What you can and can't ship with GLS — battery, weapon, food, medicine, valuables and perfume rules in one place.
GLS is generally the most cost-effective EU road carrier, but its economy-focused network means it's also the most conservative on restricted categories — no cold chain, and standalone batteries are largely off-limits. Below is a consolidated view of GLS's rules across the item categories shippers ask about most.
Banknotes and coins: prohibited. Jewellery: accepted within EU with declared value. Very high-value items may require pre-approval.
Batteries installed in devices: accepted. Standalone/loose lithium batteries: generally not accepted for international shipments.
Dietary supplements and OTC products: accepted. Prescription medicines: check per route. Controlled substances: generally not accepted.
Firearms: prohibited. Kitchen and professional knives: accepted within EU. Hunting knives and outdoor tools: check route. Replica weapons: check destination laws.
Non-perishable packaged food: accepted. Perishables or temperature-sensitive: not accepted — no cold chain. Alcohol and food containing alcohol: route-dependent restrictions.
Perfumes and alcohol-based cosmetics: accepted on road services within EU, subject to packaging and quantity limits. Air-equivalent routes: restricted.
Rules vary by route and change periodically — always confirm with GLS's current dangerous goods policy before booking a restricted item.
Batteries installed in devices are accepted. Standalone or loose lithium batteries are generally not accepted for international shipments with GLS — this is more restrictive than DHL or DPD.
No. GLS does not offer temperature-controlled or cold-chain services, so perishable or temperature-sensitive food is not accepted. Non-perishable packaged food is accepted, and alcohol-containing food is subject to route-dependent restrictions.
No, banknotes and coins are prohibited. Jewellery is accepted within the EU with a declared value, though very high-value items may need pre-approval before booking.
Kitchen and professional knives are accepted within the EU. Hunting knives and outdoor tools depend on the specific route — check before booking. Firearms are prohibited outright, and replica weapons depend on destination-country laws.
Yes, on road services within the EU, subject to packaging and quantity limits. Air-equivalent routes are restricted — GLS is primarily a road network, so most of its international coverage falls under the road rules.
Compare GLS rates against DHL, UPS, FedEx, DPD and GLS — instant quote, no account required.
Get a Free Quote →