🍝 Shipping food and drink abroad: what you can ship (and how to do it risk-free)

Yes, but not all foods are allowed. In general, products are easier to ship dry, packaged and labelled, non-perishable, such as pasta, biscuits, coffee, sealed preserves and packaged snacks. Always check the restrictions of the destination country and courier before shipping.

Yes, but the United States have very strict rules. Some food products may require specific documentation, customs control or registration linked to the FDA. It is important to give an accurate description of the contents, quantity and actual value, avoiding generic terms such as “food” or “gift”.

Yes, but only within the European Union and with couriers that allow it. Wine requires approved packaging for bottles, limits on quantity and gradation, and careful preparation of the shipment.

For destinations extra-EU, in general it is not possible to ship wine as a private individual via standard couriersauthorised operators, excise management and specific import procedures are required.

Fresh or perishable foods are not usually allowed, such as meat, fresh fish, fresh dairy products, fruit, vegetables and refrigerated products. Homemade foodstuffs, unsealed liquids or products requiring temperature control during transport are also problematic.

For non-EU shipments prepare complete documents and precise descriptions. Always indicate product type, quantity and actual value, e.g. “packaged dry pasta - 2 kg - value 10€”. Vague descriptions such as “food”, “gift” or “personal items” may lead to checks, delays or requests to supplement documents.