How to Send Pinoy Food and Snacks Abroad Without Customs Delays

Homesickness is a common part of life abroad, whether you’re an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) or a migrant. It’s easy to miss things that remind us of home, like people, places, and food. However, shipping food internationally, especially Pinoy food and snacks, runs a pretty strict program when it comes to customs inspections. To avoid your food shipment being delayed, restricted, or worse, returned, proper preparation is needed.

If you’re a local who wants to send loved ones abroad Pinoy snacks like Chippy, Piattos, or dried mangoes, or other food like chili oil, special vinegar, or even dilis, but don’t know where to start, this blog post serves as a guide on how to do just that while avoiding customs delays.

Step 1: Choose the Food You Want to Ship Abroad

If you’re close to your overseas loved ones, you probably already have an idea of what food they like. Make a list of snacks and food items, and keep only those that you can buy easily and that are not restricted or prohibited in the destination country.

Some items prohibited from being shipped include balut, fresh fruits, and raw meat. If you’re planning to send these abroad, it’s best not to, lest you get fined. Processed chicken can be shipped but may face strict restrictions. Meanwhile, processed pork is prohibited in countries like the USA, mainly because the Philippines has active zones for African Swine Fever (ASF) in livestock. This also means that, unfortunately, you cannot send homemade dishes containing chicken or pork, such as classic adobo or sinigang.

You can, however, include condiments in your shipments, like chili oil and vinegar. Sending finger foods, biscuits, and cookies abroad is also fairly easy in terms of customs declarations. Similarly, baked goods are generally allowed into other countries, as long as there isn’t any liquid dairy (like cheese and milk) and meat included.

Step 2: Work With a Shipping Provider Experienced in Food Shipping

When shipping food abroad, it’s best to partner with a logistics provider experienced in international food shipping. They can assist not only with delivery but also with the technical regulations involved. You can verify with them whether the items you wish to send are allowed, restricted, or prohibited in your destination country.

Step 3: Keep Food in Original Packaging When Possible

If your desired shipment includes snacks from manufacturers, it’s best to keep food in their original packaging. This is because commercially available food is easier to identify in customs, and your package will be cleared more smoothly. The packaging of these snacks also contains the ingredients, manufacturing date, and expiration date of the products, which makes it clearer not only to the customs officials but even to the recipient.

Step 4: Pack Food Securely for Air Freight

If you choose to send items like chili oil or baked goods, ensure they are packed securely for express air freight to prevent spills, stains, or contamination of other packages. Food should be placed in leak-resistant, sealed containers. Packing securely also gives you confidence that you won't incur extra fees due to damaged items.

Step 5: Declare Food Items Accurately

After securely packing your food items, declare them accurately on customs forms. Specify whether items are homemade, list their ingredients, and state the exact quantities being sent. Some items have strict quantity limits for personal shipments, and exceeding them may require additional documentation or fees.

Step 6: Consider the Quantity of Shipment

It's natural to want to send as much food as possible. However, shipping large quantities may require extra customs declarations and documentation, which can prolong transit times. Ensure your shipment remains within the personal allowance limits of the destination country so it arrives on time.

Step 7: Customize your Pasalubong Box

Of course, after you’ve finalized your package, you can customize your pasalubong box. Include a letter or decorations, anything at all to make your loved ones feel treasured, not just through the food and snacks, but also through the packaging.

Step 8: Give Transit Enough Time

Finally, avoid waiting until the last minute to send your package. Allow sufficient transit time, as international shipping can take anywhere from a few days to two weeks or longer depending on the destination.

Choosing a Logistics Provider With Expertise in Food Makes Everything Smoother

Whether you’re sending snacks or homemade food to loved ones, thorough preparation is essential. Shipping food internationally will go much more smoothly when you choose a courier service with proven expertise in handling food shipments.

ZendEase offers express delivery services tailored for food shipments. We’ve partnered with different local Filipino food brands to fulfill international orders, as well as individuals sending a taste of home to relatives abroad. You can trust us to provide accurate guidance on whether your items are restricted or prohibited.

If you’re someone looking to ship Pinoy food and snacks abroad, register through our platform https://zendease.com/register and start your international shipping journey with ZendEase.