Can You Ship Candy Internationally?

Sending candy in the mail to a loved one who lives abroad is a great way to show you care. But with so many international shipping restrictions and regulations, can you really do it? Let’s find out if it’s possible to ship candy internationally.

The good news is that most types of candy, including chocolate candy, are classified as non-perishable foods, which means they are not on the list of internationally prohibited and restricted items. However, this typically applies to store-bought, pre-packaged candy; we would not recommend sending homemade candy overseas because it doesn’t have airtight packaging, a clear expiration date, or a label listing the ingredients.

It is important to note that in addition to general shipping restrictions and regulations, there are individual regulations that vary from country to country. Each country has its own food import requirements and restrictions, so you should research the import rules and requirements of the destination country before shipping candy. Some countries prohibit the import of certain foods, while others may have specific packaging, labeling, and/or documentation requirements. Some countries impose import taxes on candy over a certain value; note that these taxes are usually paid by the recipient.

The main problem with shipping candy overseas is that many types of candy, especially chocolate candy, are temperature-sensitive and may melt in transit. To prevent this, you need to package the candy properly and choose a fast delivery option, as regular delivery can take days or even weeks.

You should ship candy in its original, untempered packaging; make sure there is an ingredient list and an expiration date on the packaging, which should be at least 6 months from the date of shipment. Place your candy in a sealable plastic bag or airtight container; if you’re concerned about melting and leakage, you can wrap each type of candy in foil or wax paper for extra protection. Wrap the bag or container in bubble wrap and secure with tape.

Place the bag or container with the candy in a sturdy corrugated shipping box that is slightly larger than the candy. Fill the remaining space in the box with cushioning material, such as packing peanuts or bubble wrap, close and seal the box.

If the candy you’re shipping is temperature-sensitive and tends to melt, you can take some extra precautions. Refrigerate the candy before packing and keep it in the refrigerator until the last moment. You can also place the candy in a sealed plastic bag wrapped in bubble wrap and some gel ice packs in an insulated container, then place the container in the shipping box. Do not use dry ice, as it is on the list of internationally prohibited items and therefore cannot be shipped overseas.

When shipping anything internationally, especially food, it is important to fill out the customs declaration form correctly to avoid problems at customs. The standard customs declaration form requires you to list all the items in the package, along with their quantity and value. Don’t just write “candy” and call it a day; you should list each type of candy separately and include brand names so that customs officials have no questions about the contents of your package. Also, be sure to write/select “gift” as the nature of your package.

But where do you get a customs declaration form? If you ship from a post office/carrier, a clerk will provide you with one. If you purchase and print shipping labels online, your shipping label will double as a customs declaration, and you’ll need to provide all the necessary information about the items you’re shipping when you fill out the shipping label.