Can I send food to the UK via international courier?

Food can be sent to the UK by international express, but you need to pay attention to relevant regulations and restrictions.

Specifically, most foods, such as candy, snacks, tea, dry goods (cereals, beans, nuts), canned or vacuum-packed foods, chocolate and honey, etc., can usually be sent to the UK. However, there are also some foods that are prohibited or restricted from being sent by mail, mainly including:

Fresh meat and poultry

Fresh fish and shellfish

Fresh fruits and vegetables

Dairy products and eggs

Prepared products containing meat, poultry or fish

Liquid foods (such as seasonings, juices, soups, etc., which may be considered sensitive items, especially when the packaging is not standardized)

When sending food to the UK, you also need to pay attention to the following points:

Packaging requirements: Food should be well-sealed and packaged, with a shelf life of at least one month (non-cold chain). It is recommended to seal the items as much as possible before delivery, and add appropriate protection such as foam bags to ensure the safety of food during transportation.

Declaration information: All food mailed to the UK must be clearly marked on the package, including specific information about the food, such as origin, ingredients and shelf life. The recipient may be asked to provide this information for customs inspection.

Tariffs and VAT: The UK imposes tariffs and value-added tax (VAT) on food mailed to the country. The tariff rate depends on the type and value of the food, and the VAT is usually 20%.

Choose a suitable courier: Since food is a sensitive product in international express delivery, not all courier companies undertake this type of business. Therefore, it is necessary to choose a courier with professional food transportation channels and experience, such as DHL, UPS, FedEx, etc.

Comply with relevant regulations: Before mailing food, be sure to understand and comply with the relevant regulations of the UK Customs and the requirements of the Food Standards Agency (FSA).