What you cannot send with InPost: prohibited goods

Before starting a shipment, it is important to ask yourself: can I send this? Not everything that fits in a box can be transported through a logistics network. Some products are prohibited due to safety issues, regulations, or risk of damage.

In this guide, we describe the types of goods that may be prohibited, the reasons why these restrictions exist, and how to check whether your parcel can be deposited in an InPost Locker or Ponto Pack. The intention is simple: plan your shipment carefully from the start to avoid problems later.

Quick Summary

Illegal, dangerous, or poorly packed goods, or goods that may stain or damage other parcels, damage equipment, or put the people handling the parcel at risk, cannot be sent. Perishable, flammable, explosive, or toxic products, weapons, money, high-value items, or items subject to special regulations may also be restricted.

Before sending, always check the service conditions and make sure the content is allowed, well protected, and correctly packed.

Why are there prohibited goods?

The existing restrictions are not meant to make things difficult, but to protect people, other parcels, and the logistics network itself. A product that leaks, breaks, explodes, has a strong smell, or requires a special license can affect other shipments and cause problems during transport.

It is for these reasons that InPost sets restrictions on what can be sent. If a parcel contains prohibited items, it may be refused, held, returned, or cause an issue.

What goods cannot be sent by InPost?

The exact list should always be checked here in the official service terms, but as a general guideline, these are the types of products that are usually prohibited or restricted:

1. Illegal goods or goods that violate applicable regulations.
2. Dangerous products classified as explosive, flammable, toxic, corrosive, or radioactive.
3. Weapons, ammunition, pyrotechnic materials, and similar items.
4. Gases, aerosols, or chemical substances that require special handling.
5. Products that may cause dirt, leak, or give off strong odors.
6. Poorly packed items that may damage other parcels or equipment.
7. Live animals or biological remains.
8. Perishable products that may spoil during transport.
9. Money, jewelry, high-value items, or particularly sensitive documents, if the service conditions exclude them.
10. Shipments that require special transport, import, or export licenses.

Can I send fragile items?

Fragile items require special care. Although some delicate items may be sent, provided they are allowed and well protected, the packaging must be suitable to withstand movement, handling, and transport.

If you plan to send something breakable, use a rigid box, filling material, internal dividers, and sufficient protection on corners and edges. Also, check the service conditions to confirm whether the specific item is allowed.

Can I send food or perishable items?

Perishable items create difficulties because they may spoil, spill, give off odors, or require temperature control. Therefore, before sending food, heat-sensitive cosmetics, plants, or other similar items, it is advisable to consult InPost’s official conditions.

If the item requires refrigeration, special handling, or a very specific time frame to remain in good condition, it is probably not suitable for shipping via Ponto Pack or Locker.

How to review your parcel before sending it

1. Confirm that the content is allowed according to the service conditions.
2. Check whether the product requires temperature control, a license, or special handling.
3. Make sure the parcel does not contain poorly sealed liquids, flammable products, or dangerous materials.
4. Protect the content with sturdy wrapping.
5. Make sure the parcel meets the size and weight requirements of the chosen drop-off point.
6. Remove old labels if you are reusing a box.
7. Keep the shipping confirmation when you drop off the parcel.

What happens if you send a prohibited item?

If a parcel contains prohibited goods or does not meet transport requirements, it may be rejected, blocked, returned to the sender, or cause an issue. In some cases, there may also be liability if the contents cause damage.

That is why it is better to check in advance than to improvise. If you have a question about a specific product, consult the official conditions or fill out the customer support form and contact us before starting the shipment.

Common mistakes when preparing the contents

1. Assuming that if something fits in the box, it can be sent.
2. Not checking whether the product requires special transport.
3. Sending liquids without proper protection.
4. Using flimsy packaging for heavy items.
5. Packing several items together without separating them inside the box.
6. Not checking the shipping conditions for fragile items.

When should you contact customer support?

Fill out our form if you are not sure whether your parcel is allowed, if it has been rejected for non-compliance, if there is any issue related to the contents, or if you need to know what to do with a shipment returned due to transport restrictions.

Ship safely from the start

Preparing a shipment is not just about sealing a box. It also involves checking whether the contents are suitable for shipping, properly protected, and compliant with the transport service requirements.

With InPost, you can send your parcels from Lockers and Ponto Pack points in a practical and flexible way, but doing a quick check is always a good idea: it will help you avoid problems during transport and make the process smoother.