Most plated and alloy imitation jewellery can go by courier from India, but jewellery shipping restrictions apply to parcels with batteries, magnets, protected materials or high-value precious items. The list of prohibited items for jewellery couriers depends on the carrier and the destination, so read the carrier's current terms before you pack.
Even permitted goods have limits on declared value and liability. Check them if the parcel carries real silver, gold or stones.
What jewellery can go by courier?
Plain imitation jewellery in brass, alloy, copper or steel, with glass, acrylic or cubic zirconia stones, is accepted as general cargo by most express carriers when it is properly declared. Samples and small orders are the usual use. See courier services for jewellery from Rajkot.
Write an accurate description and value on the invoice. A parcel marked 'gift' or 'samples' with a vague value is more likely to be opened.
Weight and size limits apply to parcels, and an oversized or heavy box can be moved to a freight service with different rules. Pack jewellery so each piece is protected inside the carton, since couriers treat parcels roughly. See packing jewellery to prevent breakage in shipping.
What is restricted or refused?
Check these categories against your carrier and your destination:
- Jewellery containing batteries, such as light-up pieces. Lithium batteries are dangerous goods with strict packing rules, and some carriers refuse them.
- Items with magnets, which can be restricted by air because of the field strength.
- Real gold, silver, gemstones and pearls, which carriers often accept only at stated value limits or under a special service.
- Items made from protected animals or plants, such as ivory or coral, which need permits and are often banned.
- Counterfeit or trademark-infringing goods, which carriers can refuse and customs can seize.
- Cash, loose gemstones and other high-value items, which standard liability does not cover.
How to check before you ship
Ask the carrier for its prohibited and restricted items list for your destination country and its liability terms for jewellery. Many express services exclude or cap liability for jewellery, which affects how you insure the parcel. See insurance for jewellery shipments.
The destination country may restrict goods that carriers allow. Our guides to jewellery import restrictions and customs rules and documents to export imitation jewellery cover the border side.
Declare accurately even when it feels inconvenient. A parcel with a hidden battery or undeclared real metal can be pulled from the network, returned to origin or reported to the authorities, and your insurance may refuse a claim. If a design could be read either way, such as a metal-look plastic or a gold-tone chain with a real stone, describe exactly what is in it and let the carrier decide.
Next step
Before the first parcel, list the materials in each design, flag anything with a battery, magnet or real metal, and send that list to your carrier for confirmation in writing. Keep their answer with the order file.
If you want help sorting the designs and documents first, book a free sourcing review.