Due to China export regulations and carrier restrictions, Some items are prohibited from being shipped internationally.
Taobao will not ship some of items to you even you can place order on their website. ordering the item on the prohibited list is one of the most common mistakes the foreigner make.
Since Taobao doesn’t give too much information in English version, many beginners find it quite frustrating. In this post, I will show you the types of items you can’t buy via taobao direct.
Before you buy items from Taobao, please be sure they are not on this “Do Not Ship” list.
Note: Some Taobao agents offer special delivery service that can ship prohibited items internationally.you can order on their website instead of taobao website.
the simplified list
The full list of prohibited items contains 30+ types of categories,we are unlikely to order most of them from taobao,so I picked 8 of the most common categories that we usually tend to buy from taobao.make sure you don”t order any of them from taobao direct.
1. Items exceed size or weight restriction:
Each forwarder has set a restriction for the max weight and size of the parcel they will accept,make sure your parcel are not too large or too heavy.
2. Food
tea, instant noodles, bamboo products, etc.;
3. Liquid, paste, powdered items:
Cosmetics like perfume,lipstick,foundation,nail polish,pencils,pens,alcohol,thermometer,ink etc..
4. Knife and Gun
survival knife,toy gun,water bb gun
5. Electronic device
humidifier,rice cooker,electric toy,vacuum cleaner,etc
6. Magnetic items or parts
Magnets, audio equipment such as audio, motors, speaker, compasses, coils, etc.
7. Battery and items with inbattery
Mobile phones, computers,powerbank,watches,lithium battery
8. Branded,fake,replica,counterfeit items
Nike,Adidas,Gucci,LV,Chanel,Dior etc..
If you are not sure if you can ship an item,you can contact the forwarder,they can help you confirm if the products you want to purchase can be shipped to your country.
you can leave a comment below if you want to check if it can be shipped to your country,I will reply to you once I confirm with the forwarder.
About Branded,fake or replica items
I know many of you order from taobao for fashion replica or branded items.if you are lucky,it might be ok so far,but this doesn’t mean it is a safe way.
once your forwarder seize it and mark it as 违禁品or contrabrand,you will have to go through the nightmare of returing from warehouse to seller.it is really hard to do this on taobao as a foreigner.
so my suggestion is to contact the seller directly on taobao or wechat,asking them to ship directly to you.
the complete list
I also included the full list below for your reference,and this is the link to the orginal Chinese version,if you can read Chinese,you can read this one.
1. All kinds of poison, biochemical products and infectious materials
Example: Such as anthrax, dangerous bacteria, medicine with waste, pesticides, thallium, cyanide, dioxins, DDT, chlordane, ractopamine, ractopamine hydrochloride, arsenic, tear gas, white crystals, powder, paste and other items
Prohibited reason: “Ban on the export of goods catalog,” the third installment of “China banned or severely restricted the list of toxic chemicals.”
2. Causing addiction of narcotic drugs and psychotropic items
Example: Such as drugs, opium (including poppy capsules, flower, bud, leaves, etc.), morphine, cocaine, heroin, marijuana, methamphetamine, etc.
Prohibited reason:“Psychotropic Drugs Control catalog of the varieties”
3. State law prohibits the circulation of goods shipped or sent
Example: Such as artifacts, regulated knives, antiques, various weapons, simulated weapons (simulation toy guns, etc.), ammunition, national currency (cash), securities, counterfeit currency and securities, source plasma, Laogai products
Prohibited reason: Reference to the law:
“Cultural Relics Protection Law”, “Ministry of Public Security Control Tool Catalog”, “People’s Republic of China Firearms Control Law”, “Civil Explosives Safety Management Regulations”
4. China’s political, economic, cultural, moral (the Falun Gong) harmful materials, involving state secrets articles with violation of the “one China” principle content of the goods and their packaging.
Example: The carrier discs, tapes, videos and other content containing reactionary, and so obscene, indecent or Falun Gong newspapers, books, pictures, promotional materials, audio and video products, computer disk and CD-ROMs
Prohibited reason:Reference to the law:
“Constitution”, “Criminal Law”, “People’s Republic of China on Guarding State Secrets Law”
5. Hinder public health goods
Example: Such as bones, ashes, coffins without tanned skins, animal bones without drugs, unprocessed or degreased bones, soil, animal carcasses, animal and plant pathogens (including bacteria and viruses, etc.)
