Prohibited item, whoops!! What happens now?

[postfail]

I checked tracking on a parcel that was sent by Parcelforce express 24.... 3 days ago and nothing has been updated, the last was that it was accepted at the parcelshop.

It has just dawned on me that the item is prohibited!!

I did not even think to be honest as I have sent these items using other couriers without problems, I have also received the items from various couriers without problems. my bad I know, I accept full responsibility of this. I know that RM are very strict and I wasn't actually aware that Parcelforce is part of RM, otherwise I may have thought about it more!!! (absolute idiot)

So what happens now? And in your experience how long does this process take? Any info welcome as I am quite concerned

Thanks in advance

[TrueBlueTerrier]

When banned items are sent through Royal Mail, several things can happen:

Return to Sender: If the item is identified as banned or prohibited, it may be returned to the sender. The sender will typically be notified, and they may have to pay for the return shipment.

Seizure: In some cases, particularly with prohibited items (like illegal goods or hazardous materials), the package may be seized by Royal Mail or law enforcement agencies.

Destruction: Banned items may also be destroyed, especially if they pose a safety risk or are illegal. This is often done without notifying the sender or receiver.

Notification: If the package is intercepted, the sender or recipient may receive a notification about the action taken, depending on the nature of the item and the circumstances.

[postfail]

When banned items are sent through Royal Mail, several things can happen:

Return to Sender: If the item is identified as banned or prohibited, it may be returned to the sender. The sender will typically be notified, and they may have to pay for the return shipment.

Seizure: In some cases, particularly with prohibited items (like illegal goods or hazardous materials), the package may be seized by Royal Mail or law enforcement agencies.

Destruction: Banned items may also be destroyed, especially if they pose a safety risk or are illegal. This is often done without notifying the sender or receiver.

Notification: If the package is intercepted, the sender or recipient may receive a notification about the action taken, depending on the nature of the item and the circumstances.

Thank you for your reply.

How would I be notified of what is happening with the parcel? And is there a general timeframe in which this happens?

Am I going to get in trouble?! For clarity it was a spa sanitizer. I have sent before using different carrier without problems so didn’t think twice.

[TrueBlueTerrier]

With that extra detail of the item being a spa sanitiser, I don't think it will be returned, I think it will be disposed of.

If however, the correct labels and declarations had been put on it it should have gone through. I asked my AI why spa sanitisers would be prohibited and it said

copied in full.

A spa sanitiser might be banned from being sent through Royal Mail due to its classification as a hazardous material or potentially dangerous substance. Here are some reasons why certain sanitisers are restricted:

1. **Chemical Composition**: Many spa sanitisers contain chemicals that can be flammable, corrosive, or toxic, making them unsafe for transport.

2. **Regulatory Compliance**: Postal services often follow strict regulations regarding the transport of hazardous materials to ensure safety for postal workers and the public.

3. **Risk of Spills or Leaks**: If a spa sanitiser leaks or spills during transit, it could pose risks to other packages, postal staff, and the environment.

4. **Manufacturer Guidelines**: Some products may have specific guidelines from manufacturers that prohibit shipping due to safety concerns.

If you are looking to send such items, it's advisable to check Royal Mail's list of prohibited items and consider alternatives for shipping or using services that specialise in shipping hazardous materials.

Many common spa sanitisers are classified as Restricted or Prohibited items because they contain chemicals that are Flammable, Oxidising (like some disinfectants/peroxides), or Corrosive (acids/caustic substances), which are dangerous goods.

If the sanitiser is classified as a:

Flammable Liquid (flash point below 60c, Corrosive, Oxidising Material, Pesticide, or Poison, it is generally prohibited for sending via Royal Mail within the UK and internationally.

Aerosol for toiletry/medicinal purposes (which is a restricted, but allowed, category), it must adhere to strict restrictions (e.g., volume limits, no more than two per parcel, must be presented at a Post Office counter). Spa sanitisers typically fall outside this category.

You must check the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) or product labelling for the specific sanitiser to determine its hazard classification (look for symbols like the flame, skull and crossbones, or corrosive symbols). Royal Mail strictly prohibits most items classified as dangerous goods.