International packages aren’t returned solely because of customs. Often, a shipment doesn’t even reach customs clearance it’s stopped at the carrier’s receiving warehouse. The reason may be incompatible contents, an incorrectly formatted address, or missing required information.

We’ll break down FedEx’s five rules and explain what to check before shipping to avoid having your package returned.

1. Liquids, aerosols and gels cannot be shipped in the same box with electronics

FedEx has introduced a separate safety requirement regarding so-called LAGs — liquids, aerosols and gels.

If a shipment contains a liquid, aerosol or gel together with an electrical or electronic device, FedEx will not accept such a shipment. If the combination is discovered after acceptance, the shipment will be rejected and returned to the sender.

In practice, these may include, for example:

  • Perfume and headphones;
  • A cosmetic product and a hair dryer;
  • A spray for equipment care and the electronic device itself.

What should you do? Such items must be prepared as separate shipments. Yes, this is more expensive than one box, but cheaper than a return and reshipment.

It is worth checking GlobalPost’s current prohibited and restricted items for shipment before packing the shipment.

2. Saudi Arabia: the recipient’s Short Address is required

For FedEx and TNT shipments to Saudi Arabia, the recipient’s Short Address code / National Address must be provided.

FedEx asks to enter the eight-character Short Address in the third address line when creating the shipment. According to Saudi Post, the short address consists of 4 letters and 4 digits.

FedEx warns: missing required address details may result in a delay or return of the shipment.

3. Ireland: Eircode has been mandatory since 2 February 2026

Another address requirement applies to FedEx shipments to and from Ireland.

Since 2 February 2026, such shipments require an Eircode — a unique 7-character postal code for a specific residential or commercial address.

Without a complete and correct Eircode, the FedEx system no longer allows a shipping label to be created. At the same time, FedEx specifically notes that this change does not apply to TNT shipments.

4. Poland: SENT has been extended to clothing, footwear and some textile products

Since 17 March 2026, Poland has expanded the list of goods whose transportation is monitored through the SENT system — System for Electronic Transport Supervision.

The list now includes, in particular, clothing, footwear and certain textile products. This is important for businesses that regularly ship commercial consignments of goods to Poland.

Important exception: the SENT requirement does not apply to parcels weighing less than 31.5 kg that are delivered by the postal operator FedEx Express Poland. In other words, parcels weighing less than 31.5 kg are exempt from SENT requirements. For larger commercial consignments, the product code and applicable declaration rules must be checked separately.

5. FedEx has reinstated the Money-Back Guarantee for some international services

There is also a positive update: the money-back guarantee is available again. Since 12 February 2026, FedEx has reinstated the Money-Back Guarantee for a number of intercontinental FedEx services, including International First, International Priority, International Priority Express and International Priority Freight.

But there is an important nuance: this is not an automatic refund for any delay. The guarantee applies in accordance with FedEx terms and conditions, has exceptions and covers transportation charges. For example, delays caused by customs clearance or other regulatory requirements may not qualify for compensation.

What to check before an international FedEx shipment

  • Contents. If you are shipping liquids, aerosols or gels together with electronics, separate them into different shipments.
  • Address. A Short Address is required for Saudi Arabia, while an Eircode is required for Ireland.
  • Goods and weight. If you are shipping clothing, footwear or textiles to Poland, check whether the shipment is subject to SENT requirements.

International shipping conditions are constantly changing, and specific requirements may depend not only on the country, but also on the contents, weight and selected service.

GlobalPost organizes FedEx delivery from Ukraine and to Ukraine, assists with documents and customs clearance, and supports the delivery process. Current FedEx rates are available on our website — calculate the shipping cost in the calculator in just one click.