Royal mail sending food to usa

A popular question!

Yes, Royal Mail does send food to the USA, but there are some important considerations and regulations to keep in mind. Here's a breakdown:

Types of food allowed:

  1. Non-perishable food items: Royal Mail allows the sending of non-perishable food items, such as:
    • Canned goods (e.g., soups, vegetables, fruits)
    • Dried goods (e.g., pasta, rice, nuts)
    • Baked goods (e.g., cookies, cakes)
    • Snacks (e.g., chips, crackers)
  2. Perishable food items (with restrictions): Royal Mail allows the sending of perishable food items, such as:
    • Fresh fruits and vegetables (but only if properly packaged and labeled)
    • Meat, poultry, and seafood (but only if properly packaged and labeled, and subject to specific regulations)
    • Dairy products (but only if properly packaged and labeled, and subject to specific regulations)

Regulations and restrictions:

  1. Customs regulations: Royal Mail must comply with US Customs regulations, which require accurate labeling and declaration of food items.
  2. Food Safety regulations: Royal Mail must ensure that food items are properly packaged and handled to prevent contamination and spoilage.
  3. Quarantine regulations: Some food items, such as meat, poultry, and seafood, may be subject to quarantine regulations in the USA.
  4. Prohibited items: Certain food items are prohibited from being sent to the USA, including:
    • Raw or cooked meat, poultry, and seafood from countries with a high risk of animal diseases
    • Fresh fruits and vegetables from countries with a high risk of plant diseases
    • Dairy products from countries with a high risk of animal diseases

Packaging and labeling requirements:

  1. Proper packaging: Food items must be properly packaged to prevent damage and contamination during transit.
  2. Accurate labeling: Food items must be accurately labeled with the contents, weight, and country of origin.
  3. Special handling: Perishable food items may require special handling, such as refrigeration or freezing, to prevent spoilage.

Shipping options:

  1. Royal Mail International Tracked: This service provides tracking and insurance for your food items.
  2. Royal Mail International Signed: This service provides tracking and signature upon delivery for your food items.
  3. Royal Mail International Economy: This service provides a cost-effective option for sending non-perishable food items, but does not provide tracking or insurance.

Cost and delivery time:

  1. Cost: The cost of shipping food items to the USA will depend on the weight, size, and type of item, as well as the shipping service chosen.
  2. Delivery time: Delivery times will vary depending on the shipping service chosen, but typically range from 7-21 days.

In summary, Royal Mail does send food to the USA, but it's essential to comply with regulations, restrictions, and packaging requirements to ensure safe and successful delivery. If you're unsure about sending food items to the USA, it's recommended to consult with Royal Mail or a shipping expert for guidance.