What can be sent abroad in a parcel? List of permitted and prohibited items
2 July 2025
Do you want to send a parcel abroad, but you're not sure what you're allowed to put in it? You can send lots of parcels to loved ones or customers via Parcel Machine®, but there are some restrictions to consider for safety reasons. Check out what you can send without risk and what you should avoid!
What can be sent abroad in a parcel? Examples of items
Planning to send a parcel abroad, but not sure what items you can safely send via Parcel Machine®? It's worth noting the different parcel sizes and their restrictions. Here are some examples:
- dimension A (8 x 38 x 64 cm, max. 25 kg) - the smallest package is ideal when you want to send someone a book, a T-shirt or other item of clothing, a smartphone, a CD, a cosmetic product or jewellery with artificial stones;
- dimension B (19 x 38 x 64 cm, max. 25 kg) - the medium size is perfect for shipping a shoebox, board game, jigsaw puzzle, thicker hoodie, earphones or other small electronics;
- dimension C (39 x 38 x 64 cm, max. 25 kg) - even a suitcase, a printer, a microwave oven, a larger supply of clothes, a pillow and much more can fit in such a large package.
With these examples, it will be easier for you to decide what to pack in your parcel and what size to choose so that it arrives safely at the addressee. Remember that choosing the right parcel size can make the whole shipping process much easier!
What can be sent abroad without additional paperwork?
If you are wondering what you can send abroad without a lot of paperwork, we have good news. You will be able to send all permitted items without having to complete any additional documentation. Regardless of the content of your shipment all you have to do is fill in the shipping form in the app InPost Mobile or on the service page Rapid Transmissions .
However, it is worth bearing in mind that some things require particular accuracy in packaging . A cotton T-shirt does not need to be secured as solidly as, for example, a smartphone, as it is more resistant to all kinds of damage during delivery. Care should be taken above all to fill the parcels with, for example, notched paper to immobilise the items.
The key is to select cardboard or foil packs of a size best suited to the size of the items to be shipped . This will not only save space in the boxes, but also the amount of material needed to fill the parcel in such a way that the items arrive safely at their destination. And that's what you want, no matter what you're shipping.
How do I check whether an item can be sent abroad?
With frequently shipped items, such as clothes or accessories, for example, you don't need to be in any doubt about shipping both in Poland and abroad. However, if you want to be sure that everything you send is allowed, be sure to take a look at our regulate .
Check that in annex to the rules of procedure None of the items you wish to ship are among the prohibited goods. Some items are prohibited in all countries and others only in selected countries. Carefully read the stipulations to avoid misunderstandings, then pack your parcel securely with the permitted contents and ship to the country of your choice.
What cannot be sent in a parcel abroad?
You will find information on what cannot be sent abroad in a parcel, not only in the appendix to the regulations, but also in our packing guide which you download on the same page. Open file with consignment security rules and go to the section entitled "Assortment". There you will see detailed descriptions of the individual item categories with guidelines for shipping abroad.
At the same time, with the packing guide you will learn how to secure certain items that require special covers, such as the carton-to-box method. These sources are the only comprehensive lists of all prohibited items as part of the InPost International service.
Obvious prohibited items include substances or agents which are illegal in the countries concerned - both in Poland and in the country of destination. However, it is worth reading through the comprehensive list to ensure that only permitted items are suitable. Check our regulations and find out more!
