SDS) mandatory

Best practice: Ship powders with complete ingredient documentation, preferably in original branded packaging. Generic white bottles with Chinese-only labels will absolutely get detained.

Section 3: Country-Specific Crackdowns (2025 Updates)

3.1 United States – CBP Type 86 Scrutiny

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has massively increased enforcement under Type 86 entry regulations (de minimis shipments under $800):

🇺🇸 US-Specific Restrictions (2025):

• USMCA fraud detection: CBP now cross-references supplier data to catch false origin declarations
• Section 321 abuse enforcement: Split shipments to avoid duties now trigger audits
• FDA compliance: Food, supplements, cosmetics, medical devices require FDA registration (even personal imports)
• Textile traceability: Apparel from Xinjiang region subject to UFLPA (Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act) seizure unless proven otherwise

3.2 European Union – ICS2 Release 3 Data Requirements

The EU's Import Control System 2 (ICS2) Release 3 went live in March 2024, requiring pre-arrival customs data for ALL shipments:

🇪🇺 EU ICS2 Requirements:

• Entry Summary Declaration (ENS): Required 4 hours before cargo arrival at EU border
• HS codes mandatory: Every item needs 6-digit HS code classification
• Shipper & consignee details: Full business registration numbers (EORI for EU entities)
• Failure to comply: Shipments refused entry or held for weeks whilst data is corrected

Impact: Many Chinese suppliers don't understand ICS2 requirements. Use a freight forwarder with EU customs expertise to avoid costly delays.

3.3 United Kingdom – Post-Brexit Complexity

🇬🇧 UK-Specific Changes (Post-Brexit):

• GB EORI number required: Both shipper and receiver need UK customs registration
• VAT on all imports: No more £15 de minimis—VAT charged on everything
• CE marking no longer valid: Products need UKCA marking for compliance
• Different rules for Northern Ireland: NI still follows EU rules (dual system complexity)

3.4 Australia – Biosecurity Obsession

🇦🇺 Australia's Strict Biosecurity:

• Wooden items: ISPM-15 certification mandatory (heat-treated or fumigated)
• Seeds, plants, soil: Absolutely prohibited without import permits
• Food products: Extremely strict—even packaged snacks can be rejected
• Animal products: Leather, wool, fur need veterinary certificates

Consequence: Australia destroys non-compliant shipments—no exceptions, no returns. Always verify biosecurity requirements before shipping.

Section 4: How PFC Express Handles Compliance

Look, navigating these restrictions is genuinely complex—and that's coming from someone who's been doing this professionally for over a decade. Here's how we help our clients stay compliant whilst avoiding expensive mistakes:

🔍 Pre-Shipment Compliance Audit

Before accepting any inventory into our Shenzhen warehouse, we verify:

• Product classification (HS codes)
• Dangerous goods status (IATA compliance)
• Destination country restrictions
• Required certifications (UN38.3, ISPM-15, FDA, etc.)

If something can't be shipped legally, we'll tell you BEFORE you order 1,000 units.

📋 Documentation Management

We handle the paperwork nightmare:

• Commercial invoices with accurate valuations
• Certificate of Origin (when needed)
• Dangerous Goods Declarations (IATA DG forms)
• Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for chemicals
• ICS2 Entry Summary Declarations (EU shipments)

📦 Compliant Packaging & Labeling

Proper packaging prevents rejections:

• IATA-compliant battery packaging (UN3481)
• Leak-proof liquid containers with absorbent material
• Proper hazard labeling (diamonds, pictograms)
• Country-of-origin marking (Made in China stamps)

🚛 Carrier Selection & Routing

We choose carriers based on restrictions:

• Dangerous goods: DHL/FedEx only (IATA certified)
• High-value goods: Insured express shipping
• Time-critical: Air freight with customs broker support
• Bulk inventory: Sea freight with proper documentation

Shipping Something Complex? Get Expert Guidance

Our compliance team reviews your products for free and provides a clear "can ship / cannot ship" assessment.

Get Free Compliance Check

Final Checklist: Before You Ship from China

Use this checklist for EVERY shipment:

Product classification verified: HS code accurate and matches product description Dangerous goods check: If batteries/liquids/powders, do I have proper documentation? Destination country regulations: Confirmed no specific bans (FDA, biosecurity, etc.) Trademark clearance: No brand logos unless I have authorisation Packaging compliant: Meets IATA/carrier requirements if needed Documentation ready: Commercial invoice, certificates, declarations complete Carrier confirmed acceptance: If grey-area item, carrier explicitly approved it Insurance purchased: High-value or risky shipments covered

Shipping restrictions from China will only get more complex in 2025 and beyond—governments worldwide are tightening import controls, and carriers are increasingly risk-averse. The key to success is working with logistics partners who understand these regulations intimately and can navigate them on your behalf.

If you're unsure whether your product can be shipped, don't guess—reach out to us for a free compliance review. It's far cheaper than dealing with a seized shipment after the fact.

📞 Need Shipping Compliance Help?

Our Shenzhen-based logistics team handles complex compliance requirements daily. Get in touch:

• Email: sales@parcelfromchina.com
• Phone: +86 15338777612
• LinkedIn: Connect with Noel Murphy