Prohibited reason: “Ban on the export of goods catalog” First
6. Animals, plants and their specimens and some natural resources
Example: Rhinoceros horn, bezoar, tiger bones, skins, fur (fur), musk, seaweed, Ephedra, wild yew wood, charcoal, forest litter, peat (peat), silica sand, quartz sand and other natural sand, mahogany seeds (other propagating material), animals and plants
Prohibited reason: “Ban on the export of goods catalog” The first, second, fourth, fifth
7. dangerous radioactive goods(danger signs packaging items)
Example: Such as explosives (detonators, fuses, gunpowder, explosives, etc.), nuclear energy and other goods
Prohibited reason: “Radioactive Materials Transportation Safety Management Regulations”, “Civil Explosives import and export management approach”
8. Medical waste, chemical waste, industrial waste, etc.
Example: As used disposable syringes
Prohibited reason:“Environmental Protection Law”
9. Gas (regardless of color)
Example: Such as compressed gases, dry ice, fire extinguishers, gas cartridges, inflatable spheres, life-saving devices, explosive open automotive airbags, aerosols, gas lighters, gas cylinders, light bulbs, etc.
Prohibited reason: Affect transportation safety, not acceptable
10. Explosive materials
Example: Such pyrotechnic articles (fireworks, firecrackers, crackers, crackers, etc.), issuing the order paper, dry ice, with a gas lighter, gas stove, gas cylinders, firearms, etc.
Prohibited reason: Affect transportation safety, not acceptable
11. Flammable liquids
Example: Such as ink, to the light water, paint, oil, gasoline, kerosene, diesel oil, benzene, alcohol, oil, camphor oil, engine starting fluid, turpentine, thinner, glue (such as glue, styrofoam plastic foam plastic, etc.), perfume, spray insecticides, air fresheners, cosmetics, etc.
Prohibited reason: Affect transportation safety, not acceptable
12. Flammable solids (including spontaneously combustible materials, water releases flammable gases, etc.)
Example: Such as coal, rosin, paraffin, activated carbon, titanium powder, copra, castor, rubber debris, safety matches (box wipe or rub sheet), white phosphorus, phosphorus, hemp oil, sodium metal, aluminum , magnesium powder, solid rubber (including white glue, etc.), inks, perfumes, asphalt, etc.
Prohibited reason: Affect transportation safety, not acceptable
13. Chemicals, chemical laboratory supplies, medical products, etc.
Example: Such as potassium permanganate, sulfuric, furan, vaccines, blood products, etc.
Prohibited reason: “Ban on the export of goods catalog” third
14. Oxidizers and organic peroxides
Example: Such as hydrogen peroxide, sodium peroxide, calcium hypochlorite, potassium chlorate, potassium nitrate, unknown chemical composition and other items
Prohibited reason: Affect transportation safety, not acceptable
15. Toxic chemicals and infectious substances: means likely to occur in the circulation process of poisoning and infection items
Example: Such as insecticides, pesticides, veterinary drugs, herbicides, arsenic and its compounds, mercury and its compounds, cyanide and its compounds, chloroform, benzene, ammonium, lacquer, blood, urine, body fluids, cleaning agents for four carbon tetrachloride, 1,1,1-trichloroethane (methyl chloroform) and trichlorotrifluoroethane, polychlorinated biphenyls, polybrominated biphenyls, asbestos, etc.
Prohibited reason: “Ban on the export of goods catalog” The first, third, “Pesticide List”
16. Corrosive substances (including energy burning body tissue and to cause damage to metal items such as solid and liquid, etc.)
Example: Such as sulfuric acid, nitric acid, hydrochloric acid, chlorosulfonic acid, acetic acid, caustic soda, hydrogen peroxide and other
Prohibited reason: Affect transportation safety, not acceptable
17. All kinds of currency in circulation, gambling equipment and appliances
Example: National currencies, fiscal Bo equipment
Prohibited reason: “People’s Republic of China Postal Law”, “People’s Republic of China import and export regulations”
18. fertilizer
Example: Such as urea, ammonium nitrate, superphosphate, ammonia, etc.
Prohibited reason: National export quotas for commodities, not express way Acceptance
19. Fresh class items, perishables, animals, dairy products and other items
Example: Such as honey, eggs, wine, sugar, food, etc.
