Prohibited Items

Overview

For the safety of our staff, facility, and your products, certain items cannot be stored or shipped through eFulfillment Service. This guide outlines what items are prohibited and restricted at our fulfillment center.

Understanding these restrictions helps avoid delays, additional fees, and complications with your inventory shipments.

Table of Contents

1. Why Items Are Prohibited
2. Strictly Prohibited Items
3. Restricted Items
4. Special Handling & Approvals
5. What Happens If Prohibited Items Are Received
6. Carrier Restrictions
7. Product Categories – Quick Reference
8. Compliance & Penalties
9. Best Practices
10. International Considerations
11. Questions & Approvals
12. Summary Checklist
13. Resources & Links
14. Final Notes

Why Items Are Prohibited

Items may be prohibited for several reasons:

Safety Concerns

  • Risk to warehouse personnel
  • Fire or explosion hazards
  • Toxic or hazardous materials
  • Sharp or dangerous objects (without proper packaging)

Legal & Regulatory Compliance

  • Federally regulated substances
  • Items requiring special licenses
  • Age-restricted products
  • Controlled substances

Facility Limitations

  • Temperature control requirements
  • Special storage conditions
  • Insurance restrictions
  • Carrier restrictions

Operational Constraints

  • Products that expire too quickly
  • Items that attract pests
  • Products that damage other inventory
  • Materials that contaminate warehouse space

Strictly Prohibited Items

These items are NEVER accepted at EFS under any circumstances:

Hazardous Materials

❌ Explosives & Flammable Items

  • Fireworks or pyrotechnics
  • Ammunition or gunpowder
  • Flammable gases or liquids
  • Aerosol sprays (with certain exceptions – see Restricted Items)
  • Lighter fluid or similar accelerants
  • Matches or fire-starting materials

❌ Toxic or Poisonous Substances

  • Pesticides or insecticides (certain exceptions – see Restricted Items)
  • Industrial chemicals
  • Paint or paint thinner
  • Corrosive materials (acids, bases)
  • Toxic cleaning agents
  • Radioactive materials

❌ Other Hazardous Materials

  • Asbestos or asbestos-containing products
  • Mercury or mercury-containing items
  • Lead-based products (certain exceptions for sealed consumer goods)
  • Biohazards or medical waste
  • Compressed gases

Note: Items containing lithium batteries may have restrictions. Contact your Client Care Account Specialist if you’re unsure about battery-powered products.

Perishable Items

❌ Food & Beverages Requiring Refrigeration

  • Fresh produce
  • Dairy products
  • Fresh or frozen meats
  • Any item requiring refrigeration or freezing
  • Ice cream or frozen desserts

❌ Live Products

  • Live plants or flowers
  • Live animals or insects
  • Products with living organisms

Exception: Non-perishable, shelf-stable food items with adequate shelf life (180+ days) ARE permitted. See Restricted Items section below.

Illegal or Controlled Items

❌ Federally Regulated Substances

  • Illegal drugs or narcotics
  • Drug paraphernalia
  • Cannabis or CBD products (regardless of state legality)
  • Prescription medications
  • Controlled substances (as defined by DEA)

❌ Age-Restricted Items

  • Tobacco products
  • E-cigarettes or vaping products
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Products marketed for tobacco/alcohol use

❌ Weapons & Related Items

  • Firearms or replica firearms
  • Ammunition
  • Explosive devices
  • Switchblades or illegal knives
  • Brass knuckles or similar weapons
  • Stun guns or tasers

Note: Kitchen knives and tools are permitted with proper packaging (see Packing Rules).

Items That Damage or Contaminate

❌ Products That Can Damage Other Inventory

  • Items with strong, persistent odors
  • Products that leak or spill easily
  • Items that attract pests (unsealed foods, etc.)
  • Products with mold or mildew
  • Wet or damp items
  • Items that off-gas harmful chemicals

❌ Contaminated or Damaged Goods

  • Products with visible mold growth
  • Items contaminated with bodily fluids
  • Goods with insect infestations
  • Water-damaged inventory
  • Items with chemical spills or leaks

Important: If EFS discovers contaminated or hazardous items after receipt, we reserve the right to immediately quarantine, relocate, or destroy the items at Client’s expense without reimbursement.

