Not accepted
Weapons & ammunition
Firearms, parts, ammunition, stun guns, and replicas.
For example: Pistols, rifles, cartridges, pepper spray, combat knives
What are prohibited and restricted items?
Under Bolivian and international law, some goods may only be shipped under specific conditions, and others cannot be shipped at all. It is the shipper's responsibility to comply with the laws and regulations of the origin and destination country for every shipment.
BLS reserves the right to refuse, hold, or report any shipment that violates this policy. The examples below illustrate the most common cases; they are not a complete list. For the full legal terms, see our Terms & conditions.
Not accepted
Prohibited items
Examples of items BLS will not ship include, but are not limited to, the following. A shipment found to contain one will be held and may be reported to the relevant authorities.
Not accepted
Illegal drugs & narcotics
Controlled substances and drug paraphernalia.
For example: Marijuana, cocaine, drug pipes and scales
Not accepted
Explosives & fireworks
Fireworks, flares, blasting caps, and pyrotechnics.
For example: Firecrackers, rockets, flares, gunpowder
Not accepted
Live or deceased animals
Any live animal, and animal remains or parts.
For example: Pets, insects, taxidermy
Not accepted
Human remains
Human body parts, organs, or cremated remains.
For example: Ashes, organs, tissue samples
Not accepted
Hazardous materials
Flammable, corrosive, toxic, or radioactive substances.
For example: Gasoline, paint thinner, acids, pesticides, gas cylinders
Not accepted
Counterfeit goods
Counterfeit or IP-infringing merchandise.
For example: Knock-off clothing, watches or perfumes
Not accepted
Protected species products
Ivory, furs, and other CITES-listed wildlife goods.
For example: Ivory, wild cat pelts, protected bird feathers
Not accepted
Currency & negotiable instruments
Bank notes, coins, checks, and letters of credit.
For example: Banknotes, coins, bearer checks, loaded cards
Not accepted
Postage stamps & collectibles
Postage stamps and other collectible negotiable items.
For example: Unused postage stamps, bonds, securities
Not accepted
Loose precious stones & industrial diamonds
Ungraded gemstones and industrial-grade diamonds.
For example: Unmounted or uncertified emeralds or diamonds
With conditions
Restricted items
Examples of items BLS accepts only under specific conditions include, but are not limited to, the following. Contact BLS before booking to confirm requirements.
With conditions
Loose lithium batteries
Accepted only installed in equipment, or declared and packaged per IATA/UN rules.
Condition: Installed in the device, or declared and packed per IATA/UN rules
With conditions
Perishable goods
Fresh food and biological samples need temperature-controlled service.
Condition: Only with a temperature-controlled service
With conditions
Alcohol & tobacco
Subject to destination customs limits and duties.
Condition: Within the destination's customs limits
With conditions
Medications
Prescription drugs require documentation matching the recipient.
Condition: With a prescription in the recipient's name
With conditions
Time- or temperature-sensitive goods
Needs a service level matched to the shipment's real constraints.
Condition: With the right service level
With conditions
Jewelry, gold & precious metals
Finished jewelry and precious metals, accepted on a contractual basis.
Condition: With a contract and declared value
With conditions
Fine art & high-value items
Artwork, antiques, and other items of unusual value need prior written agreement.
Condition: With prior written agreement
With conditions
Aerosols, perfumes & dry ice
Everyday items that count as dangerous goods and need extra precautions.
Condition: Declared and in limited quantities
We couldn't find that item on the list. If you're not sure, ask us before shipping it.
Shipment screening
What happens if your shipment contains a prohibited item
- 1
It's detected during screening
Every shipment is checked when it enters the network: at a BLS office, at an Aliado point or at our distribution center.
- 2
It's held and we contact you
The shipment does not continue its journey. We contact the sender to explain why.
- 3
It's returned or handed to the authorities
Depending on the item, it is returned to the sender or made available to the authorities. Any costs are paid by the sender.
Dropping off at a BLS Aliado point?
The point's attendant checks every package on arrival and may refuse any item on this list, just like a BLS office. Own a business and want to become an Aliado point? Discover the Aliado Network.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions before you ship
What happens if I ship something prohibited without knowing?
The shipment is held as soon as it's detected and we contact you. Depending on the item, it's returned to the sender or handed to the authorities. Return or disposal costs are paid by the sender.
Can I ship perfumes or beauty products?
Yes, in personal-use quantities and well packed. Perfumes and aerosols count as dangerous goods in large volumes: if you're shipping several units, ask us first.
Can I ship phones, laptops or battery-powered devices?
Yes, with the battery installed in the device. Loose or spare lithium batteries only travel declared and packed according to IATA/UN rules.
Can I ship medications?
Over-the-counter ones, yes. Prescription medications must travel with the prescription in the recipient's name, and some controlled substances are not accepted.
Can I drop off my shipment at a BLS Aliado point?
Yes. The point's attendant checks the package on arrival and may refuse any item on this list, just like a BLS office.
Is the list the same for international shipments?
It's the baseline. Each destination country may add its own customs restrictions; for international shipments, confirm with us before booking.
Not sure if your shipment qualifies?
Our team can confirm before you book.