Not regulated as flammable Dangerous Goods. May be accepted in unopened retail bottles, subject to customs and quantity limits.
ShipLite service guide
What can I send?
Check the detailed air-cargo rules before you declare and book your parcel.
Important: declare every item honestly
Aviation safety rules are strict. Hiding or misdeclaring flammable or dangerous goods is not a small mistake: it can create serious safety and legal consequences. If you are unsure, contact ShipLite before sending.
Commonly accepted — within limits
- Everyday items such as clothes, books and toys without strong magnets.
- Non-flammable cosmetics, excluding aerosols and perfumes.
- Dry, sealed pantry items, excluding meat and fresh or perishable food.
- Consumer electronics with the lithium battery installed and within airline limits. See the Gadgets and batteries guide.
Quantity and value limits still apply. Declare the contents accurately and pack them securely.
Restricted — check with ShipLite first
- Items that may need Dangerous Goods handling, documents, inspection or extra charges.
- Alcohol, magnetised material and unusual quantities of electronic devices.
- Any product whose ingredients, battery rating, pressure or flammability are unclear.
Special approval is not automatic. Contact ShipLite before bringing the parcel to Unit 40, 191 McCredie Road, Smithfield NSW 2164.
Not accepted on standard air service
- Aerosols, perfumes, flammable liquids or solids, and fuels.
- Explosives, ammunition, compressed or pressurised gases.
- Strong acids or alkalis, toxic or biological substances, and radioactive material.
- Loose or spare lithium batteries, power banks, and perishables that require temperature control.
What can happen after a wrong declaration
- Security screening or X-ray may stop the shipment and remove items without notice.
- The parcel may be delayed, returned or destroyed under airline or airport rules.
- The sender is responsible for extra costs, penalties and handling fees caused by misdeclaration.
- ShipLite may block repeat offenders from using the service.
Completing a booking requires agreement to ShipLite's Dangerous Goods and Contents Declaration and Terms. Final acceptance remains subject to security screening and handling checks.
Detailed guide
Alcoholic beverages — air cargo and Philippine customs
Unopened beer, cider and wine at no more than 24% alcohol by volume may be accepted on standard air service, subject to customs and quantity limits. Spirits and liqueurs above 24% require Dangerous Goods handling and are not accepted on ShipLite's standard service.
Class 3 flammable liquid. Dangerous Goods handling is required and is not available on the standard service.
Generally prohibited for air transport.
Philippine personal-use guide
- Up to two bottles in total, with a combined volume no greater than 1.5 L per consignee per shipment, may clear as personal use without FDA-DOH clearance.
- Amounts above that guide require an FDA-DOH permit. Without the required clearance, goods may be seized or forfeited.
- Alcohol is excisable. Duties, taxes and VAT may still apply even when the value is below the ₱10,000 de minimis threshold.
Packing and declaration
- Use unopened retail bottles, inner padding and leak-proofing inside a sturdy outer carton.
- Declare the brand, ABV percentage, bottle size in mL or L, and quantity on the invoice or packing list.
- The personal-use guide applies per consignee per shipment. ShipLite may split consignments where operationally appropriate.
Worked examples
- 2 × 750 mL wine at 12.5% ABV (1.5 L total): may be accepted on standard air service and may clear as personal use.
- 3 × 750 mL wine (2.25 L total): above the personal-use guide; FDA clearance is required and seizure is possible without permits.
- 1 × 700 mL whisky at 40% ABV: Dangerous Goods; not accepted on the standard service.
- 1 × 1 L spirit at 75% ABV: generally prohibited by air.
The airline's security screening and Philippine customs make the final decision. Incorrectly declared items may be removed, delayed or charged additional fees.