What cannot be sent via InPost: prohibited goods

Before preparing a shipment, there is one question worth asking: can this be sent? Because not everything that fits in a box can travel through a logistics network. There are products that, for safety, regulations or risk of damage, are not allowed.

In this guide we explain what types of goods may be prohibited, why these restrictions exist and how to check your parcel before dropping it off at an InPost Locker or Punto Pack. The idea is simple: prepare the shipment well from the start to avoid issues later.

Quick summary

You cannot send illegal goods, dangerous goods, poorly packaged items or items that could stain, damage other parcels, damage equipment or put the people handling the shipment at risk. Perishable products, flammable items, explosives, toxic substances, weapons, money, high-value objects or items subject to special rules may also be restricted.

Before sending, always check the service conditions and make sure the contents are allowed, well protected and properly packaged.

Why prohibited goods exist

Restrictions are not there to make shipping difficult, but to protect people, parcels and the logistics network itself. A product that leaks, breaks, explodes, smells too strong or needs a special license can affect other shipments and cause problems during transport.

That is why, InPost sets limits on what can be accepted. If a parcel contains prohibited products, it may be rejected, held, returned or cause an issue.

What goods cannot be sent via InPost?

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

1. Illegal goods or goods that do not comply with current regulations.
2. Dangerous products classified as explosive, flammable, toxic, corrosive or radioactive.
3. Weapons, ammunition, pyrotechnic material or similar items.
4. Gases, aerosols or chemical substances that require special conditions.
5. Products that may stain, leak or give off strong odors.
6. Poorly packaged items that could damage other parcels or equipment.
7. Live animals or biological remains.
8. Perishable products that may spoil during transport.
9. Money, jewelry, high-value objects or especially sensitive documents, if the service conditions exclude them.
10. Shipments that require special transport, import or export licenses.

Can fragile items be sent?

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

If you are sending something that can break, use a rigid box, cushioning material, internal dividers and enough protection on corners and edges. Also check the service conditions to confirm that that specific product can be transported.

Can food or perishable products be sent?

Perishable products are usually delicate because they can spoil, spill, create odors or require controlled temperature. That is why, before sending food, heat-sensitive cosmetics, plants or similar products, it is advisable to review InPost's official conditions.

If the product needs refrigeration, special handling or a very specific time frame to remain in good condition, it is probably not suitable for a Punto Pack or Locker shipment.

How do you check your parcel before sending it?

1. Check that the contents are allowed under the service conditions.
2. Check whether the product requires temperature control, a license or special handling.
3. Make sure it does not contain poorly sealed liquids, flammable products or hazardous materials.
4. Protect the contents with sturdy packaging.
5. Check that the parcel meets the size and weight limits of the chosen drop-off point.
6. Remove old labels if you reuse a box.
7. Keep the shipping confirmation when you drop it off.

What happens if I send something not allowed?

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

That is why it is better to check beforehand than to improvise. If you have doubts about a specific product, consult the official conditions or fill out the customer service form before creating the shipment.

Common mistakes when preparing the contents

1. Thinking that if it fits in the box, it can be sent.
2. Not checking whether the product requires special transport.
3. Sending liquids without sufficient protection.
4. Using weak packaging for heavy products.
5. Including several items without separating them inside the box.
6. Not checking the conditions when it comes to delicate products.

When should you contact support?

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

Ship well from the start

Preparing a good shipment is not just about closing the box. It also means checking that the contents can travel, that they are protected and that they comply with the service conditions.

With InPost you can send your parcels from Lockers and Punto Packs in a convenient and flexible way, but it is always advisable to do a quick check. Your parcel will travel better and the process will be smoother.