Prohibited reason: Sensitive goods, no air shipment
20. The people’s livelihood, state-run trade of regulated goods
Example: Such as corn, rice, coal, cotton, crude oil, refined oil, antimony and antimony products, tungsten and tungsten products, silver, wheat, corn flour, rice flour, wheat flour, lumber, coal, coke, rare earth, zinc ore, tin and tin products, indium and indium products, molybdenum, phosphate rock, etc.
Prohibited reason: National export quotas for commodities, not express way Acceptance
21. Export quota bidding and management of goods export authorizations
Example: Rush and Rush products, silicon carbide, fluorine stone (powder), slippery stones (powder), light (heavy) burned magnesium, bauxite, liquorice and products, paraffin, zinc and zinc-based alloys, automobiles and chassis, its motorcycle engine and frame, citric acid, vitamin C, penicillin industrial salt, sulfuric acid disodium
Prohibited reason: Involving export authorization management product, not express way Acceptance
22. Protection of forest resources, prevent deforestation
Example: Such as: charcoal
Prohibited reason: “Ban on the export of goods catalog” the second installment
23. Gold silver platinum and other precious metals products and other valuables
Example: Such as gold, silver, platinum, precious stones, jewelry, pearls, ivory, etc.
Prohibited reason: “Ban on the export of goods catalog” First
24. Radio transceiver, the confidentiality of communications, etc.
Example: Such as radar and other transmitters, receivers and other equipment
Prohibited reason: Affecting national security, card-related card-related goods, not express way Acceptance
25. Charged items (except lithium batteries from electronic products)
Example: Airlines prohibited acceptance, such as plastic dolls _ charged, electric remote control cars etc.
Prohibited reason: Sensitive goods, no air shipment
26. Batteries, alkaline batteries, alkaline battery fluid, etc.
Example: Such as batteries, alkaline batteries, etc.
Prohibited reason: Affect transportation safety, not acceptable
27. Electronic products containing lithium batteries
Example: We do not accept pure battery or battery package goods; Acceptable built (inextricably) battery goods, such as goods with a built-in battery must indicate on the invoice and waybill, without the battery in the waybill and invoice NO BATTERY.
Prohibited reason: Sensitive goods, no air shipment
28. Magnetic objects (not including protective packaging plus degaussing magnets, magnets and other magnetic products containing etc.)
Example: Airlines prohibited acceptance, such as magnetic stripe, such as magnets;
Prohibited reason: Magnetic influence transportation safety, not acceptable
29. Liquid (Regardless of the packaging)
Example: Such as wine, moisturizer, eyeliner, sunscreen, contact lens solution, eye drops, physiological saline water, insect repellent, gold plating bath, aluminum paste, glow sticks, mercury thermometer, ice pillow, etc.
Prohibited reason: Due to inability to identify ingredients that affect the express transportation safety, not acceptable
30. Frozen fresh meat
Example: Such as chilled beef, frozen beef, chilled pork, frozen pork, chilled meat, frozen chicken
Prohibited reason: Sensitive goods, no air shipment
31. Cigarette
Example: cigarette
Prohibited reason: Domestic implementation of the tobacco monopoly, foreign destinations involving high taxes, not acceptable
32. Appearance is more sensitive or internal organization can not split the goods
Example: Liner such as electrical, electronic equipment, and other unknown particles
Prohibited reason: Sensitive goods, no air shipment
33. CD
Example: CD
Prohibited reason: Sensitive goods, no air shipment
34. Rare mineral natural resources and other scarce natural resources
Example: Such as primary raw materials such as copper profile, aluminum and other 47 kinds of commodities
Prohibited reason: Export quota categories of goods, can not express the way Acceptance
35. Food
Example: Including food products;
Prohibited reason: Sensitive goods
36. Drug
Example: All drugs
Prohibited reason: Sensitive goods
16 type of products often rejected by forwarder warehouses
Although some products are not officially prohibited from being purchased or shipped abroad on Taobao, forwarders often have various reasons to reject some products.
This list below was given to me by the forwarder’s customer service, who said that these are products that are often rejected by their warehouse.
I suggest you avoid using official forwarders to ship these products whenever possible.
