What Can Be Shipped via Air Express?

Air express shipping is designed for fast, door-to-door delivery of small and time-critical shipments. However, not every product is suitable for air express due to safety, regulatory, and airline restrictions.

This guide explains:

• What can be shipped via air express
• Which items are restricted or prohibited
• Special rules for products such as batteries and perfumes

What Is Air Express Shipping?

Air express is a courier-based air transport service that offers:

• Door-to-door delivery
• Very short transit times (typically 1-3 days)
• Integrated customs clearance

It is best suited for small parcels, urgent goods, and high-value shipments.

Items Commonly Shipped via Air Express

Documents and Paper Goods

• Business documents
• Contracts and legal paperwork
• Passports and certificates
• Marketing materials

These items are low risk and rarely restricted.

Small Commercial Parcels

• Apparel and textiles
• Consumer electronics (non-hazardous)
• Accessories and spare parts
• Promotional items

Shipments are subject to courier size and weight limits.

E-commerce Shipments

• Cross-border online orders
• B2C parcels
• Returns and replacements

Air express is widely used in international e-commerce due to its speed and reliability.

Samples and Prototypes

• Product samples
• Trade fair samples
• Engineering or design prototypes

All samples must be clearly declared for customs purposes.

Medical and Pharmaceutical Items (Non-Hazardous)

• Medical devices without hazardous components
• Diagnostic tools
• Healthcare accessories

Acceptance depends on documentation and destination country regulations.

Items with Restrictions in Air Express

Some products can be shipped only under specific conditions and approvals.

Lithium Batteries

• Standalone lithium batteries are often restricted or prohibited
• Batteries packed with equipment are sometimes allowed
• Batteries contained within equipment are generally accepted

All lithium battery shipments must comply with IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, including labeling and quantity limits.

Perfumes and Cosmetics

• Many perfumes and cosmetics contain alcohol or flammable liquids
• These products may be classified as dangerous goods

They often require special packaging, limited quantities, and carrier approval.

Aerosols

• Deodorants
• Hair sprays
• Pressurized cosmetic or industrial sprays

These are frequently restricted due to pressure and flammability risks.

Food and Perishable Goods

• Dry, non-perishable food may be accepted in limited cases
• Fresh, refrigerated, or frozen food is usually not suitable

Air express does not provide reliable temperature control.

Prohibited Items in Air Express Shipping

The following items are generally not accepted for air express transport:

• Explosives and fireworks
• Flammable gases and fuels
• Toxic or infectious substances
• Weapons and ammunition
• Counterfeit goods
• Live animals

Such goods require specialized transport solutions.

Size and Weight Limits

Air express services operate within strict network limitations.

Typical limits vary by carrier but often include:

• Maximum weight per parcel: 30-70 kg
• Maximum length: 120-300 cm
• Dimensional (volumetric) weight rules apply

Oversized or heavy cargo is better shipped via air freight.

Customs and Documentation Requirements

Despite simplified handling, air express shipments still require:

• Commercial invoice
• Accurate product description
• Declared value
• HS code (recommended)

Incorrect or incomplete documentation can result in delays or additional charges.

When Air Express Is the Right Choice

Air express is ideal when the shipment is:

• Small and lightweight
• Time-sensitive
• High value
• Non-hazardous or approved restricted goods

For larger, heavier, or more complex shipments, air freight usually provides greater flexibility and lower cost per kilogram.

Final Takeaway

Air express shipping offers speed and convenience, but product eligibility is limited. Understanding accepted items, restrictions, and dangerous goods rules helps businesses avoid delays, reduce risk, and choose the right transport solution.

Platforms like iContainers help shippers evaluate whether air express or air freight is the best option before booking.