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No Responses January 11, 2026

Shipping Food from India to the UK by Courier – What’s Allowed & Customs Guide

Sending food items from India to the UK by courier is possible when items are allowed, properly packed, and correctly declared. Many families ship dry snacks, sweets, ghee, homemade food, and dry pickles for personal use.

This blog explains what food items can be shipped, what to avoid, and how to pack safely to ensure smooth UK customs clearance.

Can You Ship Food from India to the UK?

Yes, food can be shipped by international courier under specific conditions.
UK customs generally allow dry, non-perishable food items for personal use.

⚠️ Final clearance decision is always with UK Customs (HMRC).

Food Items Commonly Allowed for Courier Shipping

✅ Dry & Packaged Food (Most Accepted)

  • Factory-sealed namkeen, chips, khakhra

  • Dry snacks and farsan

  • Packaged ready-to-eat meals (commercially sealed)

  • Sealed dry fruits and nuts

  • Packaged rice, dal, pulses, grains

  • Sealed spice packets (no loose masala)

Dry Pickle – Is It Allowed to Ship to the UK?

✔ Yes, dry pickle is allowed if:

  • It is completely dry (no excess oil or liquid)

  • Sealed or vacuum-packed properly

  • Packed for personal use only

  • Declared clearly as “Dry Pickle – Personal Use”

❌ Homemade oily pickles or loose pickles are NOT allowed
Oil leakage is one of the main reasons for customs rejection.

Ghee & Oil – Shipping Rules

✔ Ghee up to 2 kg can be shipped for personal use
✔ Must be leak-proof, sealed, and double packed
✔ Proper declaration is mandatory

⚠️ Poor packing can lead to leakage, delay, or disposal.

Homemade Food – What Works Best

✔ Generally Accepted

  • Dry homemade snacks

  • Vacuum-packed items

  • Non-oily, non-liquid foods

❌ Avoid Shipping

  • Fresh or cooked food

  • Semi-liquid food

  • Strong-smelling items

  • Loose or unlabelled food

Food Items NOT Allowed to Ship to the UK

🚫 Fresh fruits and vegetables
🚫 Meat, fish, eggs, seafood
🚫 Milk, paneer, curd, butter
🚫 Homemade pickles with oil
🚫 Loose grains or spices
🚫 Seeds, plants, herbs
🚫 Perishable or cooked meals

These items are strictly restricted by UK customs.

Packing Rules for Food Courier (Very Important)

Good packing reduces customs risk and damage.

Best Packing Practices

  • Airtight or vacuum-sealed packing

  • Double sealing for oily items

  • Leak-proof containers

  • Strong outer carton

  • Clear item description on invoice

Good packing = higher clearance success rate.

How to Declare Food Items for UK Customs

Declare honestly on the invoice:

  • “Dry Snacks – Personal Use”

  • “Dry Pickle – Sealed – Personal Use”

  • “Ghee 2 kg – Personal Consumption”

  • “Homemade Dry Food – Non-Commercial”

Incorrect or vague declaration may cause delay or disposal.

Tips for Smooth UK Customs Clearance

  • Ship only allowed food items

  • Keep quantity reasonable

  • Avoid mixing food with restricted goods

  • Follow packing rules strictly

  • Use an experienced international courier

Why Ship Food with SinghXpress?

  • Experience in food & liquid courier shipments

  • Professional packing guidance

  • India to UK shipping specialists

  • Reduced risk of leakage & customs delay

  • Door pickup available

📞 Contact SinghXpress – Ship Food Safely to the UK

For guidance before shipping food items from India to the UK, contact us:

Phone:
📱 9646555322
📱 7986701081

Website: https://singhxpress.com

📦 Door pickup available
🌍 India to UK international courier experts

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