Planning to send a parcel home to Bangladesh? Before you seal that box, ensure you aren’t packing items that could delay your shipment or put a flight at risk.
At Xpress Cargo, we know how important it is to get your goods from the UK to your friends, family, or business partners in Bangladesh safely and on time. Whether you are sending gifts for Eid, essential household items, or commercial goods, we are proud to facilitate that connection using the trusted services of Biman Bangladesh Airlines.
However, international air cargo is governed by strict safety regulations. What seems harmless in your kitchen cupboard can become a serious hazard at 30,000 feet.
To ensure your shipment sails through customs and boards the flight without issue, it is vital to know what you cannot pack.
This guide outlines the major prohibited items based on international aviation standards (IATA), UK security rules, and Biman Bangladesh Airlines' specific policies.
Why Are Certain Items Prohibited?
It usually comes down to two main factors:
1. Flight Safety:
The cargo hold of an aircraft experiences changes in temperature and pressure. Some items, particularly those containing chemicals, batteries, or compressed gases, can react dangerously to these changes, posing a fire or explosion risk mid-flight.
2. Bangladesh Customs Regulations:
The Government of Bangladesh has strict laws on what can enter the country. Some items are banned to protect local agriculture, public health, or due to legal restrictions (such as alcohol).
The "No-Go" List: Common Prohibited Items
We often have to remove items from customers' boxes because they didn't realise they were restricted. Based on common issues and standard safety protocols, here is a breakdown of what you must leave out of your Xpress Cargo shipment.
1. Flammables and Compressed Gases (The biggest culprits)
Anything that can catch fire easily is strictly forbidden in air cargo. This is the most common reason shipments are stopped.
- Aerosols & Body Sprays: Even a standard can of deodorant is pressurised. In the cargo hold, it could burst.
- Perfumes and Aftershaves: Most perfumes have a very high alcohol content, making them highly flammable liquids.
- Matches and Lighters: These are designed to create fire and have no place in unaccompanied cargo.
- Paints, Varnishes, and Thinners: These are almost always oil-based and highly flammable.
- Flammable Liquids/Solids: This includes items like petrol, lighter fuel, certain glues, and firelighters.
2. Batteries and Electronics
Lithium batteries power our modern lives, but they are also a significant aviation risk if damaged or packed incorrectly, as they can self-ignite and burn fiercely.
- Loose Lithium-Ion Batteries: Power banks (portable chargers) and spare laptop batteries are generally prohibited in cargo.
- Small Batteries: Loose AA, AAA, or button cell batteries should not be packed where they can short-circuit against each other.
- Mobiles, Laptops, and Tablets: While you can sometimes send these, they are heavily restricted. They must be switched completely off (not in sleep mode) and packed rigidly so they cannot accidentally turn on. Please consult Xpress Cargo staff directly before packing electronics.
- Vapes and E-Cigarettes: These contain both lithium batteries and heating elements, a combination that makes them high-risk for cargo transport.
3. Household Chemicals and Corrosives
Items under your sink can be hazardous when flying. If they leak, they can damage the aircraft structure or create toxic fumes.
- Bleach and Strong Cleaners: Any industrial or strong household cleaner.
- Acids and Alkalis: This includes things like battery fluid, certain drain cleaners, and pool chemicals.
- Mercury: Thermometers or barometers containing mercury.
4. Perishables and Food
Sending food to Bangladesh is complicated. While packaged, long-life dry foods (like biscuits or tea bags) are usually fine, fresh items are not.
- Fresh Food: Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, and dairy products will likely spoil during transit. More importantly, they will almost certainly be confiscated by Bangladesh Customs upon arrival to prevent the spread of pests and diseases.
5. Miscellaneous Banned Items
Weapons and Imitations: Firearms, ammunition, knives, swords, or anything that even looks like a weapon (including children’s toys) are prohibited.
- Alcohol: Bangladesh has strict laws regarding the importation of alcohol. Do not include spirits, wine, or beer in standard cargo shipments.
- Cash and High-Value items: We strongly advise against sending currency, precious metals, or extremely high-value jewellery in standard cargo.
What Happens If I Pack a Prohibited Item?
If our screening team in the UK, or the security teams at the airport, detect a prohibited item in your cargo:
1. Delays: Your entire shipment will be pulled aside.
2. Removal: The offending item will be removed and likely destroyed. It will not be returned to you.
3. Fines or Action: In serious cases, attempting to ship dangerous goods without declaring them can lead to heavy fines or legal action by aviation authorities.
When in Doubt, Ask Xpress Cargo!
We want your experience to be hassle-free. If you are holding an item and you aren't 100% sure if it's allowed on a Biman Bangladesh flight, please don't guess.
Contact the Xpress Cargo team today. Tell us what you want to send, and our experienced staff will give you clear, accurate advice on whether it’s safe to pack.
Let’s work together to get your cargo to Bangladesh safely.