Banknotes are prohibited by most couriers — jewellery and high-value goods are accepted with declared value insurance.
Cash (banknotes and coins) is prohibited by virtually all major international couriers. This is not just a carrier policy but is related to anti-money-laundering regulations: moving cash across international borders must be declared to customs authorities, and couriers are not equipped to perform these declarations. For physical cash transfers, use licensed money transfer operators (Western Union, bank wire, Wise, etc.). High-value non-cash items — jewellery, gold, watches, art — are accepted by couriers but with important caveats: standard carrier liability is very low (typically €100–€600 per parcel), so declared value insurance is essential for items worth more. Some valuable categories (diamonds, loose precious stones) are also restricted.
| Carrier | Rule / Status |
|---|---|
| DHL Express | Cash/banknotes: prohibited. Jewellery: accepted with declared value up to €50,000 (route dependent). Watches: accepted. Gold bullion/bars: prohibited. Diamonds/loose gems: prohibited. |
| FedEx | Currency: prohibited. Jewellery under $500: accepted. Higher-value jewellery: restricted, requires declared value and additional approval. Precious metals in bullion form: prohibited. |
| UPS | Banknotes: prohibited. Jewellery: accepted with declared value. UPS Capital insurance available. Loose diamonds, precious stones: prohibited. |
| DPD | Cash: prohibited. Jewellery and watches: accepted within EU with declared value, subject to value limits per route. High-value items: check route-specific limits. |
| GLS | Banknotes and coins: prohibited. Jewellery: accepted within EU with declared value. Very high-value items may require pre-approval. |
Rules change frequently. Always verify at carrier websites before booking.
Determine the replacement value of your item. This is what you will declare and insure for — not the purchase price, but what it would cost to replace the item today.
Choose the correct service and declare the value at booking. All major couriers allow declared value at an additional cost (typically 1–3% of the declared amount, with a minimum fee). This is not insurance — it increases carrier liability for loss.
Consider purchasing separate shipping insurance for items over €1,000. Specialist cargo insurance brokers (e.g. Shipsurance, InsurePost) provide broader coverage than declared value, including theft protection.
Pack valuables discreetly. Do not use branded luxury boxes (Cartier, Rolex, Tiffany) as outer packaging — these attract theft in the courier network. Use a plain brown cardboard box. Wrap in bubble wrap and a plain inner bag.
For jewellery specifically: wrap each piece individually, place in a small rigid inner box (a pill box or small cardboard box), then bubble wrap, then in the sealed outer box. Prevent movement — jewellery that rattles is a signal to handlers.
Keep proof of value: appraisal certificates, purchase receipts, and photos of the item before packing. Essential for any insurance claim.
Never use the word 'jewellery' or 'gold' on the outer label or visible packaging — this significantly increases theft risk. Use neutral descriptions like 'personal accessories' or 'fashion items'.
For shipments over €10,000 in value, most EU countries require customs declaration of the movement of high-value goods — check Portuguese customs (AT) requirements.
Standard carrier liability without declared value is typically only €100–€600. For a €5,000 watch, always buy declared value coverage.
Use a trackable, signature-required service for all valuable shipments. Proof of delivery is essential if a claim is needed.
For regular high-value shipments (e.g. a jewellery business), negotiate an annual open cover cargo insurance policy — far cheaper per shipment than buying declared value each time.
No. All major couriers (DHL, UPS, FedEx, DPD, GLS) prohibit the shipment of banknotes and coins. This is both a carrier policy and a regulatory requirement related to anti-money-laundering laws. For international cash transfers, use licensed money transfer operators (bank wire, Western Union, Wise, etc.).
Yes. Jewellery can be shipped internationally by DHL, UPS, FedEx, DPD and GLS. Declare the full replacement value at booking (not the purchase price — the cost to buy an equivalent item today). Purchase declared value or additional insurance. Use plain, discreet packaging. Declare correctly on the customs form.
Standard carrier liability is the carrier's default compensation for lost or damaged parcels — typically €100–€600 regardless of the item's value. Declared value increases this liability cap for an additional fee. True shipping insurance (from a third-party insurer or the carrier's own insurance product) pays out based on the item's actual value and provides broader coverage including theft.
Describe the item specifically: 'Gold necklace, 18ct, personal jewellery, 1 piece, value €450'. Include the material (gold, silver, platinum), type (necklace, ring, earring), and accurate value. Customs officers use the declared value for duty assessment. Undervaluing jewellery is customs fraud and can result in the item being seized.
Carrier limits vary: DHL accepts jewellery up to approximately €50,000 in declared value on most routes; UPS and FedEx have similar upper limits with route variations. Above these limits, use specialist fine art and valuables couriers (e.g. Brinks, Malca-Amit) that provide armoured transport and comprehensive insurance for ultra-high-value shipments.
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