Prohibited & Restricted Items

1. Introduction

At Anonymous Express, the safety of our employees, customers, and partners is our top priority. To ensure compliance with local, national, and international laws, as well as our operational standards, we maintain a strict policy on prohibited and restricted items. This page outlines items you may not ship with us (prohibited) and items that require special handling or approval (restricted). Failure to comply may result in shipment refusal, disposal, fines, or legal action.

These restrictions apply to all services, including domestic, international, standard, express, and freight shipping. We reserve the right to update this list at any time, with changes effective immediately upon posting. It’s your responsibility to review this policy before shipping.

2. Prohibited Items

Prohibited items are strictly forbidden from being shipped via Anonymous Express under any circumstances. Attempting to ship these items may lead to confiscation by authorities, destruction of the shipment, account suspension, and potential criminal penalties. Below is a comprehensive list of prohibited items:

• Hazardous Materials: Substances posing significant risk during transport, including:
  • Explosives (e.g., fireworks, ammunition, flares).
  • Flammable liquids and solids (e.g., gasoline, matches, lighter fluid).
  • Toxic substances (e.g., pesticides, arsenic, cyanide).
  • Corrosives (e.g., battery acid, mercury).
  • Radioactive materials (e.g., uranium, medical isotopes).
• Illegal Substances: Any items banned by law, such as:
  • Narcotics and controlled substances (e.g., cocaine, marijuana, opioids without prescription).
  • Counterfeit goods (e.g., fake currency, pirated media).
  • Stolen property or items obtained illegally.
• Weapons: Items designed to cause harm, including:
  • Firearms (e.g., guns, rifles, pistols, parts thereof).
  • Explosive devices (e.g., grenades, bombs).
  • Knives with blades over 6 inches or switchblades (unless permitted by destination laws).
• Perishable Goods: Items that spoil without proper handling, such as:
  • Fresh fruits, vegetables, or meats without refrigeration certification.
  • Unpreserved dairy products (e.g., milk, cheese).
• Live Animals: Any living creatures, including:
  • Mammals, reptiles, birds, or fish (except as noted under Restricted Items).
  • Endangered species or their parts (e.g., ivory, turtle shells).
• Currency and Valuables: High-value items not insurable under standard terms, such as:
  • Cash, coins, or negotiable securities (e.g., bonds, stocks).
  • Precious metals or stones in bulk (e.g., gold bars, loose diamonds).
• Obscene or Offensive Materials: Items deemed inappropriate, including:
  • Pornographic materials illegal in origin or destination countries.
  • Items promoting hate or violence (e.g., extremist propaganda).

This list is not exhaustive. If unsure, contact us at support@anonymousexpress.com before shipping.

3. Restricted Items

Restricted items may be shipped with Anonymous Express but require prior approval, special packaging, documentation, or compliance with specific regulations. Failure to meet these conditions will result in the item being treated as prohibited. Below are examples of restricted items and their requirements:

• Alcoholic Beverages:
  • Permitted only with a valid liquor license from sender and recipient.
  • Must comply with destination country alcohol limits (e.g., max 24% ABV in some regions).
  • Requires leak-proof packaging and “Fragile” labeling.
• Batteries (Lithium-Ion or Lithium Metal):
  • Allowed only if installed in devices (e.g., laptops, phones).
  • Loose batteries limited to 2 grams lithium content per cell.
  • Must follow IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations with proper labeling (e.g., “Lithium Battery” sticker).
  • Requires Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) upon request.
• Pharmaceuticals:
  • Prescription drugs require a valid prescription and pharmacy certification.
  • Over-the-counter medications must be in original packaging with ingredients listed.
  • Controlled substances prohibited unless pre-approved by regulatory authorities.
  • International shipments need customs declarations and import permits.
• Live Animals (Approved):
  • Limited to small insects (e.g., bees, silkworms) or laboratory animals with prior approval.
  • Requires ventilated, escape-proof containers meeting IATA Live Animals Regulations.
  • Health certificates and permits must accompany shipment.
  • Not available for express or overnight services.
• Fragile Items:
  • Glassware, ceramics, or electronics must be packed with at least 2 inches of cushioning material (e.g., bubble wrap).
  • Labeled “Fragile” and “Handle with Care” on all sides.
  • Insurance recommended; liability limited without it (see Terms & Conditions).
• Tobacco Products:
  • Permitted only with proof of compliance with destination tax and import laws.
  • Cigarettes limited to 200 units per shipment; cigars to 50 units.
  • Requires age verification at delivery where mandated.
• Plants and Seeds:
  • Requires phytosanitary certificates for international shipments.
  • Prohibited if listed under CITES (e.g., rare orchids).
  • Must be pest-free and packaged to prevent soil spillage.

To ship restricted items, contact us at support@anonymousexpress.com at least 48 hours in advance for approval and instructions. Additional fees may apply for special handling or documentation.

4. International Shipping Considerations

International shipments are subject to the laws and regulations of both the origin and destination countries, as well as international treaties (e.g., Montreal Convention, CITES). Common restrictions include:

• Items banned by customs (e.g., certain foods, cultural artifacts).
• Goods requiring export/import licenses (e.g., military equipment, dual-use technology).
• Sanctioned goods to/from embargoed countries (e.g., North Korea, Iran—check current U.S. OFAC list).

You’re responsible for researching destination-specific rules. We provide customs declaration forms, but accuracy and compliance rest with the sender. Non-compliant shipments may be seized, returned, or destroyed at your expense.

5. Consequences of Non-Compliance

Shipping prohibited or improperly handled restricted items may result in:

• Refusal of shipment at pickup or during transit.
• Confiscation or destruction by Anonymous Express or authorities without compensation.
• Fines or penalties imposed by regulatory bodies, passed on to the sender.
• Legal action if items violate laws (e.g., drug trafficking, smuggling).
• Suspension or termination of your account (see Terms & Conditions).

We may inspect packages to ensure compliance, but this does not relieve you of responsibility. Declared contents must match actual items—false declarations are grounds for immediate service denial.

6. How to Ensure Compliance

To avoid issues, follow these steps:

• Review this list and contact us with questions before shipping.
• Check destination country regulations via their customs website or embassy.
• Use appropriate packaging and labeling as specified for restricted items.
• Provide accurate customs documentation for international shipments.
• Purchase insurance for valuable or fragile items to mitigate risk.

Our customer support team is available to assist with compliance checks and approvals. Proactive communication helps ensure a smooth shipping experience.

7. Contact Us

For clarification on specific items or to request approval for restricted shipments, reach out to:

• Email: support@anonymousexpress.com
• Phone: 1-800-555-1234 (Mon-Fri, 9 AM-5 PM EST)
• Mail: Anonymous Express, Compliance Dept., 123 Logistics Lane, Shipping City, SC 12345, USA

We’re here to help you ship safely and legally. Contact us with any concerns.