India Post Prohibited Items: What You Cannot Send (2026)

Before booking any article, check India Post’s prohibited items list. Posting a banned article can lead to seizure, fines and prosecution — and no compensation is paid for confiscated goods. Rules follow the Indian Post Office Act and international UPU conventions.

Completely Prohibited

• Explosives: fireworks, crackers, ammunition, detonators.
• Flammables: petrol, kerosene, lighter fluid, matches in bulk, paints and solvents.
• Compressed gases: aerosols, gas cylinders, oxygen cans.
• Corrosives: acids, alkalis, bleach, mercury.
• Narcotics and psychotropic substances: all illegal drugs.
• Obscene or immoral articles as defined under Indian law.
• Counterfeit currency and forged documents.
• Lottery tickets (where prohibited) and live animals (except bees, silkworms and certain permitted organisms under strict packing rules).

Restricted (Allowed Only With Conditions)

• Cash and valuables: currency notes and jewellery should go by insured post, not ordinary parcels.
• Perishables: food items only where the service explicitly permits, packed to survive the journey.
• Liquids: allowed only in leak-proof containers with absorbent packing.
• Lithium batteries: only as installed in devices, under current DGCA/postal rules — loose batteries are refused.
• Medicines: permitted; narcotic-content medicines need prescriptions and documentation.

International Parcels: Extra Restrictions

Every destination country adds its own bans on top of India’s list — common additions include plant material, seeds, meat and dairy products, and certain electronics. Check the destination country’s postal prohibitions before posting abroad, and complete the customs declaration truthfully: false declarations lead to seizure at customs.

What Happens If You Post a Prohibited Item?

• The article can be seized and destroyed without compensation.
• You may face fines or prosecution under the Post Office Act.
• Insurance and compensation claims on prohibited contents are automatically rejected.

When in doubt, ask at the booking counter before sealing the parcel — staff will confirm on the spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I send cash by Speed Post?

Currency should only go by insured post. Ordinary Speed Post and parcels are not the right channel for cash.

Are mobile phones allowed in India Post parcels?

Yes, phones are permitted as parcels; only loose lithium batteries are restricted. Pack the device securely.

Can I send food items by post?

Only non-perishable, well-packed food where the service permits it. Perishables that can spoil in transit are refused.

What happens if customs finds a prohibited item?

International articles with prohibited contents are seized by customs and the sender may face penalties in both countries.

Last verified: 16 October 2026. Confirm the current list at your post office or on indiapost.gov.in before booking.