Help please - International Shipping of Perishables

We have a friend in Belize, and we'd like to send him a little gift package, but I'm not sure what we can send. I realize I could probably just call the post office, but I'd like to know what others' experiences have been. We're planning on sending some benign items, but also a pint of Makers, a Louisville Slugger mini bat, a carton of cigarettes packed loosely, and a couple of home-baked items. I don't know what's allowed to be shipped internationally, and it potentially could look like a fight in a box! Any input??

quick google search...


hope this helps:

UPS: Restricted and Prohibited Items

USPS: Aviation Mail Security & Hazardous Materials

DHL: Prohibited and Restricted Commodities


i started to poke around FedEx, to no avail.


you may be safe with the Marbs (possibly) and baked goods, but the Maker's could be a problem to ship internationally.

[Robin Garr]

We have a friend in Belize, and we'd like to send him a little gift package, but I'm not sure what we can send. I realize I could probably just call the post office, but I'd like to know what others' experiences have been. We're planning on sending some benign items, but also a pint of Makers, a Louisville Slugger mini bat, a carton of cigarettes packed loosely, and a couple of home-baked items. I don't know what's allowed to be shipped internationally, and it potentially could look like a fight in a box! Any input??

As for the Makers, the US Postal Service (presumably under the influence of the teetotal lobby) forbids shipping all alcoholic beverages, and this applies in both domestic and international mail.

I remember as a kid my Dad had some Hugarian Golden Pear Brandy shipped from Canada...I remember my Mom getting a call from I think the FBI wanting to speak to my Dad. The agent was a friend of my Dad and I was told that He told my Dad that a package came for you marked books and some of the books were leaking.......

I remember as a kid my Dad had some Hugarian Golden Pear Brandy shipped from Canada

Be careful .. be VERY careful of Hungarian Pear Brandy

Wish I could find it around here..

Kim,

Having shipped things to Korea for a year to someone stationed overseas, here are some suggestions:

Talk to your friend about how long packages typically take to arrive before sending home-baked items: some countries can take a couple of weeks for regular shipping rendering your home-baked goodies inedible.

Assuming the above works, Loaf cakes and large cookies ( chocolate chip, oatmeal, etc) or bar cookies tend to travel best. Google articles on "mailing Christmas cookies" for suggested recipes. Assume that your package will be handled by Gorillas and pack it accordingly.

Foods not needing refrigeration for a week or so in transit: Cyrovac-ed salamis (Columbus brand) and Country ham (Broadbent).

Kenny's cajun microwave popcorn is light weight, easy to pack and local- They always loved it.


Deb

This topic got me curious, having, in the past, shipped to Canada, Germany, Jamaica, Turkey, Japan and Afghanistan. So I did some online searching. It appears that two big no-nos for shipping to Belize are tobacco and artificial sweeteners such as Saccharin. http://pe.usps.gov/text/imm/ab_021.htm
Additionally, the recipient will need to pick up the package as well as pay duty on the gift, so one is recommended not to insure or place high value on package. http://www.belizeforum.com/ubb/ultimate ... 4;t=001963
http://www.belizenorth.com/utilities.htm

I’m leery of Deb’s suggestion to ship meats such as “Cyrovac-ed salamis (Columbus brand) and Country ham (Broadbent).” I know that I could not ship either to Jamaica and when travelling to Jamaica I have had Cyrovaced country ham impounded.

I would strongly suggest that you go a USPS office and ask for their list of mailing prohibitions for Belize. Additionally, I might check with UPS, FedEx or DHL.

Kim, FYI: When preparing your package make certain that you have selected a sturdy container, cushion the contents and secure the package adequately. It is preferred that wrapping paper be omitted if the box itself is an adequate container. Filament-reinforced tape should be used for the closure and reinforcement of the parcel. Twine and cord, although permitted, are not encouraged because it tends to catch and bind in processing equipment. Your package will require a customs form and must meet the regulations of the recipent country.