Wroc do bloga
What you cannot send in a parcel to Ireland - list
2023-11-13

It is worth knowing which items absolutely cannot be included in your parcel to Ireland. This way you can save yourself many unpleasant situations and consequences associated with sending prohibited goods.
We have prepared a list of such items for you, so you can enjoy hassle-free parcel shipping, confidence that everything is legal, and most importantly, certainty that your parcel bound for the Emerald Isle will reach its destination.
Types of items prohibited from shipping to Ireland
International shipments are regulated by rules about what can and cannot be sent abroad. Like every country, Ireland has its own regulations regarding items prohibited from import. Here are some categories of goods that are strictly prohibited there.
Let us start with hazardous substances. You cannot send, among other things, explosives, gases, flammable liquids and oxidising substances. This category therefore includes aerosols, paints, perfumes and lighters. These items, although commonly available, can pose serious danger during standard transport.
The second category is psychoactive substances and medicines, including narcotics, prescription drugs and some dietary supplements available in Poland without a prescription that may contain substances prohibited in Ireland. These also cannot be sent.
You also cannot transport live animals or their parts in a parcel, such as ivory or natural furs. Ireland, like many European countries, places great importance on environmental protection and animal rights.
List of items prohibited in standard courier transport to Ireland
As a rule, you should avoid shipping any substances or items that may be potentially dangerous, illegal or violate environmental regulations.
We present a detailed list of products that are prohibited from shipping to Ireland. Some of them are illegal and strictly prohibited. Others require special permits or specific transport conditions.
Flammable, explosive, radioactive, toxic, corrosive and biological products;
Illegal goods;
Narcotics, prescription drugs, dietary supplements containing substances illegal in Ireland;
Weapons (including air guns and pneumatic weapons), their parts, replicas and ammunition;
Human remains and ashes;
Live animals and plants;
Alcohol and tobacco products (including cigarettes, cigars, smoking tobacco and e-cigarettes);
Excise stamps and customs labels;
Documents, money and valuables (e.g. works of art, antiques, precious stones);
Food products that require special transport conditions;
Cosmetic products containing substances prohibited in Ireland or that may pose a risk during transport (e.g. perfumes, nail polishes, liquids);
Other goods that pose a threat to people, animals, the natural environment and other transported parcels.
Remember that this list is not exhaustive. If you have any doubts about whether you can send a given item in a parcel to Ireland, write to us. We will be happy to help.
Regulations on shipping hazardous materials (ADR)
Courier companies cannot transport dangerous goods. They must be shipped through logistics operators with the appropriate qualifications and specialist equipment.
This is regulated by European regulations on the road transport of dangerous goods, known as ADR (Accord Dangereux Routier). These are materials that pose a threat to people, animals and the natural environment.
ADR rules are detailed and cover various types of hazardous materials, such as:
explosives, e.g. ammunition, fireworks;
gases, e.g. propane-butane, lighters;
flammable materials in liquid or solid state, e.g. perfumes, nail polishes, alcohol, storm matches;
self-igniting materials, e.g. coal;
poisonous and infectious materials, e.g. potassium cyanide, medical waste;
corrosive materials, e.g. sodium hydroxide, sulphuric acid.
Restrictions on transporting animals and plants
If you plan to send an animal or plant from Poland to Ireland, you must remember that there are precise restrictions and legal regulations regarding this type of transport. They concern both the protection of biodiversity and the prevention of disease transmission.
Additionally, strict conditions must be met to ensure the welfare of transported living organisms. Therefore, to send fish, insects, reptiles, other animals or plants, make sure the carrier offers this type of service and learn exactly what requirements must be met.
Regulations on shipping food
Many food items cannot be transported in a regular parcel because they spoil quickly. Such goods require special conditions. European regulations on food safety and disease transmission risk also apply.
It is also extremely important to familiarise yourself with the list of prohibited items published by most courier companies and the post office. This list often includes items that may seem non-obvious but require special transport conditions.
Restrictions on transporting medicines
Medicines, other medical products, but also dietary supplements mostly require specific transport conditions. Otherwise, there is a risk of damage or loss of their properties. Therefore, a regular parcel is not a good way to ship these types of goods. A standard delivery fleet does not allow for maintaining even the appropriate temperature.
Additionally, it is worth familiarising yourself with the list of medicinal products, medical devices and food products for special nutritional purposes that are at risk of unavailability in the country. This is published by the Ministry of Health.
Prescription medicines are a special group of products. In their case, we recommend seeking advice from specialists in pharmaceutical law to find out whether a specific prescription medicine is permitted for export from Poland and import to Ireland and what procedures are required.
Looking for a reliable courier company specialising in international shipments? Our offer is a spectrum of services tailored to your individual needs. We offer both standard Poland-Ireland-Poland parcels and oversized shipments. As one of the few, we also offer pallet transport.
If you have items requiring special handling, we will help you find the right option for them.
Thanks to a fleet of modern vehicles and an experienced team of drivers, we guarantee on-time delivery and undamaged shipments, as well as real-time online tracking. We look forward to hearing from you.
