What you can’t send
We’re happy to carry most things, but there are a few items we either can’t accept or can’t compensate for. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Non-compensatory - You can still send these, but if something goes wrong, we won’t be able to offer any cover.
Prohibited – These items aren’t allowed in our network at all. Please don’t send them.
Parcels must meet InPost’s size, dimension and weight limits. The maximum parcel size is 410mm x 380mm x 640mm, with a maximum weight of 15kg. It’s also essential to wrap your parcel securely.
Your parcel will travel through lockers, vans, depots and hubs, so make sure it’s packed to withstand the journey. You can find our full packaging guidelines here.
Please note: the maximum item value we can accept in our network is £500, even if additional cover has been purchased from within the InPost app or on the web.
Non-compensatory items
You can send these items with us, but we can’t offer cover or compensation if your parcel is damaged or lost.
Prohibited items
Some things just aren’t safe (or legal!) to send through our network. These items are strictly prohibited and must not be sent under any circumstances.
Non-compensatory items
You can send these items through our network, but they’re not covered for loss or damage.
- Cash or anything that works like it – Including, without limit: money, coins, bullion, cheques, pre-paid cards, gift vouchers, coupons, or anything that can be exchanged for money, goods or services.
- Credit or debit cards – Even if they’re inactive or expired.
- Flowers and plants – Including, without limit: plants, seeds, bulbs, or flowers.
- Lottery tickets and scratch cards – Or anything else linked to gambling.
- Tax stickers and banderols – These aren’t covered.
- Tickets – Such as travel, event, or any other kind of ticket.
- SIM cards & SD cards – Not covered.
- Glass, ceramics & other delicate items – You can send them, but entirely at your own risk.
- High-value items – Anything worth more than £500 is sent at your own risk. Extra coverage (available via the InPost app) only applies to items valued up to £500.
- Optical items – Including, without limit: cameras, lenses, glasses, binoculars, or telescopes. Note: Anything containing a battery (e.g. cameras with lithium batteries) is a Prohibited Item and cannot be sent.
- Sensitive documents – Including, without limit: medical records, ID, employment paperwork, property details, or negotiable documents.
- Tech and electronics (without batteries) – Including, without limit: mobile phones, laptops, computers, games consoles, TVs, monitors, or hair and beauty tools. Note: Anything that contains a battery (including removable or built-in batteries) is a Prohibited Item and cannot be sent through our network.
- Light bulbs or delicate lighting equipment – Not covered as they can easily be damaged in transit.
- Collectables – items acquired and valued for their unique characteristics, rarity, or association, which may also hold potential resale value, including, without limit, trading cards and autographed memorabilia.
Prohibited Items
Batteries & Power-Related Items
Batteries – We cannot accept batteries, loose or inside a device.
Magnetised items – These can interfere with transport equipment.
Pressurised containers – Including, without limit: aerosols, oxygen tanks, and fire extinguishers.
Gases of any kind – Flammable, toxic, or even just compressed – if it's gas, it's out.
Liquids, Gels & Pastes
No liquids of any kind, including:
Gels, oils, creams, lotions, paste - Including, without limit: any semi-liquid items that could leak or spill, such as cosmetics, hair products, or food pastes.
Paints, solvents, varnish, ink - Including, without limit: any substance that is flammable, toxic, or prone to leaking. This covers household or industrial paints, turpentine, thinners, correction fluid, printer ink, and similar items that can pose a safety risk or damage other parcels.
Items including a liquid inside - Including, without limit: no vapes, perfume pens, or hot & cold packs.
Dangerous & Hazardous Materials
Any dangerous or hazardous materials, including:
Corrosive, flammable, or explosive substances – This including, without limit: bleach, petrol, and fireworks.
Toxic or infectious substances – Including, without limit: mercury, pesticides, cyanide, or anything that could cause harm.
Oxidisers & organic peroxides – Including, without limit: disinfectants and chemicals used in repair kits.
Radioactive materials – Including, without limit: samples, ores, or waste.
Medical or biological waste – Including, without limit: used clinical items, pathogens, or samples (e.g. blood, vaccines, or Covid-19 samples).
Asbestos or environmental waste – Never allowed in transit.
Weapons, Tobacco, Drugs & Dangerous Items
Any weapons, tobacco, drugs or dangerous items, including:
Weapons – Including, without limit: guns (real or imitation), knives, axes, or parts thereof.
- Ammunition – Of any type.
- Tobacco and smoking accessories – This includes anything used for smoking.
Illegal substances – Including, without limit: narcotics, psychoactive substances, or unauthorised medication.
Teeth whitening products – Due to chemical content.
Counterfeit goods or contraband – Including, without limit: anything made illegally or under false branding.
Anything illegal to send – Including, without limit: age-restricted items that can’t be legally delivered to someone.
Animals, Remains & Organic Items
Any animals, remains & organic items, including:
Animals or livestock – Living or otherwise.
Human or animal remains – Including, without limit: ashes, organs, or body parts.
Medical samples – Including, without limit: anything biological in nature.
Restricted Materials & Miscellaneous
Any restricted materials, Including, without limit:
Animal furs, skins, ivory – Or products that contain them (leather goods are OK).
Goods made in foreign prisons – These are banned.
Items pretending to be official – Anything marked to look like it’s “On His Majesty’s Service.”
Dangerous goods as defined by law – If it needs special handling or labelling, it’s never allowed.
