China has defined the concept of objects banned from express delivery for the first time in the newly issued provisions on the administration of objects banned from post released by the State Post Bureau and other departments.

There is an appendix attached to the new provisions setting out the range of banned objects including those that could disrupt social order and explosive, flammable, erosive or radioactive products posing a threat to delivery security.

The provisions stipulate express companies’ responsibility for administration and prevention of banned objects in several aspects including safety education, strict execution of a checking and acceptance system, and development of a schedule of banned objects.

Xia Xindong, chief of the safety supervision department of the State Post Bureau said that if delivery companies violate the provisions causing serious consequences they may face an administrative penalty of up to 500,000 yuan ($72,998).

At the same time, parties addressing deliveries are also required to fulfill their obligations in that they are forbidden to package banned objects or lie about parcel contents.