Shipping hazardous and restricted goods is one of the trickiest challenges for ecommerce businesses.

Whether you sell aerosols, perfumes, lithium batteries, alcohol, or cosmetics, you’re operating in a highly regulated space. The penalties for getting it wrong are steep, ranging from rejected shipments and hefty fines to serious reputational damage.

In 2025, compliance has never been more important. Brexit has separated UK rules from the EU, international carriers have tightened restrictions, and customers expect smooth, on-time delivery regardless of what they order. For small businesses and fast-growing ecommerce brands, navigating these regulations alone can feel overwhelming. That’s why many are turning to specialist 3PL fulfilment partners to take the stress off their shoulders.

This guide breaks down what online store owners need to know about shipping dangerous goods in the UK and EU, and how the right fulfilment partner can help you stay compliant while scaling with confidence.

Non-compliance isn’t just a paperwork issue.

The truth is, it can directly impact your bottom line.

For ecommerce brands, especially those just starting out, the risk of handling restricted goods alone is high. If you’re here, you’re probably already aware of the potential consequences, but if not, this is what non-compliance could cost you:

  • Fines and shipment delays eat into margins.

  • Carrier refusal of goods disrupts customer satisfaction and supply chains.

  • Damage to brand trust can sink customer loyalty if orders arrive late or not at all.

Partnering with a specialist 3PL fulfilment provider ensures your orders flow smoothly, your customers are happy, and your business avoids unnecessary setbacks.

Did you know, that you can get started with us from as little as 50 parcels a month? We’re here to help you grow. 

There are many items classified as hazardous goods that need specific attention when shipping.

Hazardous goods aren’t just explosives or chemicals. Many everyday products fall under these rules, including:

  • Flammable items – such as aerosols, perfumes, and nail polish.

  • Lithium batteries and electronics – from mobile phones to power tools.

  • Chemicals, paints, and cleaning products – anything corrosive, toxic, or reactive.

  • Alcohol and spirits – products with high ethanol content.

If you sell any of these online, you need a specialist fulfilment house with the right certification, packaging processes, and courier agreements. Trying to ship restricted products through a generalist warehouse or carrier often leads to delays, confiscated stock, and unhappy customers.

Choosing the right 3PL upfront can save a world of pain later. Shipping these materials requires more than just a willingness to handle them, it requires a deep understanding of the regulations, appropriate packaging, and proper labelling. Each product type has its own specific requirements and must be managed with care to avoid serious risks.

What are the key regulations for the shipping of restricted items in 2025?

In 2025, several regulations govern how dangerous goods move across borders:

  • ADR (European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road) – the standard for shipping within and across the EU.

  • IATA (International Air Transport Association) – the rulebook for goods sent by air freight.

  • UK Department for Transport (DfT) and Health & Safety Executive (HSE) rules – covering labelling, packaging, and safety in the UK post-Brexit.

These frameworks change frequently, making it hard for online store owners to keep up. A 3PL with expertise in order fulfillment for hazardous products ensures you don’t need to worry about the technical details, they’re baked into your logistics process.

How we can help support you with 3PL (fulfilment) of hazardous goods.

We can help you with:

  • Compliant storage facilities designed for flammable, toxic, or restricted stock.
  • Correct UN packaging and labelling, ensuring every shipment meets regulations.
  • Carrier integrations that allow restricted products to move legally across the UK and EU.
  • Transparent tracking and returns management, giving you visibility from order to delivery.

This is especially valuable for startups and SMEs. By outsourcing to experienced fulfilment services for UK startups, you can grow quickly without worrying about dangerous goods compliance. Instead of turning down product opportunities, you can expand into categories that other sellers avoid, giving you a competitive edge.

Partnering with McCorquodale for focussed fulfilment of hazardous goods

At McCorquodale, we understand the complexities businesses face when shipping restricted or hazardous goods. Our 3PL services are designed to provide seamless, compliant, and efficient fulfilment solutions, so businesses don’t have to worry about navigating the intricate shipping regulations themselves.

1. Expert Packaging for Hazardous Goods

We know that proper packaging is crucial when shipping hazardous goods. The packaging needs to be robust enough to withstand external pressure and prevent leaks or punctures. Whether you’re shipping aerosol cans, solvents, perfumes, batteries and electronics or other dangerous items, McCorquodale ensures that everything is packed according to the latest regulatory standards, so your products are safe during transit.

2. Regulatory Compliance

Compliance with local and international regulations is critical when shipping hazardous goods. We follow UK domestic regulations for hazardous goods, including requirements set by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and take the weight out of ensuring your shipments meet all necessary standards. From correct labelling to documentation, we’ve got you covered.

3. Secure and Timely Delivery

We understand that the timely delivery of hazardous goods is just as important as the safety of the shipment. McCorquodale works with trusted carriers to offer fast, secure delivery services across the UK. With real-time tracking, both businesses and their customers can monitor the progress of shipments, ensuring peace of mind throughout the delivery process.

Shipping hazardous goods doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right 3PL fulfilment partner, your ecommerce store can stay compliant, protect its reputation, and deliver reliably to customers at home and abroad. Talk to us, we're here to help...










    Volume of parcels


    For example: number of pallets to be stored, a little about your company and products, any specialist packaging required, for example shipping of delicate goods like glass.