High-Value Items

❌ Extremely High-Value Items

  • Precious metals (gold, silver, platinum)
  • Precious stones or jewelry worth over $250.00 per unit
  • Fine art or collectibles worth over $250.00 per unit
  • Currency or negotiable instruments
  • Bearer bonds or stock certificates

Note: High-value items may be accepted with prior approval. Contact your Client Care Account Specialist to discuss.


Used Items

❌ Used or Previously Owned Products:

  • Vintage clothing or apparel
  • Used electronics
  • Second-hand furniture
  • Pre-owned collectibles
  • Thrift store items
  • Estate sale merchandise
  • Consignment goods
  • Any item that has been previously owned or used by another consumer

Exceptions:

✅ May Be Permitted:

  • New-with-tags (NWT) retail returns that are resold as new
  • Overstock or shelf-pull items that were never owned by consumers

​​Note: “Vintage” or “retro-style” items that are newly manufactured (reproductions) ARE permitted – these are not the same as actual vintage/used items.

Items Requiring Special Licenses or Permits

❌ Regulated Products Without Proper Authorization

  • Medical devices requiring FDA approval
  • Prescription eyewear or contact lenses
  • Products requiring import/export licenses
  • Items requiring DEA registration
  • Products needing EPA approval

Restricted Items

These items may be accepted WITH CONDITIONS or PRIOR APPROVAL:

Food & Beverage Products

✅ Permitted WITH CONDITIONS:

Non-Perishable Food Items

  • Must have 180+ days until expiration at time of receipt
  • Must be lot-controlled with visible expiration dates
  • Expiration dates must be printed on master carton (36pt font or larger)
  • Must comply with FDA labeling requirements
  • Must be properly sealed and packaged

Examples: Protein bars, vitamins, supplements, packaged snacks, canned goods, dried foods

NOT Permitted: Anything requiring refrigeration, fresh foods, items with less than 180 days shelf life

Personal Care & Cosmetics

✅ Permitted WITH CONDITIONS:

Aerosol Products

  • Limited quantities may be accepted
  • Must be properly sealed and packaged
  • Must comply with carrier shipping restrictions
  • May have additional handling fees

Liquids Over 8 oz in Plastic Bottles

  • Must have secure caps properly taped (see Packing Rules)
  • Must be packaged to prevent leaking
  • Recommended: use bottles with pump dispensers rather than twist caps

Glass Bottles

  • Must be bubble wrapped
  • Must be placed in boxes or protective packaging
  • See Packing Rules for complete requirements

Nail Polish & Similar Products

  • May be restricted due to flammability
  • Contact Client Care Account Specialist for approval

Adult-Oriented Products

✅ Permitted WITH CONDITIONS:

Adult Products (Non-Explicit)

  • Adult-oriented items are permitted if properly packaged
  • Must be packaged in opaque or black polybags
  • Cannot display nudity, profanity, or pornography on outer packaging
  • Must be discreet for warehouse handling

NOT Permitted:

  • Explicit adult toys or devices
  • Pornographic materials
  • Products depicting illegal acts

Questions? If you’re unsure whether your product falls into this category, contact your Client Care Account Specialist with product descriptions (not images).

Products With Expiration Dates

✅ Permitted WITH CONDITIONS:

Vitamins, Supplements, Nutraceuticals

  • Must have 180+ days until expiration
  • Must be lot-controlled
  • Expiration date must be clearly visible
  • Must be printed on master carton in large font

Cosmetics & Skin Care

  • Same requirements as food items
  • Must have adequate shelf life
  • Must be properly sealed

Short-Dated Products: Products arriving with less than 180 days until expiration will be placed in “Hurt” status until you confirm they should be moved to saleable stock.

Batteries & Electronics

✅ Permitted WITH CONDITIONS:

Battery-Powered Devices

  • Most consumer electronics are permitted
  • Lithium batteries may have shipping restrictions
  • Must comply with carrier regulations
  • May require special labeling

Standalone Batteries

  • Must meet carrier shipping requirements
  • May have quantity limitations
  • Must be properly packaged to prevent short-circuiting

NOT Permitted:

  • Damaged or recalled batteries
  • Batteries known to overheat
  • Counterfeit battery products

Questions? Contact your Client Care Account Specialist with specific product details for approval.

