Prohibited Items

Our prohibited items policy is based on international shipping regulations, customs requirements, transportation safety standards, and applicable federal, state, and local laws. Items that are restricted, regulated, hazardous, illegal, or require special permits may not be accepted for shipment.

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Ensuring Compliance and Safe Shipping Worldwide

At San Ysidro PO Box, we are committed to providing secure, reliable, and compliant mail forwarding, package receiving, and shipping services. To ensure the safety of our customers, employees, shipping partners, and international delivery networks, certain items are strictly prohibited from being received, stored, forwarded, or shipped through our services.

Our prohibited items policy is based on international shipping regulations, customs requirements, transportation safety standards, and applicable federal, state, and local laws. Items that are restricted, regulated, hazardous, illegal, or require special permits may not be accepted for shipment.

If you are unsure whether an item can be shipped, please contact the San Ysidro PO Box customer support team before making a purchase or arranging delivery.

Animal Products and Wildlife Materials

  • Due to international regulations and ethical sourcing policies, we do not ship the following animal-derived items:
  • Live animals (of any kind)
  • Animal bones, organs, or body parts
  • Animal fur or pelts
  • Animal skin (raw or tanned)
  • Ivory (including carved or powdered ivory)
  • Coral (raw or worked)
  • Products made from endangered species, such as skins, horns, shells, or bones
  • Any item regulated under the CITES Convention
  • Growth hormones
  • Taxidermy items (including mounted animals or preserved specimens)
  • CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) strictly controls international trade in certain animals and plants. We comply fully with these regulations and cannot accept any product listed under CITES Appendices.

Gambling-Related Products

  • We do not accept any gambling devices, accessories, currency, or any items related to gambling or games of chance, including but not limited to:
  • Slot machines (electronic or mechanical)
  • Roulette wheels
  • Card shufflers used in gambling
  • Dice or wheels specifically designed for gambling
  • Poker chips
  • Casino tokens
  • Gambling vouchers
  • Play money used in regulated gambling contexts

Works of Art, Cultural Property & Protected Artifacts

  • To comply with cultural heritage and customs laws, we do not ship:
  • Cultural artifacts or antiquities (e.g., archaeological items, ancient tools or coins)
  • Items protected under national or international heritage laws
  • Original fine art of exceptional value, unless pre-approved and properly documented
  • Items of uncertain provenance or subject to export restrictions (e.g., UNESCO, CITES)
  • Note: We do ship modern or commercial artwork (e.g., prints, sculptures, decorative art) as long as it does not fall into the restricted categories above.

Political Materials

  • Many countries impose strict censorship laws or import bans on politically sensitive material. These items may be confiscated, returned, or lead to legal consequences. We do not accept shipments containing political content, including:
  • Audio recordings with political messages or themes
  • Video recordings of political content (e.g., rallies, speeches, propaganda)
  • Pamphlets, flyers, brochures, or printed materials related to political campaigns, movements, or ideologies

Explosives and Pyrotechnics

  • For safety and in accordance with international transport regulations, we strictly prohibit the shipment of any items classified as explosive or pyrotechnic, including:
  • Explosives and Pyrotechnics
  • Fireworks, firecrackers, and sparklers
  • Gunpowder or black powder
  • Flares or signal flares
  • Smoke grenades and smoke bombs
  • Matches (strike-anywhere or safety)
  • Cellulose nitrate film (highly flammable early film stock)

Human Material

  • For legal, ethical, and regulatory reasons, we do not accept shipments containing human remains including:
  • Ashes (cremated remains)
  • Bones
  • Body parts (e.g., limbs, tissues)
  • Full bodies (living or deceased)
  • Organs
  • Any part of a living or deceased person
  • Growth hormone
  • Pathogens

Pornographic content

  • To comply with international laws, customs regulations, and community standards, we strictly prohibit the shipment of the following:
  • Books, novels, or printed materials with explicit sexual content
  • Magazines or periodicals depicting sexually explicit imagery or text
  • Films, DVDs, videos, or digital media containing adult sexual content or pornography
  • Important: Possession or distribution of exploitative materials involving minors is a serious criminal offense. Any attempts to ship such content will be reported to law enforcement.

