20 Everyday Items Banned Around the World

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Top 20 Everyday Items Banned Around the World


Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the most random commonplace objects that have faced bans in various countries, cities, and governmental bodies. Please note that some of these may have just been in consideration, temporary or “strongly encouraged” guidelines.


#20: Guy Fawkes Masks

Banned by: Saudi Arabia

Originally created by illustrator David Lloyd for the graphic novel “V for Vendetta,” this mask, with its distinctive mustache and apparently sinister look, has since taken on a different meaning. After it was featured in the 2006 movie adaptation, the Guy Fawkes mask became a Halloween costume staple, but it also found new purpose among various protest movements. Seeking to curb such demonstrations, Saudi Arabia imposed a ban on the masks in 2013, arguing that it “instills a culture of violence and extremism” in young people. Although Bahrain first introduced a similar ban months prior, Saudi Arabia escalated measures by not only outlawing the import of the masks but also confiscating any existing stock.


#19: European-Made Cheese

Banned by: Russia

In 2014, Russia annexed Crimea, a region of Ukraine, triggering widespread condemnation and prompting several Western countries to impose sanctions. In retaliation, Vladimir Putin banned the importation of dairy products from the EU, among other measures. As a result, French, Italian and Swiss cheese, which once dominated the shelves in Russia, were seized and destroyed by the authorities. This move may have been bad for cheese lovers in the country, as their favorite products not only became scarce, but they also saw a rise in counterfeit cheeses flooding the market. However, the ban seemingly benefited local farmers by stimulating increased domestic cheese production to fill the gap left by the embargo.

#18: Japanese Shaving Brushes

Banned by: Saint Lucia

If you’re planning a trip to the Caribbean island of Saint Lucia, you might want to check your shaving brush to ensure it’s not made in Japan. That’s right, shaving brushes produced in or exported from Japan are highly prohibited in Saint Lucia. This unusual regulation dates all the way back to the early 1900s when there was an anthrax contamination scandal linked to shaving brushes imported from Japan. In a bid to prevent a recurrence, the Caribbean nation enacted a ban on such products. Even after more than a century, this ban remains in place, despite Japan’s repeated efforts to reassure Saint Lucia of the brushes’ safety.


#17: Vicks Inhalers

Banned by: Japan

Need to get rid of a blocked nose while vacationing in Japan? Well, we hate to break it to you, but using a Vicks inhaler wouldn’t be one of your options. That’s because the product falls under a category of over-the-counter medications that are considered illegal in the country. While Japan permits visitors to bring in some drugs for personal use, those containing stimulants are prohibited due to its anti-stimulant drug laws. Since Vicks inhalers are a prime example of such products, they are effectively banned from being sold or brought into the country. So if you can’t find a suitable alternative, you might have to endure that blocked nose longer than expected.

#16: Lace Underwear

Banned by: Russia, Belarus & Kazakhstan

This one probably came as bad news to couples looking to spice things up in the bedroom. Back in 2014, the customs union overseeing Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan implemented regulations banning the production and import of lace underwear. If you thought this was due to concerns about modesty, then you’d be wrong. The regulation’s true aim was to ensure that any clothing in direct contact with the skin contained at least 6% cotton, to protect consumers against skin problems. As many lacy lingerie failed to meet that requirement, they were banned from being sold. While it was apparently implemented for health reasons, the ban triggered protests in Kazakhstan, resulting in the arrest of several women.


#15: Wheelbarrows & Carts

Banned by: Lagos, Nigeria

In 2018, the government of Lagos, Nigeria’s second most populous state, issued a ban on the use of wheelbarrows and carts in public spaces. According to authorities, this measure aimed to crack down on those who operate the devices for profit. Referred to as wheelbarrow and cart pushers, these individuals were reportedly notorious for illegally dumping waste in canals, which exacerbated the state’s already existing flooding issues. Although this regulation does not directly affect private residents, those who patronize the operators could also face arrest and prosecution. The ban was part of the ‘Cleaner Lagos Initiative’, which aimed to prioritize environmental cleanliness of the state.


