Prohibited & restricted items

Explosives & fireworks

TNT, dynamite, black powder and smokeless powder, fireworks, firecrackers, detonating cord, primers, and igniters.

Flammable fuels

Gasoline, kerosene, diesel, LPG, thinner, alcohol, acetone, oil paints, solvent-based industrial adhesives, fuel-loaded lighters.

Compressed gases

Filled cylinders of LPG, oxygen, CO₂, argon, acetylene; pressurized aerosol cans (cosmetic/industrial); filled gas lighters.

Oxidizers & peroxides

Perchlorates, ammonium nitrate, concentrated hydrogen peroxide, permanganate, and other oxidizers per IATA-DG.

Non-compliant lithium batteries

Lithium-ion batteries over 100 Wh without IATA approval, power banks lacking capacity labels, and damaged, swollen, or used batteries.

Radioactive materials

Any radioactive material, medical isotopes, equipment with radioactive sources, and X-ray emitting devices.

Toxic & infectious substances

Agricultural pesticides, herbicides, dangerous biologicals (Category A & B), pathology samples, medical waste.

Corrosive & acidic materials

Sulfuric, hydrochloric, and nitric acids; caustic soda; filled lead-acid batteries; mercury (except trace in sealed devices); dental amalgam.

Firearms & ammunition

Rifles, pistols, shotguns, airguns, PCP guns, all ammunition, full or empty magazines, and replacement firearm parts without police license.

Bladed and stun weapons

Military knives, machetes, swords, stun guns, telescopic batons, pepper spray, riot equipment, and laser weapons.

Replica & toy weapons

Pellet guns, airsoft, paintball, decorative replicas, and realistic toy weapons that may be mistaken for real firearms at customs.

Military & combat gear

Bulletproof vests, military helmets, night-vision goggles, rifle scopes, combat camouflage gear, and military spare parts.

Narcotics & psychoactives

Any natural or synthetic narcotic, hashish, opium, cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA, LSD, hallucinogenic mushrooms, narcotic plants. Tightly controlled prescription drugs also fall under this clause.

Prescription drugs

Prescription drugs (antibiotics, controlled psychoactives, chemotherapy, insulin) require a valid prescription, Food & Drug Authority approval, and a respected cold chain.

Vaccines & biologicals

Vaccines, biological serums, blood products, stem cells, tissue and DNA samples requiring cold chain and special permits.

Supplements & e-cigarettes

Steroid-containing sports supplements, e-cigarettes, nicotine vape liquids, hookah tobacco, and nicotine replacement products require import permits in many countries.

Live animals

Live animals are not accepted in the standard PST network. A dedicated animal transport service is available with prior coordination, Veterinary Organization permits, and temperature control.

Endangered species (CITES)

Ivory, rhino horn, leopard pelts, taxidermy, CITES-listed aquarium species, and any product from CITES species are strictly prohibited.

Quarantined plants & seeds

Plants, seeds, saplings, soil, fresh mushrooms, and plant products require a phytosanitary certificate from the Plant Protection Organization.

Meat, dairy & animal products

Fresh meat, dairy, eggs, honey, raw leather, unprocessed wool, and animal products without veterinary certification; export requires a commercial license.

Cash & money orders

Sending banknotes (domestic or foreign), money orders, and traveler’s cheques is not permitted in the postal network. Only the high-value insured service with Central Bank notice is acceptable.

Gold, silver & jewelry

Gold, silver, platinum, diamonds, precious stones, and high-value jewelry are accepted only with declared value, purchase invoice, gem certification (GIA), and the dedicated insured service.

Securities & cheques

Shares, certified cheques, deposit certificates, participation bonds, and original bank documents (without backup copies) cannot be shipped except via the special documents service with electronic recipient signature.

Indecent content

Any audio, visual, printed, or digital content violating public decency laws — banned books, DVDs, flash drives, hard disks, and devices carrying such content.

Anti-security content

Content related to terrorism, separatism, banned-group propaganda, or insults to sanctities.

Contraband goods

Goods without customs documents, with unpaid duties, or under sanctions (e.g. surveillance equipment, banned cryptography, anti-filtering devices).

Counterfeit & copyright infringement

Counterfeit clothing, perfume, watches, software, and films of global brands — seized at customs especially in the EU and US.

Third-party identity documents

Other people’s national IDs, passports, driver’s licenses, birth certificates, and identity documents are not shippable without formal proxy authorization.

Alcohol & alcoholic beverages

Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in the national network and will be seized at customs; senders will be referred to authorities.

Pork & pork products

Pork products are prohibited to and from the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Perishables without cold chain

Fresh meat, fish, dairy, fresh fruits and vegetables, and other perishables are accepted only via the cold-chain service within limited timing.

Foods without standards labeling

Industrial foods missing Iran’s standards label, production/expiry dates, or ingredient lists are not exportable.

Drones & their parts

Drones, quadcopters, and key parts (motors, FPV cameras, frames) to/from Iran require Civil Aviation Organization permits.

Satellite equipment

Dishes, satellite receivers, and satellite phones (Iridium, Thuraya, Starlink) cannot be shipped without regulator permits.

Surveillance & encryption equipment

Hidden cameras, eavesdropping mics, hardware encryption devices, and military security tokens require special permits.

Unauthorized radio equipment

Unlicensed-frequency radios, CRA-uncertified radio comms, and mobile/GPS jammers are prohibited.

Antiquities & ancient artifacts

Antiquities, ancient artifacts, historical pottery, old coins, manuscripts, and items from Iran’s national heritage are prohibited without Cultural Heritage permits.

Artworks & valuable carpets

Paintings by known artists, hand-knotted carpets over 50 years old, and master calligraphy require Ministry of Culture export permits.

Old coins & banknotes

Old Iranian coins/banknotes (Qajar, Pahlavi) and foreign numismatic items may be flagged as historic objects by customs.