Products Requiring Assembly or Kitting

✅ Permitted WITH CONDITIONS:

Items Needing Assembly

  • Must have prior approval
  • Assembly instructions required
  • Labor fees apply (see Kitting Services)
  • Must be feasible within warehouse operations

Multi-Component Products

  • Must arrive pre-bundled OR
  • Request kitting services in advance
  • All components must be provided
  • Clear assembly instructions required

Sharp or Pointed Items

✅ Permitted WITH CONDITIONS:

Tools & Utensils

  • Kitchen knives and cooking tools – permitted
  • Hand tools – permitted
  • Scissors – permitted
  • MUST be packaged properly (see Packing Rules)
  • Requires bubble wrap and box packaging

NOT Permitted:

  • Weapons (switchblades, throwing stars, etc.)
  • Items marketed as weapons
  • Illegal knives under federal or state law

Temperature-Sensitive Items (Non-Perishable)

✅ May Be Permitted WITH CONDITIONS:

Items Sensitive to Extreme Temperatures

  • Candles (may melt in summer)
  • Chocolate (may melt in summer)
  • Certain cosmetics
  • Some supplements

Conditions:

  • EFS warehouse is climate-controlled but not temperature-specific
  • Temperature ranges: Approximately 60-75°F typical
  • Client assumes all risk for temperature damage
  • May require seasonal holds during extreme weather

NOT Permitted:

  • Items requiring specific temperature ranges
  • Products needing refrigeration or freezing
  • Items that degrade outside narrow temperature ranges

Special Handling & Approvals

When Prior Approval Is Required

Contact your Client Care Account Specialist BEFORE sending inventory if your products:

  • Are worth over $250 per unit (wholesale value)
  • Contain batteries or electronic components
  • Have special storage requirements
  • Require assembly or complex kitting
  • Are aerosol products
  • Are temperature-sensitive
  • Have any characteristics that might be questionable

How to Request Approval

Submit via Zendesk ticket with:

  1. Product Description

    • What the product is
    • What it’s made of
    • How it’s packaged
    • Dimensions and weight
  2. Special Considerations

    • Any hazardous materials or components
    • Special handling needs
    • Storage requirements
    • Assembly requirements
  3. Documentation

    • Safety Data Sheets (SDS) if applicable
    • Product photos
    • Manufacturer specifications
    • Regulatory compliance documentation
  4. Intended Use

    • How product will be fulfilled
    • Volume expectations
    • Special shipping requirements

Response Time:

  • Most approval requests: 2-3 business days
  • Complex items: Up to 5 business days
  • Rush approval may be available – ask your Client Care Account Specialist

What Happens If Prohibited Items Are Received

Discovery Upon Receipt

If EFS discovers prohibited items when receiving your shipment:

We will:

  1. Immediately quarantine the prohibited items
  2. Document the items with photos
  3. Contact you via Zendesk ticket
  4. Request instructions for handling

Your options:

  • Return to sender: We’ll ship items back to you (freight charges apply)
  • Destruction: We’ll dispose of items (disposal fees apply)
  • Hold for pickup: You arrange pickup (storage fees apply after 10 days)

Fees may include:

  • Quarantine handling
  • Storage fees
  • Return shipping: Actual freight costs
  • Disposal fees: Varies based on item type and quantity

Hazardous Materials

If hazardous materials are discovered:

EFS reserves the right to:

  • Immediately contain or isolate materials
  • Contact appropriate authorities if required
  • Destroy materials without reimbursement
  • Charge for specialized disposal (can be significant)
  • Terminate services agreement for safety violations

Safety is our top priority. Hazardous materials put our staff and facility at risk and will be handled accordingly.

Mold or Contaminated Items

If items contain mold or contamination:

EFS will:

  • Immediately quarantine the entire pallet or shipment
  • Not attempt to salvage unaffected items
  • Require destruction of entire contaminated shipment
  • Charge for hazardous material disposal
  • May terminate services if pattern continues

Your responsibility:

  • All disposal costs
  • All handling and quarantine costs
  • Any damage to other clients’ inventory (if applicable)

Prevention: Ensure items are completely dry before shipping to EFS. Do not send items that have been water damaged or stored in damp conditions.