1. Glass/Tempered:
children’s decorative crown, fishing rod, glass, tempered film, tempered glass, fish tank, porcelain, laminated film, cell phone screen, glass bowl, glass spice bottle, glass bottle, glass pot lid, ipad laminated film, large vase, tub, ink bottle
2. Charged Products:
moxibustion fumigant, heater, electrical appliances, grinder, refrigerator, beauty apparatus, massage mat, rice cooker, inverter, laptop, ceiling fan, blood sugar tester, heater, water heater, transformer, printer, electric frying pan, electric drawing board, thermal paste, electric fan, BBK tutor, tutor, soybean milk machine, mosquito catcher, multimedia machine, wall-breaking machine, smoke machine, hood, vacuum cleaner, small motor, motorcycle engine, sweeping robot, curling iron, dormitory pot, motor
3. Electronic products:
lithium battery, millet body fat scale, body fat scale, rechargeable treasure, battery, electronic products, cartoon watch, small magnetic tape, USB charger, power adapter, battery charger, watch, electronic watch, data cable, plug converter, wireless network card, camera, electronic cigarette, electronic dictionary
4. Animals / plants:
dogs, cats, hamsters, turtles, rabbits, birds, potted plants, flowers, seeds, simulated flowers, green plants, succulents, animal feed, fertilizer, soil, everlasting flowers, dried flowers, everlasting flowers, dried flowers, dried flowers, simulated succulents, false flowers, rats, rabbits, snakes, chickens, pigs, piglets, succulents, roses, roses, lilies, lilies, green plants, plants, simulated flowers, simulated plants, puppies, kittens, blue fat, turtles, birds, carnations, daisies, full sky stars, decorative flowers, artificial flowers
5. Controlled knives:
kitchen knives, scissors, kitchen knives, plastic knives, daggers, automatic knives, butterfly knives, fluted knives, ballistic knives, hidden knives, blades, throwing knives, axes, push knives, sheath knives, non-metallic knives, wooden performance props knives, table knives.
6. CD-ROMs:
CD-ROMs, tapes, DVDs, Cd, CD-ROM movies, CD-ROM drives
7. Makeup/skincare:
nail gel, nail polish, lipstick, eye shadow, lip gloss, makeup brush, eyebrow pencil, makeup remover, face wash, toner, eyebrow shaper, eyebrow holder, blush, eyelash curler, mirror, powder, makeup, magnetic lipstick tube, makeup mirror, milk, solid balm, acne stick, bean pin, sun screen, mascara, animal brush, balm, melatonin, lip balm, lip gloss, lip oil, lip gloss, lotion, cleanser, face wash, mask, shaving cream, lotion, water lotion, powder brush, hair brush, nail polish, eyebrow brush, repair cream, shaving foam, makeup remover paper
8. Furniture:
Trampolines
9. Household products:
clock wicks, garbage cans, bicycles, shampoo, wet wipes, wet wipes, soap, toothpowder, hair dye, garbage bags, hair conditioner, plastic bags, scented candles, candles, wax pellets, urinals, thermometers, gas stoves, toilets, children’s urinals, toothpaste, paste
10. Food:
tea, tea cakes, flower tea, vegetables, fruits, nuts, corn, rice, cereals, cotton, wheat, corn flour, rice flour, wheat flour, sweet potatoes, dried fruit, peaches, honey, syrup, eggs, eggs, duck eggs, goose eggs, quail eggs, meat, meat products, dairy products, egg products, wine, milk, yogurt, sugar, food, chips, food, snacks, seasoning powder, candy, frozen food, water shoot, milk tea powder, turtle jelly powder, duck neck, spicy strips
11. Jewelry:
gold, silver, platinum, precious stones, pearls, earrings, studs, necklaces, rings, bracelets, bracelets, diamonds, jadeite, gold, color gold, amber, diamond rings, platinum, jade
12. Books and stationery:
ink, fountain pens, water pens, color pens, paint, glue, watercolor, crystal pens, neutral pens, children’s books, solid watercolor, solid paint, coloring, watercolor pens, white board, white plates, ballpoint pen refills
13. Toys:
models, simulated weapons, toy water guns, water guns, children’s toy guns, toy guns, imitation guns, air guns, water bombs, darts, props, fishing rods, glue guns, mahjong, sword and umbrella, children’s motorcycles
14. Tobacco:
cigarettes, tobacco, tobacco soil
15. Pharmaceuticals:
drugs, powder, ointment, oral agent, ointment, Chinese medicine, capsules, oral granules, injection, narcotic drugs, injection, health products, foot patch, moxibustion box, moxibustion, scraping board, acupuncture, fire pot, massage oil, massage ball, essential oil
16. Flammable liquids:
strong glue, nail-free glue, Styrofoam, foaming glue, perfume, alcohol, powder, aluminum spray bottle, spray insecticide, hairspray, desiccant, color fixer, air freshener, ink, paint, oil, gasoline, kerosene, diesel, motor oil, printing clay gold paint, white glue, sealing liquid, adhesive, white glue, glue remover, dispensing agent
466 thoughts on “36 Things China Taobao Can’t Ship Internationally”
Hello, I bought a 70cm round bathroom mirror and the Taobao seller asked me if the China warehouse would accept it cos she said some don’t. Any idea who I can contact to find out?
