The UPS hemp shipping ban caught thousands of exporters off guard in 2024. Without warning, one of the world’s largest carriers updated their prohibited items list. Consequently, all hemp products became ineligible for international shipment, regardless of THC content.

If you’ve been shipping CBD flower, distillate, or isolate internationally, you’ve probably already felt the impact. Moreover, traditional alternatives like FedEx maintain similar restrictions, leaving exporters searching for viable solutions.

At Frosty Club, we’ve been navigating hemp logistics since 2019. Over the years, we’ve shipped thousands of pounds of CBD products to Europe and beyond. When UPS announced their policy change, we had already built backup systems through specialized freight partners.

As a result, our shipments continued without interruption while many competitors scrambled for alternatives. This guide explains exactly what changed, why it matters, and most importantly, how to keep your international hemp business running smoothly.

What Changed with UPS Hemp Shipping Policy in 2024

In 2024, UPS updated their prohibited items policy to ban all hemp and CBD products from international shipments. Furthermore, this policy applies regardless of whether your product contains 0.3% THC, 0.1% THC, or even 0.0% THC.

The ban covers every hemp product category:

• CBD flower and biomass
• Hemp-derived distillate and isolate
• THCa products
• CBD gummies and edibles
• Hemp topicals and cosmetics
• Pre-rolls and finished goods

Previously, UPS allowed compliant hemp products with proper documentation. Now, they reject these shipments entirely. Similarly, FedEx maintains strict restrictions on hemp products. Therefore, exporters have very few traditional carrier options remaining.

Why UPS Banned Hemp Products from International Shipping

UPS hasn’t provided detailed public reasoning for the ban. However, industry experts point to several likely factors driving this decision. Based on our experience working with multiple carriers since 2019, we’ve identified three primary reasons.

Regulatory Complexity Across International Borders

Every country maintains different THC limits and import rules. For example, Switzerland allows 1.0% THC, Germany requires 0.3%, and France effectively bans most hemp products. Managing compliance across dozens of countries creates significant liability for carriers.

Rather than navigate this complexity, UPS opted to exit the market entirely. This decision simplified their compliance burden but left exporters without accessible shipping options.

Customs Delays and Product Seizures

Hemp shipments face higher scrutiny at customs than typical goods. Even properly documented products can trigger holds, inspections, or seizures. In fact, these delays cost carriers time and money in storage fees and customer service issues.

Additionally, seized shipments create negative relationships with customs officials in key markets. Carriers prioritize maintaining positive customs relationships for their core business lines.

Legal Risk Management in Restrictive Markets

Hemp remains illegal in many countries despite U.S. federal legality. Carriers face potential legal liability if shipments are seized or if products are later found non-compliant. For a company operating in 220 countries, the risk outweighs the revenue from hemp shipments.

According to DEA scheduling guidelines, hemp’s legal status varies dramatically by jurisdiction. Consequently, international carriers face complex liability considerations that domestic shipments don’t present.

How the UPS Ban Impacts Hemp Exporters

The UPS hemp shipping ban created immediate challenges for exporters who relied on traditional carriers. Many businesses saw their logistics costs increase by 30 to 50% overnight. Others experienced shipment delays lasting weeks or months while they searched for alternatives.

Small exporters faced the biggest impact. Without established relationships with freight forwarders, they struggled to find carriers willing to handle hemp. Meanwhile, customs brokers unfamiliar with hemp documentation added another layer of complexity and cost.

However, the ban also created opportunities. Exporters who already worked with specialized logistics partners maintained their shipping timelines and costs. In fact, our clearance times at Frosty Club remained steady at 2 to 3 days throughout the transition.

This consistency occurred because we never relied on UPS for international hemp shipments. Instead, we built our logistics infrastructure around specialized freight partners from day one.

Your Best Alternatives to UPS for International Hemp Shipping

Despite the UPS ban, international hemp shipping is absolutely possible. You simply need the right logistics partners and documentation. Here are your best options moving forward.

Work with Specialized Hemp Freight Forwarders

Freight forwarders who specialize in cannabis and hemp understand the compliance requirements. They maintain relationships with international carriers who accept hemp products. More importantly, they know which customs brokers can clear shipments efficiently in each destination country.

These forwarders handle everything from air waybills to commercial invoices. They also advise on labeling requirements and documentation to prevent customs holds. While their services cost more than standard UPS rates, the reliability and speed justify the investment.

From our experience, specialized forwarders reduce customs holds by approximately 70% compared to general freight services. This efficiency comes from their established relationships and documentation expertise.

Source from Producers with Built-In International Logistics

The most efficient solution? Work with hemp producers who handle logistics in-house. At Frosty Club, we control the entire supply chain from our California farms to international delivery. Because we grow, test, package, and ship our own products, we’ve built dedicated logistics lanes that bypass traditional carrier limitations.

Since 2019, we’ve cleared thousands of pallets through customs in Germany, Switzerland, Czech Republic, and beyond. Our in-house team prepares complete documentation stacks for every shipment. As a result, our clients never worry about carrier policies or customs delays.

The product simply arrives in 2 to 3 days, ready to sell. This vertical integration eliminates the need to coordinate between multiple vendors, reducing both cost and complexity.

Build Direct Relationships with International Carriers

Some international airlines and cargo carriers still accept hemp shipments with proper documentation. These carriers typically operate on specific routes rather than offering global coverage like UPS. Therefore, you’ll need different carriers for different destinations.