Carrier Restrictions

Even if EFS accepts an item for storage, carriers may restrict shipping:

USPS Restrictions

Cannot ship via USPS:

  • Certain aerosols
  • Perfumes over 4 oz
  • Nail polish (limited quantities only)
  • Some lithium batteries
  • Items over 70 lbs or 108 inches in combined length + girth

FedEx & UPS Restrictions

Cannot ship via FedEx/UPS:

  • Currency or collectible currency
  • Firearms and weapons
  • Marijuana/cannabis products
  • Hazardous materials without special agreements
  • Some international shipment restrictions

International Shipping Restrictions

Additional restrictions apply for international orders:

  • Country-specific prohibited items
  • Customs documentation requirements
  • Value limitations
  • Material restrictions (leather, wood, etc. in some countries)

Important: Just because an item can be stored at EFS doesn’t mean it can be shipped to all destinations. Check with your Client Care Account Specialist about shipping restrictions for your products.

Product Categories – Quick Reference

✅ Generally Permitted (with proper packaging)

  • Apparel and textiles
  • Books and printed materials
  • Consumer electronics (standard)
  • Cosmetics and personal care (non-aerosol)
  • Craft supplies and art materials
  • Home goods and decor
  • Kitchen items and cookware
  • Non-perishable food (180+ days shelf life)
  • Office supplies
  • Pet supplies (non-living)
  • Sporting goods (non-weapons)
  • Toys and games (safety-approved)
  • Vitamins and supplements (180+ days shelf life)

⚠️ Restricted (requires approval/conditions)

  • Adult-oriented products (non-explicit)
  • Aerosol products (limited)
  • Battery-powered items
  • Glass items (proper packaging required)
  • High-value items ($250+ per unit)
  • Items requiring assembly
  • Liquids in glass bottles
  • Products with expiration dates
  • Sharp tools (proper packaging required)
  • Temperature-sensitive items (non-perishable)

❌ Prohibited (never accepted)

  • Alcohol
  • Cannabis/CBD products
  • Controlled substances
  • Explosives/fireworks
  • Firearms and weapons
  • Hazardous materials
  • Illegal items
  • Live animals/plants
  • Medical waste
  • Perishable foods
  • Prescription medications
  • Tobacco/vaping products

Compliance & Penalties

Non-Compliance Fees

Sending prohibited items may result in:

Standard Non-Compliance Fee: per incident

Additional fees may apply:

  • Quarantine labor
  • Special handling
  • Disposal costs
  • Return shipping
  • Pallet storage

Repeated Violations

Pattern of prohibited items may result in:

  • Increased inspection of your shipments
  • Required pre-approval for all shipments
  • Termination of services agreement

We want to work with you. One-time errors are understandable. Repeated or significant violations raise concerns about alignment with our standards.

Best Practices

Before Sending Inventory

✅ DO:

  • Review this guide thoroughly
  • Check product ingredients and materials
  • Verify expiration dates (180+ days required)
  • Contact your Client Care Account Specialist with questions
  • Request approval for questionable items
  • Properly package all items per Packing Rules
  • Include accurate packing lists

❌ DON’T:

  • Assume an item is allowed without checking
  • Send items “to see if they’ll accept them”
  • Hide prohibited items in regular shipments
  • Send items with mold or contamination
  • Ignore expiration date requirements
  • Skip the approval process for restricted items

Product Research

Questions to ask yourself:

  1. Does this product contain hazardous materials?
  2. Will this product expire or perish?
  3. Does this product require special storage conditions?
  4. Is this product legally allowed to be sold/shipped?
  5. Could this product damage other inventory?
  6. Does this product have any age restrictions?
  7. Does this product need special licenses or permits?

If you answer “yes” or “unsure” to any question, contact your Client Care Account Specialist before sending inventory.

Working With Manufacturers

When sourcing products, ask suppliers:

  • Is this product classified as hazardous for shipping?
  • What is the shelf life?
  • Are there any storage temperature requirements?
  • Are there any shipping restrictions?
  • Is an SDS (Safety Data Sheet) available?
  • Are there any regulatory compliance requirements?

