DHL Express: Prohibited Commodities for Venezuela
I thought this list was interesting, so that's why I've posted it. A friend (a gentleman I've never actually met) from upper New York has been sending packages here to Venezuela for some time now. Early-on he was shipping by sea and most everything was getting stolen by the National Guard in customs. When he started shipping by air, the success rate improved dramatically, but obviously the size of the packages has been reduced greatly because of weight restrictions.
For us, he sends small packages of all sorts of seeds, mostly vegetable and things like cantaloupe, watermellon, and cucumber which we then distribute to the locals. Most every home here has a huge patio. What they don't have is access to seeds to grow their own gardens. It's amazing how well certain seeds from the US do down here in this climate and we generally have people bringing us more produce than we can eat.
My friend also sends antibiotics and all sorts of over-the-counter cold and flu medicines, especially those geared towards the kids. He's a saint and has helped so many Venezuelans he'll never meet. His generosity has inspired others to do the same to help those in need here.
Anyway, here's the list of prohibited items. Some are obvious in their prohibition, others not so much. If you see something you can't believe is prohibitied, and can't figure out why, ask and I'll try to answer, though there are some that escape me as well.
Prohibited Commodities for Venezuela
Airline tickets, blank stock (NI)
Antiques (breakable and/or fragile)
Asbestos
Credit card blanks (NI)
Furs
Hazardous or combustible materials (as defined in IATA Regulations)
Ivory
Pornography
Gas Masks
Bullet Proof & Personal Protection Vests
Police / Personal Shields
Police Type Batons
Air, Paint, BB Guns & Related Ammunitions
Sling Shots of Any Type
Crossbows
Arrows
Telescopic Sights
Walkie-Talkies / 2 Way Radios
Fishing Sinkers
Drones
Pepper Spray
Mace
First Aid Kits
Eye Drops
Surgical Robes / Gowns
Medical / Surgical Gauze
Antacids
Tasers / Electroshock Weapon
Roller Balls & Ball Bearings (Metallic/Rubber)
Marbles (of any Type and Material)
Items Containing Compressed Gas / Air
Knives of Any Type / Class (includes Machetes & Axes)
Protective Sporting Goods
Camouflage Items
Helmets of Any Type
Chest Protectors / Breastplates
Protective Gloves (Latex. Rubber, Surgical)
Protective Goggles
Disposable / Surgical Masks
Ski Masks
Golf Balls
Baseballs
Baseball Bats
Face Masks / Protectors
Elbow & Knee Protectors
Megaphones
Balloons of Any Type
= new reply since forum marked as read
eye drops, first aid kits...fascinating list. Poor Venezuelans. I wish them well and hope they solve their problems soon, preferably without outside interference. 