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”
Thanks for this article. I didn’t know what I ordered was prohibited until I read this. What happens if you accidentally order a prohibited item? Should I just cancel it?
View Commentyes,cancel it.
View CommentI’m trying to ship some disinfectant from China to Australia using the sea shipping on Taobao. It does not say liquid is prohibited from the list of prohibited item for the sea shipping.
View Commentliquid is not allowed by taobao official shipping.
View CommentHi! I saw in the list bamboo product were included, but I don’t know if it’s only food related products or if this will get rejected?
View Commenthttps://detail.tmall.com/item.htm?id=602220050174&spm=a1z0k.7386009.0.0.47279ae0ktDY9V&_u=t2dmg8j26111&skuId=4253063253969
thanks!
it is ok to ship this product.
View Commentand if a PC monitor is allowed, is a ~32-inch diagonal monitor too large and/or heavy to ship to Australia by all 3 shipping methods?
View CommentI am afraid it is not,try to use agent.
View CommentMay I ask how the agents are able to get some of these prohibited items shipped to other countries? If I want to buy a laptop from Taobao, do I have to go through an agent such as AliExpress? Is there another way I can get it personally? Thank you.
View CommentTo add on, I read from another website that Items which contain Lithium/Lithium-ion battery, such as laptops, can be shipped from Taobao by sea. If I were to make a purchase on Taobao but change the delivery option to delivery by sea, would that work?
View CommentHi Eric,
Is it possible to ship an electronic toothbrush to Malaysia?
https://detail.tmall.com/item.htm?spm=a220l.1.0.0.2eb57f33uRelTO&id=601543357783
View CommentNo
View CommentHey Eric,
Thanks for the fantastic guide. I’m trying to purchase some clothes and can you just check the forward to see if I can ship the because some counterfeits they allow and some they do not, I really can seem to figure out the rule. Much appreciated.
hoodie: https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=556508022982
tshirt: https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a1z10.1-c.w4004-21291522556.10.4c2dc73dMIf7C6&id=604936100177
hoodie: https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a1z10.1-c.w4004-21291522556.4.4c2dc73dMIf7C6&id=562633828776
trackpants: https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=573745184333
View CommentI do not suggest shipping counterfeits using taobao official shipping service,once there is some problem or your order is rejected,it is a painful process to get your money back.so go with taobao agent for replicas or counterfeits.
View CommentHi, do you think this item can be shipped from china to sg?
View Commenthttps://m.intl.taobao.com/detail/detail.html?id=561409008911&abtest=21&rn=11e48c46d9a278e934bcd4e9853d5e45&sid=57f9792fa8acd3a13fd5589d452d73ff
I think it is ok,but you can also confirm with the forwarder.
View Commenthi eric! I’ve read the chinese version of the list of sensitive items and could not find humidifier on the list. May i know if it would be okay for me to still purchase them especially since they are the portable type which doesn’t really make them look like humidifiers.
here’s the link: https://detail.tmall.com/item.htm?spm=a210c.1.0.0.79791debzMsU57&id=606668099178
also i would like to purchase this shoe heating device and i’m not sure if it is acceptable
link: https://detail.tmall.com/item.htm?spm=a1z0d.6639537.1997196601.105.66727484Jo1WQF&id=607464202025
lastly, is it more worth it to ship by air or by sea since there would be a 7%gst by sea
View Commentthank you so much
oh sorry just to add may i know if this vegetable slicer is allowed too?
View Commentlink : https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a1z0d.6639537.1997196601.4.66727484Jo1WQF&id=530797095238
this one is allowed.
View CommentHi,Vera,as far as I know,humidifier and shoe heating device are not allowed by taobao air shipping as these are electronics,or you may try to contact the forwarder to confirm it.
View Commenthi thank you for your reply. I have tried contacting the forwarder however they did not reply to my question. they always give me an automated response on how chewing gum is not allowed in singapore or the list of things prohibited in chinese which doesn’t seem to show humidifier. I’m quite confused on what to do.
View CommentHi,I just confirmed with their customer service,they said both your humidifier and shoe heating device are not allowed for air and sea shippping to SG.
View Commentthe tip to reach their human customer service is this:
1. click”订单选择器”,choose one of your taobao orders randomly
2. send keywords”人工客服” to the robot to call up the human customer service.
Taobao is doing the very same thing to official Frozen and Frozen related merchandise. Frozen 2 just released and companies are going all out to promote the movie. Every time I try to buy a frozen item I want, I get a “this item is not available in your country” notice. It’s safe to assume that this falls under their brand name policy. It’s quite a nuisance, though.
View Commentyou can buy via agent or add your own China address.
View CommentMay I ask why there are so many people in West Malaysia who could import in all those bare roots and plants from China on regular basis and make so much money selling the price a hundred times higher than Taobao? I even heard an acquaintance bought lots of succulent plants from Taobao.
View Commentyou have to find a freight forwarder who can ship these items to you.then they will give you a China address,then you can order on taobao or 1688 and ship to the China address,and lastly they will ship these items to you.
View CommentHi, is winter items allowed?
View Comment1) winter boots – https://detail.tmall.com/item.htm?id=579500336550&spm=a1z0k.7386009.0.0.5de05154fuOAqC&_u=t2dmg8j26111
2) Winter outer jacket – https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a1z2k.11010449.931864.12.7d9a509d7EHF3g&scm=1007.13982.82927.0&id=578353697550&last_time=1575857750
3) Winter hat – https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a1z0k.7386009.0.0.5de05154fuOAqC&id=541343228921&_u=t2dmg8j26111 ; https://detail.tmall.com/item.htm?id=41306653624&spm=a1z0k.7386009.0.0.5de05154fuOAqC&_u=t2dmg8j26111
yes
View CommentHi Eric,
Bought a CD not thinking much of it only to find out it will likely be rejected.
Is there any way to change the shipping address before it goes to the default Taobao forwarder (since it is still not sent)?
Or, is there a way to ask the forwarder to send it to a different address (within China, since that should be allowed?)
Really hoping I won’t have to send it back and reorder.
Thanks so much for your guides. Supremely helpful, just wish I had looked sooner
View Commentyou can just cancel your order and re order one with new shipping address.
View CommentHi, can i buy ceiling lights and direct ship ?
View Commentthey may reject it as it is fragile.
View CommentHi eric,
Im just bought this selfie stick..it is able to ship (air freight) this selfie stick with rechargeable bluetooth remote control to Singapore?
【手机直播支架三脚架网红主播落地式三角架户外拍照抖音拍摄自拍杆桌面懒人支撑架便携迷你多功能快手自拍神器】https://m.tb.cn/h.eGVHjXf?sm=f57daf 點£擊☆鏈ㄣ接,再选择瀏覽→噐咑ぺ鐦;或復zんíゞ这句话€eFaeYFO7nSv€后咑閞淘灬寳
Thank you
Sue
View CommentNo because it contains battery.
View Comment