Prohibited Items

Last updated: 27 September 2026

For the safety of our transporters, drivers, co-loaded consignments, and the public, BookRoket does not accept certain goods. This policy is part of our Terms of Service. If you are unsure whether your goods are acceptable, write to hello@bookroket.com before booking.

1. Hard-prohibited items

The following must never be booked on the Platform. Transporters will refuse them at pickup, and rail legs are subject to the Indian Railways parcel prohibitions in addition to this list:

• Hazardous materials: explosives, fireworks, flammable liquids and gases (petrol, diesel in containers, LPG cylinders), corrosives, oxidisers, radioactive material, and any goods classified as dangerous under applicable law.
• Illegal goods: narcotics and psychotropic substances, contraband, counterfeit currency or goods, and anything whose possession or transport is prohibited by Indian law.
• Weapons and ammunition: firearms, ammunition, and bladed weapons, except where transported under valid licences with prior written approval.
• Perishables without cold chain: fresh food, dairy, meat, and other perishables, unless a cold-chain service is explicitly offered and booked for the lane.
• Currency and high-value items: cash, coins, bearer instruments, and undeclared jewellery, precious metals, or precious stones. Declared high-value items may be accepted only under a declared-value arrangement where offered.
• Live animals and plants requiring special permits or care in transit.
• Human remains (these move under separate statutory procedures).
• Unlabelled liquids, powders, or chemicals of unknown composition.

2. Restricted items (declare in advance)

The following are accepted only if declared truthfully at booking and, where noted, supported by documentation. The transporter may inspect and refuse them if the declaration is incomplete:

• Lithium batteries and battery-powered devices (laptops, power banks, e-bike batteries) — must be declared; damaged or recalled batteries are prohibited.
• Fragile and high-value goods (electronics, glassware, artwork) — declare the value band; consider the declared-value option where offered.
• Medicines and pharmaceuticals — non-controlled medicines in sealed manufacturer packaging; temperature-sensitive medicines only on cold-chain lanes.
• Alcohol and tobacco products — only where lawful at both origin and destination, with applicable permits; the shipper is responsible for state-wise compliance.
• Second-hand machinery with residual oil or fuel — must be drained and cleaned.

3. Packaging requirements

• Goods must be packed in sturdy, sealed outer packaging (corrugated boxes, crates, or shrink-wrapped pallets as appropriate) able to withstand normal handling, stacking, and road/rail vibration.
• Fragile items need internal cushioning and clear “FRAGILE / THIS SIDE UP” marking.
• Each package must carry the LR number, destination, and receiver phone number on a legible label.
• Liquids must be in leak-proof containers with secondary containment; powders in sealed, moisture-proof bags.
• Consignments over 100 kg should be palletised or crated for mechanical handling where the lane supports it.

Transporters may refuse inadequately packed goods at pickup. Damage arising from poor packaging is the shipper’s responsibility.

4. Consequences of breach

• Refusal: prohibited or undeclared restricted goods found at pickup will be refused, and the booking treated per our Refunds & Cancellation Policy.
• Mid-transit discovery: goods found in transit to be prohibited or falsely declared may be offloaded, held, handed to authorities, or disposed of as required by law. Additional handling, storage, and disposal costs are charged to the shipper.
• Liability: the shipper indemnifies BookRoket and the transporter against all losses, fines, penalties, and third-party claims arising from a breach of this policy — including damage to co-loaded consignments.
• Account action: repeated or serious breaches may lead to account suspension or termination, and reporting to law enforcement where required.

Related reading: Shipping & Delivery.