Prohibited Items – Your Essential Guide to What You Can’t Bring

Always verify the airport liquids policy before packing. This regulation governs carrying contents and typically caps liquids at 100 milliliters per item, stored in a clear bag and shown separately at security checks; values vary by country, which means you should check the local authority before travel.

Plan ahead for perishables and food items. Fresh things like eggs may be restricted in carry-on; such things often require declaration or storage in checked baggage, and rules vary by region, including china; proper storage and packaging helps compliance and avoids confiscation.

Living creatures and animal products are subject to stricter controls. Mink fur and living silkworm specimens often require permits or may be banned in cabin transport; when carried by humans, such items may trigger additional screening; always verify customs and airline policies when traveling from china, and consider courier services for safe storage and cross-border transport.

Battery power and chemical powders require special handling. Power banks fall under separate watt-hour limits; potassium compounds or powders are restricted in cabin transport; always declare or pack these items in checked baggage according to the regulator’s rules; liquids must follow the 100 ml rule and packaging guidelines; thoughtful storage of such items reduces risk of misplacement.

For a clear answer, prepare a simple checklist: items you carried, separate questionable things, and declare when required; if any doubt remains, you shall consult official pages of the regulator or airport information desk; this approach reduces risk of confiscation and fines while ensuring a smooth trip.

Prohibited Items and Security Check for Chinese Civil Aviation

answer1: Departing travelers shall verify lithium power sources, powders, and organic materials before check-in to avoid confiscation and flight delays, and to move smoothly and well into the security queue when taking items to screening.

1. Lithium and power sources: Electric devices with installed lithium cells are allowed in cabin; spare batteries must stay in carry-on with terminals protected. Batteries rated from 100 Wh to less than 160 Wh require airline approval; batteries rated more than 160 Wh are not allowed without special authorization; batteries rated up to 100 Wh are allowed; damaged, recalled, or modified units shall be excluded from carriage; power banks must remain within cabin limits and not be charged inflight; such batteries should not be placed in checked baggage.
2. Organic and animal-derived materials: Organic items such as dried goods, including dried herbs and other dried products; Silk made from silkworm cocoons; shells; and mink fur items require declaration and potential denial if not compliant with border controls or security rules. Transgenic seeds or productsa must comply with import/export restrictions. Departing passengers should provide documentation when requested; these materials shall be assessed for harm risk.
3. Powder and fine substances: Powders, including cosmetics, spices, and supplement powders, undergo additional screening in cabin baggage. Excluding compliant amounts, large quantities above indicated limits may be seized or moved to checked luggage; ensure packaging is visible, labeled, and within indicated limits to speed the process.
4. Alcoholic liquids: Alcoholic beverages must conform to limits and packaging rules; duty-free sealed bottles may be allowed, while open containers or excess amounts will be excluded or redirected to cargo; consult airline rules for exact allowances.
5. Other restricted materials: Tanks of fuel, compressed gases, solvents, and aerosols are not permitted in cabin baggage; these items shall be checked or shipped as cargo. Whose contents and provenance must be clear; after security checks, such items may be refused if risk is detected.

Prohibited Items and Security Check: Restrictions You Need to Know Before Flying

Review official security guidance before packing: confirm permissible carry-on and checked storage, and prepare certificates or certification if needed for restricted materials; having documentation speeds screening and avoids confiscation.

Carry-on and checked luggage rules restrict gases, such as matches and flare devices, and any explosive precursors; sealed plastic containers must meet size limits; power banks require specific capacity and labeling; banned items lead to confiscation at the checkpoint.

Living creatures such as hamster or silkworm cannot be shipped in cabin without approvals; transport in a properly labeled container with ventilation and quarantine-compliant handling; exiting china may trigger additional inspections; customs may request copies of certification and permits.

Radioactive substances, injurious gases, and other hazardous materials are strictly forbidden for transport; radioactive items require licensing; gases, potassium compounds, and similar substances demand prior authorization; always carry copies of permits where eligible; containers must be sealed and stored in designated sections.

