02 February 2026
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Items that need to be sent with safety precautions are considered dangerous goods. Here’s how to find out which dangerous goods can be mailed – and how – and which can’t.
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Video: The Australia Post logo sits at the top of a red screen. A grey-haired man sits under the text, "eCommerce Jargon Busters: Dangerous Goods."
Audio: Man: Dangerous goods is... Is that the opposite of dangerous bads?
Video: The man reads from a card that has an Australia Post logo on the back. Later, the text he's reading is typed onto a red background.
Audio: Man: Dangerous goods are either restricted items that need to be sent with safety precautions, or they're prohibited goods which can't be sent at all. When in doubt, check Australia Post’s Dangerous Goods Guide.
Video: The man shrugs.
Audio: Man: Jargon busted.
Video: Before a red background a microphone hovers over a stool. An Australia Post card lies on the stool. Text reads, “eCommerce Jargon Busters. [Jah-gawn bust-uhz] noun + plural noun.”
The Australia Post logo appears just above the stool.
What are dangerous goods?
Some goods need to be sent with safety precautions. These are classified as dangerous goods.
Dangerous goods can be restricted goods or prohibited goods.
What are restricted goods?
Some common types of restricted goods include alcohol, batteries, perfumes and essential oils, foods, and items of high value being sent overseas.
Some items in these categories may be exempt, which means they can be sent within Australia but not overseas.
Others have restrictions in how they’re sent – by road, for example, instead of by air freight.
What are prohibited goods?
Some goods can’t be sent at all, including some flammable or explosive items. These dangerous goods are called prohibited goods.
Why are there rules for sending dangerous goods?
Safety, interstate health and quarantine laws, size and weight, and customs requirements are among the most common reasons for restrictions in sending.
Whose responsibility is it to follow the dangerous goods rules?
As the sender, you’re responsible for checking whether your goods are classified as dangerous or prohibited. There can be legal or safety implications for not following the rules outlined in our dangerous goods guide.
How do you know if, and how, your dangerous goods can be sent?
Whether you’re sending within Australia or overseas, it’s important to check before sending. Our Dangerous goods guide is an easy-to-follow guide to sending common items.
If you’re not sure if your goods can be sent, or unsure of the safety requirements to take before sending them, check our Dangerous and prohibited goods and packaging guide. In this, each item is categorised within the dangerous goods classes to help you understand the precautions you need to take.
If you’re sending internationally, you’ll need to check the customs requirements of the country you’re sending to. Start with our International post guide.
How do you send exempt dangerous goods?
If you’re sending items that are considered dangerous goods but are allowed to be sent, you’ll need to complete a Dangerous Goods declaration.
In our guides to sending dangerous goods, you can find whether your items can be sent by road, air, Express Post or other services.
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From automating shipping label creation to booking parcel pickups, MyPost Business is here to help eCommerce businesses save time and money every send.