When you live abroad, there is nothing better than receiving a care package from your loved ones, full of comforts at home in the form of food. If you have a loved one living in the United States, you can let them know what you think by sending them some of your favorite homemade treats. Fortunately, shipping food to the United States is not as difficult as it might seem if you take the time to do your research and follow all the relevant regulations. We’ll break down some of the most important things to know.
1) Food products must have a shelf life of more than six months from the date of shipment
Not all foods classified as perishable can be transported to the United States, in fact, they generally cannot be transported by courier. This is because they may deteriorate during transit, especially if for some reason there are delays with the service or delays in customs clearance. Unfortunately, this also applies to homemade products, as they tend to fall into this category due to the fact that they do not contain preservatives. Trying to pass off your homemade foods like store bought items – no, no. If you get caught, penalties will be imposed for it. As tempting as it may sound, instead choose to send your favorite recipes to their favorite homemade dishes so they can recreate them, as well as send them their favorite store-bought treats. cannot receive in the United States.
2) Don’t expect your package to be stored “this way” during transit.
Use caution when shipping delicate products by courier to the United States that must be stored “this way”. Unless you booked with a dedicated courier, US food packages will be treated the same as any other package. Marking the package as “fragile” will serve as a reminder to those handling the package to handle it with care, but remember it will still be transported via the standard courier network along with other heavy and bulky items. It will travel along conveyor belts and be placed in and out of vans during transit for delivery. So, it may not arrive in the same condition it was sent in.
3) Pack your food basket securely
The main reason for the poor condition of packages to the destination country is usually due to insufficient packaging. Therefore, to ensure that your food delivery to the United States arrives promptly and without any damage, make sure it is packaged securely enough for transport. Wrap each food individually, then repackage it in bubble wrap to provide impact protection. Fill the voids in your packaging with leftover bubble wrap For your outer packaging, it is always better to invest in a new double-walled cardboard box. Not only are they affordable, but they’re a great choice for shipping all kinds of goods. Finish by sealing the box with plenty of packing tape, making sure all flaps and seams are secure.
4) Some items are strictly limited
Before preparing for the delivery of food to the United States, it is important to remember that some food items are strictly limited. This applies to most countries around the world, but each country has its own specific food regulations. Generally speaking, if a product is in its original packaging, is sealed, has not been modified, and has a shelf life of more than six months, it can be shipped to the United States. However, if you are unsure, you should refer to the official FDA guidelines.
Posted by Stuart Cook, blog editor at NI Parcels, an online courier comparison service based in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
