Shipping goods by air is fast and efficient, but it comes with strict safety and regulatory guidelines. Certain goods are prohibited from air transport due to the risks they pose to the aircraft, crew, and other cargo.

To help you avoid delays, fines, or rejected shipments, Here’s a detailed guide to 10 commonly banned items—and the specific dangers they present in the air freight environment.

Explosives

Explosives are incredibly unstable and can detonate from pressure changes, vibration, heat, or static electricity. In the pressurized environment of an aircraft, even minor turbulence can trigger a reaction.

Examples:

  • Fireworks
  • Ammunition
  • Dynamite
  • Signal flares

These are among the most dangerous hazardous materials in air freight. Some military or industrial shipments may qualify under strict handling protocols, but these are rare exceptions.

Note: Some military or industrial shipments may qualify for special handling under strict compliance, but these are exceptions.

Compressed Gases

Gases stored under pressure can expand rapidly when exposed to lower atmospheric pressure during flight. If the container fails, it can explode, acting like a bomb.

Examples:

  • Propane tanks
  • Butane canisters
  • CO₂ cartridges (e.g., for soda machines)
  • Aerosol spray cans

These are goods not allowed in air freight unless declared under specific conditions and packaged per IATA guidelines.

Flammable Liquids

Flammable liquids have low flash points and can easily produce vapors that ignite when exposed to heat or a spark. Cabin and cargo hold temperatures can fluctuate mid-flight, increasing volatility.

Example 

  • Gasoline
  • Paint thinners
  • Acetone
  • Industrial alcohol

Shipping flammable liquids by air is tightly controlled, and most are outright banned on passenger aircraft.

Radioactive Materials

Radioactive materials emit ionizing radiation that can be harmful to humans and animals. Even sealed materials, if mishandled or damaged, can cause long-term health hazards.

Example 

  • Uranium for research
  • Medical isotopes
  • Radiography equipment

These items may be allowed only under specialized conditions with certified handling.

Infectious Substances

Biological substances that contain viruses, bacteria, or pathogens can leak and infect humans or contaminate surfaces. Air transport increases the speed at which dangerous pathogens can cross borders.

Examples:

  • Blood samples with infectious agents
  • Pathogen cultures
  • Lab specimens for testing

Certain diagnostic shipments may be permitted under strict labeling and packing requirements (IATA PI650/PI602)

Magnetized Materials

Strong magnets can distort magnetic fields and interfere with aircraft compass readings or avionics systems, which are critical during takeoff, landing, and navigation.

Examples:

  • Large magnets
  • Industrial motors
  • Powerful loudspeakers

Shipments are tested for magnetic field strength. If they exceed allowable limits, they’re rejected for air cargo transport.

Lithium Batteries (Large or Damaged)

Lithium batteries can overheat and combust due to internal short circuits, damage, or improper packaging. Once ignited, lithium fires are difficult to extinguish and emit toxic gases.

Examples:

  • Lithium-ion batteries for e-bikes/scooters
  • Damaged phone/laptop batteries
  • High-capacity power banks

Strict watt-hour limits and packaging rules apply. Shipping lithium batteries by air is heavily regulated—damaged or recalled ones are banned.

Corrosive Substances

Corrosive materials can eat through metal, plastic, and human tissue. Leaks can damage aircraft components or packaging of nearby goods, triggering a chain reaction of hazards.

Examples:

  • Sulfuric acid
  • Industrial cleaners
  • Bleach
  • Battery acid

Corrosive materials in air freight require special containment and labeling—and many carriers will refuse them altogether.

Toxic Substances

Toxins can be harmful in trace amounts. Leaked vapors or particles can poison humans, pets, or contaminate food or pharmaceutical shipments.

Examples:

  • Pesticides
  • Mercury
  • Arsenic compounds

These toxic substances are among the top items not permitted on passenger or cargo aircraft without high-level declarations and containment.

Dry Ice (in Large Quantities)

Dry ice sublimates (changes from solid to gas) into CO₂. In unventilated spaces like cargo holds, this gas displaces oxygen, creating a suffocation hazard.

Examples:

  • Bulk dry ice for frozen foods or pharma
  • CO₂-releasing packaging

Small quantities may be permitted with proper ventilation and airline-specific restrictions.

Knowing what cannot be shipped by air, even common materials like dry ice, is essential for compliance.

Need help with cargo classification or compliance?

You're not alone—many shippers face uncertainty when it comes to correctly identifying and declaring restricted or hazardous goods. 

But here’s the truth:

Only a certified IATA Dangerous Goods Specialist is authorized to classify cargo for air shipment. - check