Restriction types
The following sections provide examples of common restrictions:
| Type↕ | Details↕ |
|---|---|
| Import | Import restrictions often require additional permissions, proper documentation, or licenses to enter the destination country. For example, importing regulated goods like pharmaceuticals typically requires specific approval from government agencies in the receiving country. |
| Export | Export restrictions apply to certain goods, which may need export licenses to leave the country. Violations of these regulations, such as those under ITAR, can result in strict penalties, including fines and mandatory oversight measures. |
Data sources
Zonos gathers restriction data from authoritative sources, including government agencies and trade organizations. Our dedicated Decoder team ensures accuracy by staying up-to-date with global trade developments and the latest industry information.
Restrict currently covers over 2.24 million restrictions across approximately 150 countries, including all major global trading regions. The EU is treated as a single entity for many restrictions, as regulations often apply EU-wide.
Restriction data is updated continuously — new restrictions are added as they are identified, with no waiting period between updates. The underlying model is updated every 3–6 months, similar to other Zonos AI models such as Classify and Country of Origin. The pipeline is designed to incorporate newly added restrictions immediately, even between model update cycles.
How does Zonos source information on the various restrictions and prohibited items?
Zonos uses data from a variety of sources to manage the restrictions and prohibited items, including government websites, trade organizations, and more. We also have a Decoder team dedicated to managing global trade and staying up to date on the latest industry information.
Get started with Restrict
Manage restricted items for imports and exports.The Restrict API helps users identify and manage import and export restrictions. By analyzing an item's HS code along with the ship-from and ship-to countries, the API ensures compliance with government and country-specific regulations. Providing additional item details such as name, description, materials, category, and brand improves the accuracy and confidence of results.