You launched your store globally, but now you’re getting orders from regions you can’t ship to. Customs nightmares, refund requests, and angry emails from customers whose packages got stuck at the border. Some products simply can’t be sold everywhere, whether it’s licensing rules, shipping restrictions, or local regulations.
It doesn’t have to work that way.
CBR PRO — Country Based Restrictions gives you full control over which countries can see, buy, or even access specific products on your WooCommerce store. You decide who shops what, and the plugin handles the rest at checkout, cart, and product level.
This guide walks you through exactly how to set up country-based product restrictions and the rules that matter most.
Key features that handle country restrictions
1. Restrict products by country at checkout
Block specific products from being purchased by customers in selected countries. When a restricted product is in the cart, checkout is prevented and a clear message is shown.
2. Hide products from specific countries entirely
Stop products from appearing in shop pages, category archives, or search results for visitors from blocked countries. The product becomes invisible, not just unpurchasable.
3. Restrict by product category
Apply rules to whole categories instead of individual products. Useful if you have grouped restricted items like alcohol, supplements, or licensed merchandise.
4. Allow-list or block-list mode
Choose between two restriction styles. Either allow only specific countries to buy a product, or block selected countries while letting everyone else through.
5. Geolocation-based country detection
The plugin uses the customer’s IP and billing country to determine eligibility. This catches restricted buyers before they waste time filling carts.
6. Custom restriction messages per product
Show a tailored message explaining why the product isn’t available in their region. Avoid generic errors that confuse customers and trigger support tickets.
7. Restrict payment and shipping methods by country
Beyond products, you can also hide certain payment gateways or shipping methods for selected countries. Keeps checkout clean and compliant.
8. HPOS and block-based cart compatible
Works with the latest WooCommerce checkout, including HPOS and the new block-based cart and checkout experience. No compatibility headaches.
Common use cases for country-based restrictions
| Scenario | What CBR PRO does |
|---|---|
| Licensed digital goods | Blocks sale outside permitted regions |
| Alcohol or regulated items | Restricts categories by country law |
| High-shipping-cost zones | Hides products from unprofitable regions |
| Region-exclusive launches | Limits visibility to target markets |
| Customs-sensitive products | Prevents orders that get held at border |
| Subscription-only countries | Allows checkout only for approved buyers |
How to set up country restrictions step by step
1. Install and activate CBR PRO
Upload the plugin zip via WordPress → Plugins → Add New → Upload Plugin. Activate it and head to WooCommerce → CBR PRO settings.
2. Choose your restriction mode
Decide between block-list (deny specific countries) or allow-list (permit only chosen countries). Pick the one that matches your business model.
3. Apply rules to products or categories
Open any product and find the Country Restrictions panel in the product data section. Select the countries to restrict and save.
4. Set a custom message
Write a short explanation that appears when a customer from a restricted country views or tries to buy the product. Be polite and clear.
5. Test with a VPN or geolocation simulator
Switch your location to a restricted country and verify the product behaves correctly. Check both the shop page and checkout flow.
6. Monitor and refine over time
Review your orders and support tickets for any regional friction. Adjust restrictions as your fulfillment network changes.
Why country-based restrictions matter for your store
Every order from a country you can’t service costs you money, time, and customer trust. Setting up proper restrictions protects your margins, reduces refunds, and keeps your support inbox manageable. CBR PRO turns a messy compliance problem into a few clean rules that run quietly in the background.
🌍 Ready to control which countries can buy from your WooCommerce store?
Set product, category, payment, and shipping restrictions by country in minutes, no code required.
14-Day Money-Back Guarantee. HPOS Compatible. Block Checkout Compatible. Priority Support.