Shipping food and spices
Dry, sealed, commercially packed food is usually fine. Homemade, fresh and animal products are where parcels get stopped.
Usually accepted
- Ground spices and spice mixes in sealed retail packs
- Tea, including loose tea in sealed packs
- Packed sweets and mithai with a printed label and expiry date
- Biscuits, snacks, nimko and dried fruit in sealed packs
- Rice and lentils in sealed bags, in personal quantities
Usually refused
- Meat, fish, eggs and dairy, including ghee in many countries
- Homemade cooked food and achar (pickle) in unlabelled jars
- Fresh fruit and vegetables, including mangoes, unless shipped commercially with permits
- Whole seeds and nuts in shell to Australia
Country notes
The UK refuses most meat and dairy. The USA requires food to be declared and inspects it. Australia inspects every food item and can destroy undeclared goods. Check the country page before packing.
Packing food
Double-bag anything powdered or oily, and pack food separately from clothing. Liquids such as oils and syrups need leak-proof containers and extra padding.
Ready to send a parcel?
Tell us what you are sending and where. We reply with a rate, the routing and the transit time.