#14: Yellow T-shirts

Banned by: Malaysia

In 2015, after reports surfaced that then Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak had received $700 million in his personal bank account, protests erupted calling for his resignation. Thousands took to the streets wearing bright yellow T-shirts emblazoned with the words “Bersih 4.” In the Malay language, “Bersih” translates to “clean.” Just before the demonstrations began, former Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi banned the wearing of these shirts. However, protesters openly disregarded this order, flooding the streets in their “Bersih 4” tees. Despite the controversy surrounding the ban, it was later upheld by a Malaysian High Court. The judge deemed the yellow shirts a national security threat and imposed a fine of over $1,000 on anyone found wearing them.


#13: Water Guns

Banned by: Cambodia

The Cambodian New Year, also called the Khmer New Year, is an annual three-day celebration in April that attracts millions from around the world. A common tradition during this festival is splashing water on people, often with toy guns. Unfortunately, this practice has caused numerous accidents, with reported instances in which the water was replaced with acid and used to attack mainly young women. Consequently, many regions in Cambodia have implemented bans on water guns, especially during the Khmer New Year celebrations. In 2023, following reports that a foreigner was injured with a water gun, former Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen called for a nationwide ban on the devices.



#12: Goldfish Bowls

Banned by: Rome, Italy

Keeping goldfish in spherical bowls is a common practice around the world. But did you know that these bowls are generally considered cruel to the fish? Back in 2005, this concern led city councilors in Rome, Italy to take action. They voted to ban the use of spherical fish bowls, seemingly influenced by the warnings of animal activists. These activists argue that the bowls do not provide enough oxygen for the fish and could even cause them to go blind. Apparently, goldfish welfare wasn’t the only issue on the councilors’ agenda. On the same day, they also passed legislation making daily dog-walks mandatory, with offenders facing a potential fine of $700.




#11: Unveiled Mannequins

Banned by: Iran

Walk through a shopping mall in almost any country and you’d see storefronts adorned with mannequins in varying degrees of clothing, and some without any clothes at all. However, this sight would be unlikely in Iran. Back in 2009, in a bid to reinforce conservative Islamic values, authorities in the Middle Eastern nation implemented a ban on female mannequins without a veil, and those revealing body curves. This measure was part of a broader effort to counter perceived Western influences, consistent with former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s agenda to suppress what he deemed “un-Islamic behavior.” Subsequently, in 2014, Iran’s Cultural Ministry introduced “Islamic mannequins,” which were deemed suitable for public display.



#10: Furbies

Banned by: The NSA

Remember these lovable robotic toys from your childhood? Well, you might be remembering them wrong, because these hamster or owl-like creatures went on to become less lovable. This is because of the Furbies’ almost human-like ability to start speaking English as they “grew.” Unfortunately, the National Security Agency came to believe that the pre-programmed English words the Furbies said were a result of their repeating words they heard. In 1999, this led the NSA to ban the toy from their headquarters in fear that it was also a recording device with the potential to repeat classified information in public. However, the ban was ultimately removed when this was revealed to be a myth.


#9: Wearing High Heels at Ancient Sites

Banned by: Greece

It’s always important to know what kind of shoes to wear to certain places. If you plan to visit any of the historical sites in Greece, then you must leave your high heels behind. In 2009, the government of Greece enforced a regulation banning individuals from wearing high heels to any of its ancient monuments. This ban was implemented due to concerns that pointed heels were damaging the delicate surfaces of the centuries-old structures, and also to ensure the longevity of the landmarks for future generations. Violators could face a potential fine of up to £771, so unless you’re ready to part with that, it’s probably best to just stick with sneakers.



#8: Online Video Games

Banned by: South Korea

Seeking to curtail one of its leading sources of video game obsession, South Korea took a swing at PC gaming. As part of the government’s effort to fight the gaming mania, they introduced the Cinderella Law in 2011, which sadly has nothing to do with glass slippers and handsome princes, and more to do with ending your adventures at midnight. Also called the Shutdown Law, it blocks access to online games for people under 16, from 12am to 6AM. In 2014, the law was eased to allow parents to decide whether or not they wanted the law to apply to their children, which is a saving grace for you night owl gamers.


