Commercially packaged, shelf-stable food is generally acceptable to most destinations in small personal quantities. Fresh, homemade, meat and dairy products are almost universally prohibited.
Food is one of the most commonly asked-about categories, particularly among diaspora families shipping to and from the UK. British teas, biscuits, chocolate and packaged goods are regular inclusions in personal effects shipments. The rules depend on the food type and the destination biosecurity regime.
Generally acceptable (small personal quantities): commercially sealed dry goods including tea, coffee, biscuits, chocolate, crisps, packaged spices, dried herbs, canned goods, sauces in sealed jars, dried noodles and pasta.
Never ship: fresh fruit and vegetables, meat and meat products (including biltong, jerky and sealed cured meats to most destinations), dairy products, homemade food of any kind, seeds and plants, honey to many destinations.
Strictest destinations: Australia and New Zealand have the toughest biosecurity in the world. Even packaged foods face inspection and many are destroyed on arrival. The USA restricts meat and many plant products. Declare all food accurately: undeclared food discovered at inspection can result in fines and the entire shipment being held.
1. Declare everything. List every food item on your packing list with accurate descriptions. Undeclared food is treated as smuggling by biosecurity regimes.
2. Original sealed packaging only. Opened packets and decanted items will be destroyed at inspection.
3. Check destination rules. Australia and New Zealand publish detailed lists of prohibited food imports. When in doubt, leave it out.
4. Small personal quantities. A few packets of tea is personal use; a suitcase full of one product looks commercial and attracts customs duty and scrutiny. Call 0800 096 38 39 if unsure about specific items.