Hazardous Materials

  • We do not ship items classified as Dangerous Goods under international air and ground transport regulations (e.g., IATA, IMDG, DOT) that are strictly prohibited for standard shipping. This includes:
  • Any item containing or contaminated with fuel, such as diesel, kerosene, gasoline, or oil
  • Car parts or engines with oil or fuel residue
  • Cigarette lighters containing fuel
  • Toxic substances (e.g., industrial chemicals, pesticides)
  • Radioactive materials
  • Poisonous substances
  • Oxidizing agents (e.g., bleach, hydrogen peroxide)
  • Infectious substances (e.g., biological samples, medical waste)
  • Clinical waste
  • Environmental waste

Firearms & Accessories

  • To comply with legal regulations and shipping restrictions, we do not accept shipments containing the following items:
  • Firearms (e.g., handguns, rifles, shotguns)
  • Ammunition (live or spent cartridges, shells, bullets)
  • Gun accessories, including magazines, grips, barrels, stocks
  • Rifle scopes, laser sights, and targeting optics
  • Firearm parts or kits, even if non-functional or replica
  • Bows
  • Crossbows
  • Arrows
  • Important: Firearms and related items are heavily regulated under national and international law (e.g., ITAR, ATF, EAR). Unauthorized shipping of such items can lead to criminal charges, customs seizure, and severe penalties.

Counterfeit Goods & Intellectual Property Violations

  • We strictly prohibit the shipment of counterfeit items or any product that infringes on trademarks, copyrights, or other intellectual property rights. This includes:
  • Counterfeit money (of any currency)
  • Fake designer watches
  • Replica sneakers mimicking branded products
  • Imitation luxury handbags
  • Any other item that falsely represents a brand or misleads consumers about authenticity
  • Important: Shipping counterfeit goods is a violation of intellectual property laws and international trade regulations. Items such as fake designer products, counterfeit currency, and replica goods may be seized by customs and can result in legal action, including fines and criminal charges.

Drugs and Drug-Related Products

  • We strictly prohibit the shipment of controlled substances and derivatives, drug paraphernalia and devices, including but not limited to:
  • Illegal drugs of any kind (e.g., cocaine, heroin, ecstasy)
  • Marijuana / cannabis, including for medical use
  • CBD products (e.g., oils, gummies, creams) regardless of THC content
  • THC-containing items (including edibles, tinctures, and vapes)
  • Pipes, bongs, rolling papers, grinders
  • Vape pens or e-cigarettes used for cannabis products
  • Testing kits or extraction equipment
  • Devices used for drug consumption or manufacture
  • Important: Drugs and controlled substances are strictly regulated under international and national laws. Attempting to ship illegal drugs, marijuana, CBD products, or drug-related paraphernalia may result in customs seizure, legal prosecution, and severe penalties.

Military & Law Enforcement Equipment

  • We are unable to ship items that are classified as military or law enforcement. These items are controlled under export regulations such as ITAR, EAR, and customs restrictions in both origin and destination countries.
  • Body armor and protective vests
  • Military helmets
  • Military or law enforcement uniforms
  • Night vision devices, including infrared or thermal goggles
  • Gas masks
  • Other equipment designed for military or tactical use

Plant-Based Materials

  • Due to agricultural regulations and biosecurity risks, we do not accept shipments containing the following plant-based items
  • Live plants or cuttings
  • Hay or straw
  • Soil, dirt, or compost
  • Untreated wood or lumber
  • Fresh or dried flowers
  • Roots and tubers
  • Grass or turf
  • Pinecones
  • Fungus, mushrooms, or mycelium

Tobacco Products

  • Many countries regulate or restrict the shipment of tobacco products due to health laws, taxes, and customs controls. We do not accept shipments containing the following tobacco products:
  • Rolling tobacco
  • Pipe tobacco
  • Cigarettes
  • Cigars
  • Chewing tobacco and snuff

Toy & Replica Guns

  • Due to strict regulations and the risk of misidentification by authorities, we do not ship any items that resemble firearms, even if non-functional or clearly intended as toys. This includes:
  • Toy guns, including brightly colored or plastic models
  • Replica firearms (decorative or display models)
  • Pellet guns
  • Airsoft guns
  • Paintball markers / guns
  • Water pistols / water guns

Foodstuff

  • Many countries have strict regulations on the import and export of food products to prevent contamination, disease, and spoilage. These items often require special permits or temperature-controlled shipping. We do not accept shipments containing perishable products or cured and specialty products:
  • Fresh fruits and vegetables
  • Fresh fish and seafood
  • Fresh meat and poultry
  • Sausages, cured meats, and ham
  • Tinned caviar
  • Cheese and other dairy products

Financial Instruments & Currency

  • We do not accept shipments containing currency, monetary instruments, or financial documents that may pose a security risk or are restricted under banking and customs regulations. This includes:
  • Lottery tickets (including scratch cards and betting slips)
  • Currency (cash, coins, banknotes of any country)
  • Traveler’s checks
  • Bearer bonds and other negotiable securities
  • Blank or signed checks
  • Banderols / Tax Stickers

Security and Restraint Devices

  • Many jurisdictions classify these items as weapons or controlled goods. To comply with legal and shipping regulations, we do not accept shipments containing:
  • Handcuffs and restraints
  • Lock picking tools or kits
  • Mace, pepper spray, or other chemical sprays
  • Tasers and stun guns
  • Any other devices intended for personal security or incapacitation

Regulated & Export-Controlled Goods

We do not accept shipments containing items that are subject to export controls or special licensing requirements under US or international law.

