What we cannot carry
Two lists, because they differ. Everything on the sea list is refused on both modes; air adds the dangerous goods an aircraft will not take at all.
By sea
The list every carton is declared against, whichever warehouse it starts from.
- Counterfeit or replica branded goods
- Glue, powders and liquid chemicals
- Food, drink and anything perishable
- Narcotics, tobacco products and alcohol
- Weapons, ammunition, and parts of either
- Live animals, plants, seeds and soil
- Currency, gold and loose precious stones
- Anything restricted or banned by Maldives Customs
By air
Everything on the sea list, plus the dangerous goods an aircraft cannot carry.
- Counterfeit or replica branded goods
- Glue, powders and liquid chemicals
- Food, drink and anything perishable
- Narcotics, tobacco products and alcohol
- Weapons, ammunition, and parts of either
- Live animals, plants, seeds and soil
- Currency, gold and loose precious stones
- Anything restricted or banned by Maldives Customs
- Loose lithium batteries and power banks
- Aerosols, gas cartridges and anything pressurised
- Paints, solvents, thinners and flammable liquids
- Matches, lighters and lighter refills
- Magnets above the airline limit, and unshielded magnetic devices
What happens to a rejected item
Goods on these lists are refused at the warehouse rather than loaded, and they must be collected within 15 days. Nothing prohibited travels on a consolidation: one carton of it can hold up every other shipper’s cargo in the same container.
Maldives Customs may seize a shipment on arrival regardless of what was declared. Counterfeit and replica goods are the usual cause, and they expose both you and ICL to penalties, which is why we cannot carry or clear them at any price.
Some goods are restricted rather than banned — they can travel with the right paperwork, sometimes only by sea. Declare them at booking and we will tell you which.
Not sure about something?
Ask before you buy. We answer during working hours, and a photo is usually enough.