Prohibited items: what you cannot send between the UK and Lithuania

Why some items are not accepted

Our parcels travel by road across several countries and a customs border between the UK and the European Union. Some items are restricted by law, some need special licences, and some could damage other parcels or put people at risk. To keep every customer's parcel safe and moving, we do not accept these items at all, even if they are carefully packed.

Under our parcel rules, the sender is responsible for making sure the parcel contains no prohibited or poorly packed items. Siuntų Bitė does not accept responsibility for parcels that contain prohibited items, whether included deliberately or by mistake.

The prohibited items list

Please make sure your parcel does not contain any of the following:

• Tobacco products
• Alcoholic drinks
• Weapons or weapon parts, ammunition, explosives, including fireworks
• Prescription medicines, even with a prescription
• Narcotic and psychotropic substances
• Money or securities
• Precious metals, gemstones and antiques
• Toxic or corrosive substances
• Items that by law require special permits or conditions to transport
• Items that could harm other parcels or people's health and safety

Common surprises

Most people know not to send fireworks, but a few items catch customers out every season. A bottle of wine or Lithuanian bitters as a Christmas gift is alcohol, so it cannot go. A carton of cigarettes for a relative is tobacco. Prescription medicines cannot be sent even if they are for a family member and you have the prescription. Gold jewellery counts as precious metal.

Aerosols, lighter fluid, paint, solvents and strong cleaning products can be flammable or corrosive. Lithium batteries, including spare batteries for e-bikes and power tools, need to be discussed with us in advance. When in doubt, leave it out or call first.

Fragile and sensitive items

Some items are allowed but need special packing. Televisions, monitors and other screens, video cameras, cameras and mobile phones should travel in their original packaging with the original protective inserts. The same applies to ceramics, light bulbs, lamps, glassware, vases, mirrors, windows and sheets of glass.

If an item is damaged because it was not packed properly, the sender cannot make a claim. Our packing guide explains how to protect fragile things for a long road journey.

Food in parcels

Food is not prohibited by our rules, but our vans have no refrigeration and are not designed for temperature-sensitive goods. The sender takes full responsibility for what food is sent and how it is packed, especially meat and dairy products. Customs and animal health rules between the UK and the EU also restrict some animal products, so check current official guidance before sending them.

Valuable parcels and compensation

In the event of damage or loss, our terms allow compensation of up to €100 per parcel, regardless of the number of items in it. If the value of a parcel exceeds €500, you must tell us in writing before sending and email a detailed list of contents to info@siuntubite.lt. Without that information, we reserve the right not to apply compensation. For high-value parcels, we recommend additional insurance with a third-party insurer.

If we suspect a parcel contains prohibited items, we have the right to check its contents during transport. If prohibited items are found, the sender is liable for any resulting losses, and we are not responsible for parcels confiscated by officials.

Unloading and carrying

For larger shipments, the recipient is responsible for unloading where special equipment is needed. If you need items carried into the building or up stairs, tell us in advance. Unloading and carrying are not included in the transport price.

This is not a restriction on what you can send, but it is part of planning a smooth delivery. A fridge for a third-floor flat in Vilnius without a lift, or a heavy wardrobe for a terraced house in Luton, is much easier when everyone knows in advance who will carry it and how.

A quick checklist before you seal the box

Run through these questions before you close the parcel. If the answer to any of them is yes, take the item out or call us first.

• Is there any alcohol or tobacco inside, even as a gift?
• Are there any medicines other than everyday non-prescription products?
• Is there cash, jewellery made of precious metal or anything antique?
• Are there aerosols, paints, solvents or spare batteries?
• Is the total value over €500 and not yet declared to us in writing?