Sending food to family abroad is one of the most heartfelt shipments there is — and one of the most rule-bound. Get the details right and your parcel sails through; get them wrong and it can be held or destroyed at the border.
The golden rule: it depends on the destination
Every country sets its own food import rules. Some, like the UAE and Singapore, are relatively straightforward for packaged food. Others, like Australia and New Zealand, run strict biosecurity checks. The USA regulates through the FDA. Before you ship, we confirm what your destination allows.
What usually travels well
- Dry, sealed, packaged foods: biscuits, namkeen, chocolates, instant mixes
- Sweets with a decent shelf life: many mithai varieties, especially dry ones
- Spices and dry masalas: popular and generally accepted, though some countries restrict certain seeds
- Tea and coffee: widely accepted
What's risky or restricted
- Fresh produce, meat and dairy: restricted or banned in most countries
- Homemade items with short shelf life: may spoil in transit or be refused
- Anything with seeds, soil or plant matter: flagged by biosecurity regimes
How to pack food for shipping
- 1Choose shelf-stable items that can survive several days without refrigeration.
- 2Seal tightly — vacuum-seal or double-bag to contain aromas and prevent leaks.
- 3Cushion well so nothing crushes; use rigid boxes for delicate sweets.
- 4Label the contents clearly and honestly on your declaration. "Packaged biscuits, 1 kg" is exactly the kind of detail customs wants.
Declare it properly
Under-declaring or mislabelling food is the fastest route to a seizure. Be specific and truthful. If a country requires ingredient lists or commercial labelling, we'll tell you in advance.
Speed matters
Food is time-sensitive, so we prioritise faster routes and networks for edible shipments. The quicker it clears customs, the fresher it arrives.
Let us check first
Rather than risk a refused parcel, tell us what you'd like to send and where. We'll confirm whether it's permitted, help you pack and declare it, and book the fastest compliant route.