Building these relationships takes time. Carriers want to see consistent compliance, proper documentation, and reliable payment. Once established, however, these partnerships provide stable shipping lanes even as policies change elsewhere.

Essential Documentation for Hemp Shipping Without UPS

Regardless of which carrier you use, proper documentation is non-negotiable. Missing even one document can delay your shipment by weeks. Here’s what you need for every international hemp shipment.

For a complete breakdown of each document and how to prepare it correctly, see our ultimate hemp freight checklist. Getting documentation right the first time prevents costly delays and maintains good relationships with customs officials.

In our experience preparing thousands of shipments, documentation accuracy matters more than any other factor. Customs officials verify every detail, and inconsistencies trigger immediate holds.

Critical Mistakes to Avoid When Shipping Hemp Post-UPS Ban

Many exporters make critical mistakes when transitioning away from UPS. Avoid these common pitfalls to keep your shipments moving smoothly.

Never Attempt to Sneak Shipments Through UPS

Some exporters attempt to mislabel hemp products as “herbal tea” or “botanical extracts” to bypass carrier restrictions. This strategy fails spectacularly. Customs officials use advanced scanning technology and regularly inspect suspicious packages.

When caught, your product gets seized, you lose the shipment value, and you damage your reputation with customs officials. Furthermore, repeat violations can lead to permanent blacklisting from international shipping lanes.

Avoid Working with Inexperienced Freight Brokers

Hemp brokers who lack international shipping experience will cost you time and money. They often promise delivery timelines they can’t meet. They may also lack proper relationships with customs brokers in destination countries.

Consequently, your shipments sit in warehouses while they figure out the process. Instead, verify that any logistics partner has a proven track record shipping hemp specifically. Ask for references from current clients and examples of successful clearances in your target markets.

Don’t Assume All Hemp Products Ship Identically

Different hemp products face different import restrictions. For instance, isolate and distillate typically clear customs faster than flower. Edibles may require additional food safety documentation. Topicals might be classified as cosmetics with separate requirements.

Understanding these nuances prevents surprises at customs. For more details on product-specific requirements, check out our guide on how to legally ship CBD and THCa products across borders.

How Frosty Club Solved the UPS Problem Before It Existed

Here’s the truth: The UPS ban didn’t impact Frosty Club because we never relied on traditional carriers for international hemp shipments. From day one in 2019, we built our logistics infrastructure around specialized freight partners who understand hemp compliance.

Our approach is straightforward. We control everything in-house. We grow hemp on our California farms. We process it in our labs. We package it in our facility. We prepare all documentation ourselves.

Then we ship through our network of freight forwarders and customs brokers who specialize exclusively in hemp. This vertical integration means our clients never worry about carrier policies.

When you order from Frosty Club, your product ships with complete documentation to any permitted destination. Customs clearance takes 2 to 3 days on average. There are no surprises, no delays, and no last-minute policy changes disrupting your supply chain.

Additionally, because we’ve shipped thousands of pounds internationally, customs officials in key markets recognize our documentation style. They know our shipments are compliant. Therefore, clearance happens faster than it would for a new exporter building relationships from scratch.

The Future of International Hemp Shipping After UPS

The UPS ban signals a broader trend. Traditional carriers are retreating from the hemp market rather than navigating complex international regulations. However, this creates space for specialized logistics companies to fill the gap.

Looking ahead, expect more countries to clarify their hemp import policies as global demand continues growing. The European Union is working toward harmonized THC standards, which could simplify compliance across member states. Meanwhile, markets like Germany and Switzerland are expanding access to hemp products.

For exporters, the key is working with partners who stay ahead of regulatory changes. At Frosty Club, we monitor policy updates in every market we serve. When regulations change, we adjust our documentation and shipping protocols immediately.

Our clients never experience disruptions because we handle compliance proactively. This forward-thinking approach ensures reliable supply chains regardless of carrier policy changes.

Frequently Asked Questions About UPS Hemp Shipping Ban

Source Hemp Products with Built-In International Logistics

The UPS hemp shipping ban doesn’t have to disrupt your international business. The solution isn’t just finding a better carrier. Rather, it’s sourcing your hemp products from a producer who handles international logistics in-house.

At Frosty Club, we’ve successfully shipped thousands of pounds of our own hemp products internationally since 2019. When you purchase CBD flower, distillate, isolate, kief, gummies, or any other CBD products from us, international shipping is already solved.

We grow it on our California farms, test it in our labs, package it compliantly, and deliver it to your door in 2 to 3 days.

What You Get When You Source from Frosty Club:

• Premium CBD products grown and processed in California
• Complete documentation prepared for your destination country
• Built-in international logistics with no carrier headaches
• Fast customs clearance averaging 2 to 3 days
• Zero middlemen between production and delivery
• Proven track record with thousands of successful international shipments

Whether you need bulk CBD flower for distribution, wholesale distillate for manufacturing, or retail-ready pre-rolls for your shop, buying from Frosty Club means your supply chain works seamlessly. No more coordinating between suppliers, freight forwarders, and customs brokers.

We handle it all because we control the entire process from seed to international delivery.

Request a product quote with international shipping included and discover how simple hemp sourcing becomes when you work with a vertically integrated producer.

Want to learn more about navigating international hemp compliance? Explore our complete guide on THC limits for hemp shipping by country to understand exactly what’s permitted in your target markets.