Alcohol and Tobacco
Heavily regulated with strict quantity limits. Duties and taxes apply even for personal use. Commercial imports require licensing, and declarations must accurately state type and quantity.
What Can I Ship in My Car?
A complete guide to restricted and prohibited items when shipping your vehicle internationally. Know the rules before you pack.
Important: This list is for guidance only and may change without notice. Always check current regulations with your carrier and relevant authorities before shipping.
Ro-Ro Shipping
Roll-on/Roll-off Requirements
Ro-Ro shipping has strict requirements—vehicles must be completely empty. The vehicle drives onto the ship and drives off at the destination, which means no additional cargo can be secured.
What's Allowed
The vehicle itself, and nothing more. The vehicle must be operational (driveable).
What's Not Allowed
- Any personal possessions (clothing, luggage, electronics)
- Any goods or cargo inside the vehicle
- Fuel above a quarter tank (typically must be minimal for safety)
Why so strict? Items left inside can shift during transit, cause damage, create security issues, or simply go missing. Vehicles are inspected and non-compliant shipments will be delayed or refused.
Container Shipping
Restricted Items
The following applies to container shipments only. These items are not outright banned but require special authorisation, licensing, or handling. Shipping them without proper compliance will cause delays or seizure.
Batteries (Particularly Lithium-ion)
Classified as dangerous goods due to fire risk. Loose batteries face heavy restrictions, especially by air. Batteries installed in devices are generally permitted subject to packaging and quantity limits.
Medications
Prescription medications require a valid prescription and may need import permits. Over-the-counter medications have quantity limits.
Food and Perishables
Regulations vary considerably by country. Plant and animal products face particular scrutiny. Commercial imports require extensive documentation.
Plants and Plant Products
Many countries restrict plants, seeds, soil, and wood products to prevent pest introduction. Phytosanitary certificates are often required.
Animal Products
Meat, dairy, and leather goods are heavily regulated. Import permits and health certificates are typically mandatory.
Chemicals and Solvents
Common household chemicals (cleaning agents, paints, thinners) may be classified as hazardous, requiring special handling and documentation.
Firearms and Ammunition
Require special licences from authorities in both origin and destination countries. Often prohibited entirely for general freight.
Vehicle Battery Information
Electric Vehicles
Extra costs will apply due to hazard handling requirements. Contact us at ShipMyCar for current pricing.
Hybrid Vehicles
Generally accepted without significant surcharges.
Vehicle Batteries
Must be in safe condition, ideally disconnected. Non-runners with battery issues pose significant risk.
Strictly Prohibited
Prohibited Items
These items are banned from international container transport due to safety, legal, or ethical reasons. No exceptions.
Explosives and Fireworks
Including gunpowder, flares, and blasting caps
Flammable Liquids and Gases
Lighter fluid, fuel, propane tanks, and most aerosols
Compressed Gases
Oxygen tanks and diving tanks (unless certified empty)
Oxidising Materials and Organic Peroxides
Can cause or intensify fires
Poisons and Toxic Substances
Pesticides, infectious biological substances, and similar
Radioactive Materials
Any materials emitting radiation
Corrosives
Acids, alkalis, and wet cell batteries (often restricted depending on condition)
Magnets
Can interfere with aircraft navigation equipment
Counterfeit Goods
Subject to confiscation, fines, and legal action
Illegal Drugs and Narcotics
Strictly prohibited under all circumstances
Human and Animal Remains
Subject to strict health and legal regulations; not permitted in standard freight
When in doubt, declare it.
Undeclared restricted items create far bigger problems than a simple enquiry beforehand. Contact us if you are unsure about any item.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave personal items in my car during Ro-Ro shipping?
No. Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) shipping has strict requirements—vehicles must be completely empty. Any personal possessions, luggage, electronics, or cargo inside the vehicle are not allowed. Items left inside can shift during transit, cause damage, create security issues, or go missing.
What is the difference between Ro-Ro and container shipping for personal items?
Ro-Ro shipping requires your vehicle to be completely empty and driveable. Container shipping allows you to include some personal items inside the vehicle, but many items are restricted or prohibited. Container shipping offers more flexibility but comes with more regulations to follow.
Can I ship an electric vehicle?
Yes, but extra costs will apply due to hazard handling requirements for the lithium-ion batteries. Contact ShipMyCar for current EV shipping pricing. Hybrid vehicles are generally accepted without significant surcharges.
What happens if I include prohibited items in my shipment?
Undeclared restricted or prohibited items can result in significant delays, seizure of goods, fines, or legal action. Vehicles are inspected and non-compliant shipments will be delayed or refused. When in doubt, declare it—undeclared items create far bigger problems than a simple enquiry beforehand.
Can I ship alcohol or tobacco in my car?
These items are heavily regulated with strict quantity limits. Duties and taxes apply even for personal use. Commercial imports require licensing, and declarations must accurately state type and quantity. It is generally not recommended to include these items.
Are medications allowed when shipping my car?
Prescription medications require a valid prescription and may need import permits depending on the destination country. Over-the-counter medications have quantity limits. Check with relevant authorities before shipping any medications.
Need Help With Your Shipment?
Our team can advise on what you can ship and help you navigate the regulations. Get an instant quote or contact us for guidance.