Customs procedures require declaration on animals, goods, and specimens; quarantine may apply after arrival; duty-free zones impose separate limits on products; following steps minimize friction: declare, provide certificates, and follow instructions.

For complete, up-to-date rules, consult an official source: Source: TSA Security Guidelines.

Liquids, Gels, and Aerosols: Packing limits, container sizes, and prohibited forms

Limit each container to 100 ml and place all things that qualify as liquids, gels, or aerosols in a single transparent, resealable bag not exceeding 1 liter in total. Present this bag separately at security screening by airlines staff.

Choose leak-proof, tightly sealed containers; avoid overfilling; keep the storage area dry and upright. The total carried volume in cabin must stay within the 1 liter rule, while larger quantities are suitable for checked storage in a rigid, clearly labeled case.

Per-item limits apply to liquids, gels, aerosols, pastes, and matter that flows; aerosols require compliant pressure and propellant; packaging should be sealed and stored in the bag, and check which allowances apply for cosmetics, medicines, and medical supplies via the airline’s specifications.

In cabin carry, fireworks, bombs, matches, and other pyrotechnic devices are forbidden. Seeds and living matter face quarantine and epidemic controls; civil and military workflows may require storage in sealed containers and permits; visitors carrying such things must declare and follow strict handling guidelines.

Certain materials fall outside safe transport: radioactive sources, explosive precursors, and reactive chemicals such as potassium metals; these are not allowed without authorization. Portable power units, batteries, and devices must meet airline specifications and be stored in original sealed packaging; patients’ medicines should be carried in sealed containers with proper labeling, and stored separately from other items to avoid cross-contamination. For critical medications, keep a dedicated container to minimize exposure risk.

When planning itineraries for visitors or staff, review specifications on airlines pages; pack all solids and powders in clearly labeled containers to prevent confusion; ensure all matter remains sealed and stored within permitted limits; check how civil and military regulations intersect with safety procedures for healthcare facilities and travelers.

Lithium Batteries: Allowed types, quantity limits, and carry-on vs checked decisions

answer: Carry-on spares only; devices with installed packs may be carried as well, but spare batteries must be in cabin baggage with terminals taped or in protective cases. The following limits apply in most international contexts: each battery up to 100 Wh is allowed; up to two spare units may be carried. Batteries rated 100–160 Wh require answer1 from the carrier and may need airline approval. Do not store batteries near animals, food, alcohol, or organic matter; keep away from eggs, seeds, and plant material to prevent harm and cross-contamination.

• Allowed types and examples: lithium-ion rechargeable cells and lithium metal cells; devices such as phones, cameras, laptops, audiotapes fall under installed-battery rules; those with built-in packs usually do not count as spares.
• Quantity and placement: spare batteries must stay in cabin; total spares per passenger typically limited to two; each unit ≤ 100 Wh; larger packs (100–160 Wh) need answer1 and possibly carrier approval.
• Packaging and safety: protect terminals; use original packaging or a protective pouch; tape terminals; keep away from metal objects; avoid storing near matches, flare devices, fireworks, or tank-related equipment; exclude heavy or explosive materials.
• Check-in decisions and scenarios: devices with batteries installed can be checked if allowed, but crew often advise cabin storage for hazard mitigation; during epidemic or routine operations, customs and crew may enforce stricter checks for international shipments.
• Additional constraints: banned items such as certain military hardware, seeds, or plant material require inspection; those traveling with such assets should consult crew and customs ahead of departure.

Lighters, Matches, and Other Flame Sources: What is allowed and what is banned

In civil transport, flame sources pose a serious risk to human safety. Lighters, matches, and any ignition devices are not allowed in carry-on possessions; they are typically confiscated by airport crew and may trigger punishment for violations that threaten visitors or crew. Items brought from home or from abroad are subject to screening, which may lead to confiscation.

