Shipping food internationally and domestically
Would you like to send some delicious items to your family, friends, or clients? Get informed about safe shipping options for this type of products. Check our packaging guidelines and have a look at the restrictions involved. Learn how to ship food internationally and locally.
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Shipping services for businesses
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What services can you use for sending food by courier?
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PACKAGING INSTRUCTIONS
How to pack food for shipping
Make sure you go through this checklist before sending food items through the mail:
- Wrap each food item in plastic foil and put the food into a plastic or insulated food container.
- Place a cold pack under the container (if applicable). Make sure the cold packs you use cannot leak and are well attached not to damage the cardboard box or the surrounding boxes during the transit.
- Wrap the food container with ordinary or thermal bubble wrap and put the container into a smaller box.
- Fill empty spaces with cushioning materials. Place the smaller box into a slightly bigger one and fill it with more cushioning.
- Seal the box. You can also add a warning saying “Fragile” or “Handle with care” on the box.
When shipping cold items or food that need temperature control, well-protected cold packs should never be replaced with ice or anything else that could melt or leak to avoid causing damages.
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What should you keep in mind before sending food abroad?
International food shipping is a common practice, even though different restrictions apply to many types of products in different countries across the globe.
If you are an individual, it can be easier for you to send canned and non-perishable food items that do not present the risk of leaking. In some cases, vacuum-sealed products can also be accepted by some transporters. As a rule, shipping food requiring time and temperature control internationally is a real challenge for individuals because this is a specialised shipping service, which is not in accordance with the strict standard policies adopted by most courier companies. Additionally, you should have in mind that some food additives, like BVO, can be legal in the USA, but illegal within the EU and vice versa.
Licensed companies working in the consumer products segment can ship all types of food internationally, provided they comply with safety, packaging, labelling and import regulations of the destination country. They must also have all the necessary certificates and pack food items properly for shipping with authorised transporters only.
It is crucial to check whether certain types of products can be legally exported to another country. EU companies willing to send food to the UK after the Brexit must know that besides general EU requirements, they must fulfil the criteria for exporting such type of goods and possess the necessary international certifications.
MORE INFORMATION
FAQs about international food shipping
Can you send food internationally?
Food is on most courier companies’ and postal operators’ restricted and prohibited items lists. Even though it is not recommended to ship food, many people still do so at their own risk. It is inadvisable to send home-made meals and perishables. Canned and packaged foods that are not prone to spoilage are a safer bet.
Do people send food items by courier?
Yes. Both perishable and non-perishable products are sent through courier services by many people, especially within the European Union, as in these cases, the parcels do not undergo customs controls, with the exception of islands such as Ireland. It should be noted that senders are solely responsible for such shipments, as any claims will not be accepted. Thus, no refund will be possible in case of loss, damage, or confiscation of food items by the courier company or the customs authorities. Proper packaging is of paramount importance in such cases.
How to ship oatmeal raisin cookies?
You can pack this type of food items in rigid containers for shipping. For additional protection, before placing the cookies in such containers, you can protect them with layers of wrapping paper or bubble wrap.
Is there any insurance for shipping food items?
In most cases, no, even though there is no uniform answer. It depends on the Terms and Conditions set by the courier company or postal operator transporting the goods and on the quality of packaging.
Is it possible to send food to the UK after Brexit?
For businesses: Although trade between EU countries and the UK has become more complicated, it is still possible to ship food between them. Food shipments to the UK are subject to international logistics rules. This means that you will have to pay VAT charges and duties, besides preparing all the required customs documents.
For individuals: Food is included in the restricted and prohibited items list of most courier companies. If you decide to ship food in a package, bear in mind that every shipment sent to the UK will pass through customs and the package may be returned before it enters the country.
Take into consideration these guidelines when shipping food nationally and internationally. Nevertheless, please consider that following them does not guarantee that the courier company will transport your package without restriction. In case you decide to ship food, Eurosender will not be held responsible for any damages caused by the transportation of your shipment.