Know before you pack
Prohibited & restricted items
Packing the wrong item can delay an entire consolidated shipment, trigger customs penalties, or endanger the people handling your cargo. When in doubt, ask us before you pack — a WhatsApp photo takes a minute and can save weeks.
Never accepted — any shipping method:
- Firearms, air guns, gas weapons and signal guns
- Weapon parts, accessories and ammunition
- Knives designed as weapons and throwing weapons
- Electric shock devices
- Narcotics and psychotropic substances of any kind
- Explosives, gunpowder and fireworks
- Radioactive, corrosive or toxic substances
- Counterfeit goods and pirated media
- Cash, checks, money orders, vouchers and bearer securities
- Human remains or organs
- Live animals and plants
- Obscene or pornographic material
- Items requiring a U.S. export license, unless the license accompanies the shipment
- Any item prohibited by U.S. export law or Kenyan import law
Additionally prohibited by AIR (dangerous goods rules):
- Loose lithium batteries and power banks
- Aerosol cans of any kind
- Perfumes, colognes and alcohol-based cosmetics
- Nail polish and solvents
- Paints, thinners and their solvents
- Flammable liquids and any type of fuel
- Empty fuel containers, propane and CO2 tanks
- Scuba cylinders (pressurized)
- Compressed gases, incl. pepper spray and tear gas
- Lighters, lighter fluid and matches
- Dry ice
- Fuel-powered tools and equipment (unless purged)
- Oxygen-rich substances and corrosion inhibitors
- Used auto parts containing oils or lubricants
Batteries installed inside devices (phones, laptops, cameras) are generally acceptable by air within limits — tell us what you're shipping and we'll confirm. Most items on the air list CAN go by sea.
Restricted — prior arrangement required:
- Food: non-perishable, factory-sealed food is generally fine by sea; perishables need prior arrangement. No home-made food products.
- Alcohol & tobacco: subject to Kenyan excise duty and quantity limits — must be declared and arranged in advance.
- Medicines, supplements & vitamins: personal quantities with original packaging only; commercial quantities need Kenyan import approval (Pharmacy and Poisons Board).
- Jewelry, precious metals & stones: accepted only by prior arrangement with declared value and insurance; we recommend carrying high-value jewelry personally.
- Antiques & works of art: may require export documentation — ask first.
- Drones and radio equipment: require Kenya Civil Aviation Authority / Communications Authority permits — ask before buying.
Commonly shipped and welcome: clothing and shoes, books, non-perishable foodstuffs (sea), household goods and furniture, electronics — laptops, phones, tablets, TVs, computers, cameras (declared, with 5% insurance), appliances — fridges, microwaves, cookers, tools, auto parts (new/clean), toys, diapers and baby supplies, salon and barber equipment, church and school supplies.
This list is a guide, not an exhaustive statement of law. U.S. export regulations and Kenyan import rules control in all cases — see our Compliance page and Terms.