Want to ship hot pot base, power banks, face masks from China abroad, but told they are “sensitive items” and can't go via regular lines? Don't worry, sensitive items are notProhibited items—as long as you choose the right line and packaging method, liquids, batteries,Foodcan all be safely shipped overseas.
What are sensitive items? What's the difference from prohibited items?
| Category | Definition | Can be shipped internationally? | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Goods | General goods with no special shipping restrictions | ✅ All routes | Clothes, books, stationery, toys |
| Sensitive items | Items with special shipping requirements but not illegal | ✅ Must use sensitive item route | Liquids, batteries, food, powders |
| Prohibited items | Items prohibited by law for international shipping | ❌ Not allowed via any channel | Fireworks, weapons, drugs, live animals |
Common sensitive item categories and shipping methods
🧴 Liquids
Includes toner, lotion, sauces (Lao Gan Ma, chili sauce), beverages, alcohol.
- Packaging requirements: Sealed bag + bubble wrap + leak-proof isolation
- Recommended route: Sensitive itemAir Freightspecial line orSea Freight
- Notes: Alcohol content over 70% (e.g., medical alcohol) not accepted by most routes
🔋 Items with batteries
Includes power banks, laptops, phones, electric toothbrushes, wireless earphones, remote control toys.
- Packaging requirements: Batteries must not be exposed, devices must be turned off, battery level kept at 30%-50%
- Recommended route: Battery special line (air freight); sea freight usually accepted directly
- Notes: Power banks over 20,000mAh (100Wh) not accepted by most routes; lithium batteries must have clear labels
🍜 Food
Includes hot pot base, luosifen, snacks, tea, Chinese herbs, milk powder.
- Packaging requirements: Sealed intact, original packaging with ingredient list, sufficient shelf life
- Recommended route: Food special line or sea freight
- Notes: Meat and dairy products are strictly prohibited in some countries (e.g.,Australia); Chinese herbs need to confirm if allowed in destination country
💊 Medicines and health supplements
Includes goji berries, ejiao, vitamins, cold medicine, plasters.
- Packaging requirements: Original packaging with instructions
- Recommended route: Sensitive item special line
- Notes: Prescription drugs have different restrictions in each country; items containing animal ingredients (e.g., ejiao) are not allowed in some countries
🧲 Magnetic items
Includes magnets, magnetic toys, magnetic therapy products.
- Packaging requirements: Requires degaussing packaging treatment
- Recommended route: Sensitive item route
- Notes: Strong magnets may affect aviation instruments, require professional packaging
🎨 Powders/pastes
Includes flour, milk powder, cosmetic powder compacts, toothpaste.
- Packaging requirements: Sealed, original packaging
- Recommended route: Sensitive item route
- Notes: White powders are easily inspected by customs (suspected contraband), recommend keeping original packaging
Sensitive items vs regular goods line comparison
| General goods route | Sensitive item route | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Lower | 10%-30% higher |
| Transit Time | Faster | May be 1-3 days slower |
| Shippable items | Regular items only | Liquids, batteries, food, etc. all acceptable |
| Customs inspection | Normal probability | Professional customs clearance, high success rate |
ImagineShip's sensitive items service
- Multiple dedicated lines for sensitive items — Liquids, batteries, and food lines are separated for safe and efficient transport
- Professional packaging — Warehouse has special packaging solutions for sensitive items (leak-proof, shock-proof, degaussing)
- Warehouse inspection — Upon arrival, we check if the item meets line requirements; if not, we notify you in advance
- Customs support — Sensitive item lines come with professional customs documents to reduce the risk of seizure
Frequently Asked Questions
Can hot pot base and luosifen be shipped abroad?
Yes! Hot pot base and luosifen are food-sensitive items. They can be safely shipped to most countries via the food line or sea freight. Ensure the packaging is sealed. Bases containing meatShip to Australiamay be restricted.ImagineShipWe ship these items every day and have extensive experience.
Can power banks be shipped abroad via consolidation?
Power banks under 20,000mAh (100Wh) can be shipped via the battery line by air. Most routes do not accept those exceeding this capacity. It is recommended to confirm the capacity before shipping and ensure the power bank has proper brand identification and capacity labeling.
How much more expensive is the sensitive items line compared to regular goods?
Usually 10%-30% more expensive, depending on the item type and line. Considering that shipping sensitive items via regular lines may result in returns or seizures, using dedicated lines is actually the most economical choice.Check line prices.
Not sure if your item can be shipped?Contact ImagineShip Customer Service, tell us the item name and we'll help you determine the best line for free!
