Cargo classification affects transport safety, declarations and carrier acceptance. When uncertain, provide the exact item, ingredients and battery details.
General cargo
Clothing, books, battery-free daily goods and ordinary household items are often general cargo, subject to brand, material and destination restrictions.
- No batteries, liquids, powders or dangerous ingredients
- Not prohibited or restricted by the destination
- Use a specific customs description
Battery-powered cargo
Phones, laptops and Bluetooth devices contain lithium batteries and require routes that accept the specific battery type, capacity, quantity and packing method.
- Installed and standalone batteries have different rules
- Power banks are usually more restricted
- Provide battery capacity or watt-hour information
Other sensitive cargo
Liquids, pastes, powders, food, cosmetics, medicines, magnetic items and some branded products may need dedicated routes or additional review.
- Acceptance varies by country
- A sensitive route does not accept every sensitive item
- Final acceptance depends on route review
Reduce misclassification risk
Provide product links, photos, ingredient labels, brand and model information instead of a vague item name.
- Do not conceal batteries or liquids
- Mixed parcels follow the most restrictive cargo rule
- Keep the route review record
Frequently asked questions
Are all cosmetics sensitive cargo?
Many liquid, paste and powder cosmetics require a sensitive route. Solid products still need route-specific review.
Can a mobile phone ship as general cargo?
Normally no. A phone contains a lithium battery and should use a route that accepts installed batteries.
How is a mixed general-and-sensitive parcel handled?
The complete parcel normally follows the highest restriction level, or the items can be split and shipped separately.