Prohibited & Restricted Items Policy | FlavorCloud

Effective Date: September 17th, 2026 - Version 1.0

For FlavorCloud Merchants

1. Overview

To keep shipments moving smoothly and stay compliant with customs and carrier regulations worldwide, FlavorCloud restricts or prohibits certain categories of items from being shipped through our platform. This policy explains what those categories are, what “prohibited” and “restricted” mean for your shipments, and what to do if you're unsure whether an item qualifies.

These categories are aligned with the shipping policies of major international carriers, including FedEx, DHL, UPS, Landmark Global, and APC, so that items you can't ship through FlavorCloud generally reflect what the broader carrier network won't accept either.

2. Key Definitions

Term

What it means for you

Prohibited

This item cannot be shipped through FlavorCloud under any circumstances. Shipments containing prohibited items will be rejected.

Restricted

This item can only be shipped if specific conditions are met — such as permits, licensing, age verification, or destination eligibility. Shipments will be held until those conditions are confirmed.

3. Categories of Prohibited & Restricted Items

The categories below summarize what's covered. For the full, detailed list, refer to the companion “Restricted & Prohibited Item List.”

  • Weapons, ammunition, and explosives
  • Hazardous materials and dangerous goods (flammables, compressed gases, certain batteries, vaccines and other biologics, mercury-containing devices)
  • Illegal drugs, controlled substances, related paraphernalia, and dietary supplements/vitamins with restricted ingredients
  • Counterfeit goods and unauthorized copyrighted material
  • Cash, negotiable instruments, certain precious metals/gemstones, and shipments valued at $2,500 or more
  • Wildlife products, endangered species items, and live animals
  • Human remains
  • Tobacco, vaping products, and alcohol
  • Plants, seeds, pet food, and certain food or agricultural products
  • Obscene, hateful, or illegal content
  • Certain government, military, or regulated medical items, plus cosmetics and perfumes
  • Items destined for sanctioned countries, entities, or individuals
  • Automobile parts containing fluids, wooden items requiring certification, and religious materials

4. What Happens If a Shipment Doesn't Comply

4.1 Restricted Items

If your shipment includes a restricted item, we may reach out for supporting documentation (such as a permit, license, or age verification) before the shipment is released. Shipments will be held until that documentation is confirmed.

4.2 Prohibited Items

Shipments containing prohibited items will not be released and may be returned or disposed of according to applicable carrier and customs rules. Repeated shipment of prohibited items may result in review or suspension of your merchant account.

5. Your Responsibility as a Merchant

  • Accurately describe and classify every item you ship.
  • Confirm destination-country eligibility before listing restricted items for international sale.
  • Provide any requested documentation promptly to avoid shipment delays.
  • Reach out to FlavorCloud support before shipping if you're unsure whether an item is restricted or prohibited.

6. Questions or Uncertain Items

If you're not sure whether an item falls into a restricted or prohibited category, contact FlavorCloud Merchant Support before shipping. It's always faster to check in advance than to have a shipment held or rejected in transit.

7. Updates to This Policy

This policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in customs regulations, carrier requirements, or international trade rules. The most current version will always be available through your FlavorCloud merchant account.