#7: Baby Walkers

Banned by: Canada

In 2004, Canada officially banned this seemingly harmless tool for toddlers, following a 15-year voluntary ban on retailers. Seems like the device might not be so harmless after all, as baby walkers, meant to help babies learn to walk faster, can actually have the opposite effect and delay the process by two to three weeks. Then there are all those preventable injuries. Canada was the first country to ban walkers, and if you think you’d be able to get one secondhand, well that’s illegal too! If you’re caught with one, you could be fined up to $100,000 CAD or spend 6 months in jail. Yikes!


#6: Chewing Gum

Banned by: Singapore

This ban was proposed in 1983, because gum was being used to vandalize mailboxes, high-rise apartments, keyholes, and elevator buttons. It wasn’t until 1987 that things got serious though, with people using gum on the new railway system, the MRT. Gum was used to block sensors and prevent doors from closing, which cost a pretty penny to repair. In 1992, the new Prime Minister put the ban into effect, and today the only gum allowed in Singapore is dental or nicotine gum, which is prescribed by a doctor. Being caught with gum can lead to a fine or imprisonment, and just spitting it out in public carries a $700 fine.


#5: Flip Flops

Banned by: Capri, Italy

Flip. Flop. Flip. Flop. Sure, this sounds annoying, but folks on the Italian island of Capri took their annoyance to the next level and banned flip-flops altogether. The beach shoes fall under the category of ‘noisy footwear’, which isn’t allowed, under risk of a fine or arrest. So please, keep those clogs at home too! It’s one of many bans in Italy aimed at preserving public security. Building sandcastles, collecting seashells, playing ball games, kissing in a car, and wearing mini-skirts are all forbidden as well in different areas. Still, that probably won’t stop anyone from vacationing on Capri’s beautiful beaches.


#4: Blue Jeans

Banned by: North Korea

Western culture may not always be the best influence when it comes to certain things, but who can argue with the utility and comfort of blue jeans? Well, Kim Jong-Un, that’s who. In an attempt to minimize the influence of Western fashion, North Korea’s leader banned blue jeans in the country. While it is a nationwide ban, it will primarily be enforced in the areas closest to the Chinese border, where American culture can sneak in. The ban also extends to ALL piercings, including ears. It might just be another day in North Korea, but to a democratic nation, the bans seem UN-believable.


#3: Kinder Eggs

Banned by: The USA

Warning: this entry may contain small parts of nonsense and could cause a confusion hazard. Adult supervision required. The ban on Kinder Surprise eggs actually goes back to a 1938 Act that prohibits candy with a non-nutritive substance embedded in it to be sold in the USA. Thanks to possible choking hazards and the fact that they’re only suitable for children over 3 years of age, Kinder Surprises cannot be sold in the country. The eggs can’t even be brought into America, and fines are reportedly set at $300 to $2500 per egg. How’s that for a Kinder Surprise? While the US is the only country to have banned the chocolate, there have been a number of deaths worldwide associated with choking on a Kinder egg.


#2: Doorknobs

Banned by: Vancouver, Canada

Aside from paving the way for low flush toilets and LED light bulbs, Vancouver is also the first Canadian city to ban doorknobs. This has been done in the hopes that people won’t get stuck in whatever room they’re in, with levers being used to open doors instead. As of 2014, all new buildings have been built with levers instead of knobs, in an effort to phase out the old design. It is mainly meant to aid people living with disabilities and arthritis, but also helps the elderly or those carrying things in their hands, like groceries. The ban was part of a bylaw to make housing more accessible, which also mandated bigger hallways, higher outlets, and wider staircases for possible stair lift installation.


#1: Ketchup

Banned by: France

This ban might be the most baffling of them all. As of 2011, ketchup has been banned in school cafeterias in France. The reason for the prohibition, according to National Association of Directors of Collective Restaurants chairman Christophe Hebert, is to preserve French culture. Luckily, French fries aren’t a traditional French meal, so kids won’t have to suffer through eating plain potato sticks – which they can only have once a week. Hebert sees ketchup as too American, and wants children to learn native French recipes and pass them down to their kids. He also believes ketchup covers up the taste of their fine cuisine.


Do you live in a country where any of these items are outlaws? Just how tightly enforced are those bans? Let us know in the comments below.

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