Thanks for your help!
View Comment70cm is too long. here is the page to find the size and weight limit.
View CommentHi Eric,
I tried emailing you. But I guess you’re too busy or didn’t get my email. I wanted to know if you can buy a keyboard because I was talking to a group of keyboard enthusiasts and they said you can definitely buy one directly. However, this conflicts with the idea that you can’t buy electronic devices. What’s going on here?
View Commentsome sellers will include battery when they ship keyboard, this will make the warehouse reject it.
View Commentalso, it depends on the forwarder policy, some may let it in, some not.
If I were you, I will not buy a keyboard using Taobao’s official shipping.
Hi Eric,
Any idea if we can ship thermos flask to Singapore using the taobao appointed forwarder Cainiao, via airfreight?
Thanks.
View Commentit shall be ok.
View CommentMình muốn mua quần áo bên taobao về bên nhật bản .có thể oder được không ạ
View CommentI take it notebooks with internal battery is also prohibited?
View Commentyes, it is prohibited.
View CommentHi Eric, can we buy small household appliances from Taobao like kettle and stuff?
View Commentyes, you can.
View CommentCan you tell if this item can be shipped to malaysia ?
https://detail.tmall.com/item.htm?id=615300462998#
Storage Box 280 liter
https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=600623154247
Manual Washing Machine
https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=609174120194
View CommentElevated bed
try to use sea shipping for bulky items.
View CommentHello,
View CommentCan you recommend some forwarder that can ship food like noodle cup to sg?
many forwarders can do this. just search on taobao using keywords like 新加坡专线,新加坡集运 etc..
View CommentHi, can I check with you a bicycle is allow to ship to Singapore?
View Commentyou have to make sure with the seller that the bicycle will not exceed the size and weight limit set by the warehouse or they will reject it. you can check it there:
https://www.howtotao.com/taobao-global-consolidation-and-shipping/
View Commenthey Eric, with regards to #27,
View Comment– does a selfie stick with built in remote (battery operated) considered a prohibited item?
– if seller were to remove the batteries will it still be prohibited?
– what about items that are USB rechargeable?
yes,it is prohibited item even if seller remove the batteries,the warehouse still will refuse it as they will not check if there is battery or not.
View CommentUSB rechargeable items also is prohibited
Hi, do you think epoxy resin can be shipped to Sg?
View CommentNo,they won’t accept it.
View Commenthi, can i ship in cup noodles?
View Commentno, food is not acceptable
View CommentHi Eric,
View CommentI was not aware of this so called ‘customs prohibited items’ until
sgshop told me so when I ordered tea from the website.
Why tea,biscuits etc still being displayed in sgshop since these
items are prohibited ? sgshop never refunded the Sg care fee,how come they
still process the orders for these prohibited items ?
Thanks.
Hi Ray
I don’t know about SGshop, but many shipping agents can ship food like tea or biscuits to SG, so maybe you can switch to another agent?
View CommentHi, is air cooler a prohibited item? Can it be shipped to Singapore?
View Commentno, not allowed by Taobao official forwarder.
View CommentHello,
View CommentI would like to ask if these items can be shipped to the US. I can’t seem to find the brands of the clothes so I don’t know if they’re counterfeits or not.
Hoodies:
https://m.intl.taobao.com/detail/detail.html?id=613387683637
https://m.intl.taobao.com/detail/detail.html?id=601817405602
Thank you
it is ok to ship hoodies like this,they just don’t like big brands like LV,Gucci,Hermes etc..
View CommentThanks so much (◍•ᴗ•◍)♡
View Comment