This includes any item regulated by:

  • BIS – Bureau of Industry and Security
  • CBP – US Customs and Border Protection
  • ITAR – International Traffic in Arms Regulations
  • EAR – Export Administration Regulations
  • The US Department of Commerce
  • The US Department of State
  • The US Department of the Treasury (including OFAC regulations)

Examples of Export-Controlled Items

  • Military-grade equipment
  • Dual-use technologies (civilian/military use)
  • Sensitive electronics or encryption devices
  • Items destined for sanctioned countries, individuals, or entities
  • If you're unsure whether your item is regulated, please consult the relevant authority or a licensed customs broker before shipping.
  • Important: Items regulated by authorities such as CBP, ITAR, EAR, and the US Departments of Commerce, State, and Treasury are subject to strict export controls. Unauthorized shipping of these items may result in severe legal consequences, including export violations, customs detention, and criminal prosecution.

Compressed or Pressurized Gases (UN Class 2)

This includes any gas stored under pressure, even if commonly used in households or recreational activities. These items fall under UN Class 2.1 (flammable gases), 2.2 (non-flammable gases), or 2.3 (toxic gases) and are restricted by international shipping regulations (IATA, IMDG, DOT, etc.).

  • Fire extinguishers
  • Gas cartridges
  • Gas bottles
  • Gas canisters
  • Gas tanks

Flammable Gases
(Class 2.1)

  • Propane
  • Butane
  • Methane (CNG)
  • Hydrogen
  • Acetylene
  • Ethylene
  • Restrictions: Highly flammable; require special labeling, packaging, and quantity limits. Often prohibited in passenger aircraft.

Non-Flammable, Non-Toxic Gases (Class 2.2)

  • Nitrogen
  • Oxygen
  • Helium
  • Argon
  • Compressed air
  • Carbon dioxide
  • Restrictions: Still regulated due to pressure hazards. May have quantity limits and cylinder requirements.

Toxic Gases
(Class 2.3)

  • Chlorine
  • Ammonia (anhydrous)
  • Phosgene
  • Hydrogen sulfide
  • Restrictions: Highly dangerous; strictly regulated or prohibited for air transport; require special containment and documentation.

Shipping Restrictions & Prohibited Items Policy – San Ysidro PO Box Compliance Guide

At San Ysidro PO Box, we strictly prohibit the shipment, forwarding, storage, or handling of any items that are restricted, prohibited, or regulated by applicable federal, state, local, or international laws governing the countries involved in the shipping process.

This includes any products that require special permits, licenses, certifications, or government authorization for transportation, import, export, or delivery.

Additionally, San Ysidro PO Box will not accept shipments containing items that may pose a risk to our employees, customers, facilities, transportation partners, or other shipments within our network.

Organizations & Regulatory Authorities We Comply With

  • San Ysidro PO Box operates in compliance with applicable regulations and guidelines established by:
  • IATA (International Air Transport Association)
  • CBP (U.S. Customs and Border Protection)
  • ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations)
  • EAR (Export Administration Regulations)
  • U.S. Department of Commerce
  • U.S. Department of State
  • U.S. Department of the Treasury, including OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control)
  • BIS (Bureau of Industry and Security)
  • CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora)
  • Federal, State, Local, and International Government Regulations
  • To ensure the safety, security, and legal compliance of all shipments, San Ysidro PO Box reserves the right to inspect, suspend, reject, return, or refuse processing of any parcel at any stage of the shipping process if it contains prohibited, restricted, hazardous, or non-compliant items, in accordance with our Terms of Service.

Ensuring Compliance and Safe Shipping Worldwide

San Ysidro PO Box provides secure mailbox, package receiving, and forwarding services designed to help customers receive and manage shipments safely and efficiently. Safety, security, and regulatory compliance are our top priorities, and we are committed to helping customers navigate international shipping requirements with confidence.

To ensure a smooth shipping experience, we encourage customers to review our shipping policies and prohibited items guidelines carefully. If you have any questions about a shipment or need assistance, our customer support team is available to help.