Get documentation:

  • Certificates of compliance
  • Safety Data Sheets
  • Regulatory approvals
  • Material composition details

International Considerations

Importing Products

If you import products from overseas:

Be aware of:

  • Country of origin restrictions (for some products)
  • Import regulations and duties
  • Customs documentation requirements
  • Material restrictions in destination countries
  • Labeling requirements for imported goods

Documentation needed:

  • Customs Harmonization Code (6-digit minimum)
  • Customs Harmonization Description (25 character limit)
  • Country of origin
  • Declared value

See: FCP SKU entry form for where to enter this information

Shipping Internationally

Products that can be stored at EFS may still have restrictions when shipping to certain countries:

Common international restrictions:

  • Foods and supplements (many countries restrict)
  • Cosmetics and personal care (some restrictions)
  • Electronics (some countries have limitations)
  • Leather goods (India, other countries)
  • Wood products (various countries)
  • Religious items (some countries)

Best practice: Research destination country restrictions before accepting international orders.

Questions & Approvals

How to Get Help

For questions about specific products:

  1. Submit a Zendesk ticket with:

    • Subject: “Product Approval Request – [Product Name]”
    • Detailed product description
    • Photos of product and packaging
    • Any relevant documentation (SDS, etc.)
    • Intended storage volume
  2. Include information about:

    • Materials and ingredients
    • Any special requirements
    • Manufacturer information
    • How it will be shipped to customers
  3. Wait for approval before shipping inventory to EFS

Response time:

  • Standard requests: 2-3 business days
  • Complex items: Up to 5 business days

When in Doubt, Ask

It’s always better to ask first than to:

  • Ship prohibited items and have them rejected
  • Pay for return shipping or disposal
  • Delay your inventory receiving
  • Risk non-compliance fees
  • Potentially violate your services agreement

We’re here to help. Your Client Care Account Specialist wants you to succeed and will work with you to find solutions when possible.

Summary Checklist

Before sending any inventory to EFS, verify:

Safety & Legal

  • [ ] No hazardous materials
  • [ ] No illegal or controlled substances
  • [ ] No weapons or dangerous items
  • [ ] Meets all regulatory requirements

Perishability & Expiration

  • [ ] No perishable items requiring refrigeration
  • [ ] Food items have 180+ days until expiration
  • [ ] Expiration dates clearly marked (if applicable)
  • [ ] Proper lot control for dated items

Storage Conditions

  • [ ] No special temperature requirements
  • [ ] Won’t damage or contaminate other inventory
  • [ ] No strong odors or off-gassing
  • [ ] Free from mold, pests, or contamination

Packaging & Handling

  • [ ] Properly packaged per Packing Rules
  • [ ] Sharp items have protective packaging
  • [ ] Glass items are bubble wrapped
  • [ ] Liquids are properly sealed

Approvals

  • [ ] Questionable items pre-approved by Client Care
  • [ ] High-value items disclosed
  • [ ] Special handling arrangements confirmed
  • [ ] Documentation provided if required

Resources & Links

External Resources:

Contact:

  • Client Care Account Specialist via Zendesk ticket system
  • Phone: 1-866-922-6783
  • Email: [email protected]

Final Notes

Our Commitment

EFS is committed to:

  • Maintaining a safe workplace for our staff
  • Protecting all clients’ inventory
  • Complying with all applicable laws and regulations
  • Providing clear guidance on prohibited items
  • Working with clients to find solutions when possible

Your Responsibility

As a client, you are responsible for:

  • Knowing what you’re sending to EFS
  • Ensuring products comply with all regulations
  • Properly packaging and labeling all items
  • Obtaining approvals before sending restricted items
  • Being truthful about product contents and characteristics

Partnership Approach

We succeed when you succeed. This guide isn’t meant to be restrictive, but to ensure:

  • Safety for everyone
  • Legal compliance
  • Smooth operations
  • Protection of all inventory
  • Successful fulfillment of your orders

Questions? Your Client Care Account Specialist is here to help. When in doubt, always ask before shipping.

Remember: This guide covers common scenarios, but cannot address every possible product. If you’re unsure about any item, contact your Client Care Account Specialist before sending inventory to EFS.