Allowed in practice are non-igniting items that cannot create a flame, such as sealed electric devices, LED flashlights, and other equipment that does not produce ignition risk. These things can be carried in cabin only if the operator allows; otherwise they go in checked baggage. All liquids must be sealed and stored away from heat sources; food kept in sealed containers is usually permitted, but plant and organic materials often require inspection or separate permits; ensure such things have been declared if needed. After planning travel, check the airport and civil authority rules, which vary by country.

Punishment for noncompliance includes fines, removal from flight, or further action by authorities. Violations that involve injurious flame sources are taken seriously by the crew and security teams; explosives such as bombs are not tolerated and trigger strong action.

Examples of permissible articles include audiotapes, shells, plastic components, and other solids that carry no ignition risk. These can be transported in cabin or checked baggage following standard limits and security screening. For animals such as a hamster, ensure no flame sources are nearby; pets are subject to separate guidelines by the carrier and civil authority; visitors accompanying a passenger must adhere to all rules.

If a passenger discovers a flame source in their bag after security screening, do not attempt to use it; surrender it to the crew or security staff for proper disposal. The transport policy is designed to protect human safety, and punishment for violations may include confiscation, fines, or travel restrictions. Always keep plant, liquids, and food items sealed and away from flame risk; review days before travel and consult the airline if there is any question about a particular object that has been kept and planned for transport.

Prohibited Items under CAAC Regulations: Electronics, Tools, and Hazardous Materials

answer: Carry lithium devices and power banks in your cabin without risk by keeping them in your personal item with terminals insulated; spare batteries must stay in carry-on and be protected; limit to a few units per traveler, and seek airline approval for any above 100 Wh; in china, airport security will confiscate items that do not meet these limits.

Electronics and tools: Do not place battery-powered devices into checked luggage; power banks and cordless tools must be kept in cabin with terminals protected; if a tool uses a removable battery, remove it and store separately; liquids attached to devices must follow container limits; milk and other liquids are not allowed in cabin above 100 ml; keep such liquids in compliant packaging and separate from electronics.

Hazardous materials: Gases, liquids, and aerosols are strictly regulated; radioactive sources, toxic chemicals, and injurious substances are banned; without declaration, these items will be refused or confiscated; liquids and liquid chemical products must conform to 100 ml rule and may require separate screening; duty-free liquids stay in sealed bags and are subject to security checks at airports; above all, avoid carrying such items inside china routes unless properly permitted.

Weapons, fireworks, and matches: Weapons or replica weapons, fireworks, and incendiary devices are strictly forbidden in both carry-on and checked baggage; matches are restricted; do not attempt to pass such items through security; confiscation and penalties apply at airport controls in china.

Animals and birds, relics, and epidemic risks: Live animals and birds are not permitted in cabins; many species require permits or quarantine; relics or artifacts with uncertain materials may trigger inspection; epidemic-related items are prohibited; declare any cultural or heritage items to security teams to avoid delays.

answer: If uncertain, consult the CAAC guidance and contact the airport information desk; inventory every electronic device, tool, and hazardous-material container; arrange packing to keep dangerous items out of reach; plan for the days before departure; with careful preparation, you will avoid confiscation and save time at security.

Security Check Procedures in China: Step-by-step prep, screening process, and avoid delays

Pack a transparent bag for liquids and declare medicines at the first checkpoint.

Prepare a compact kit for screening: refrain from carrying banned substances, such as poison, gases, fireworks, or unpreserved food. Place these in a separate, clearly labeled container or leave them behind. Plan entry and exit flow, and keep relics or copies of permits which matter to the officer. For patients with medical devices, carry a medical certificate and be ready to show it if requested by staff.

During screening, maintain calm, answer questions clearly, and follow directions from civil security personnel. Keep mink fur, organic materials, and other sensitive goods separate to minimize inspection time. If any article is questionable, provide the necessary documentation; examiners assess risk factors based on origin and preserving method.

Queues can stretch for days during peak travel periods; arriving early helps. After screening, proceed to departure or boarding zones; for duty-free purchases, keep receipts handy and show them if asked. Crew members should carry proper credentials and cooperate with staff; departing or entering zones requires clear signals and respectful behavior.