Shipping a parcel from the US to Europe is pretty easy. You pick a good courier service like Meest-America, fill out the customs form, box the items, and drop them off. However, things start to get complicated when your package includes food and medicine.
International shipping regulations can be a little confusing. When you’re shipping snacks and drugs across the border through the service by link https://us.meest.com/services/service/delivery-to-europe, you also have to consider customs duties, taxes, and potential fees. Let’s see what you should and shouldn’t send from the US to Europe and how to ensure your parcel arrives at the recipient.
Send Food With Caution
If you’re planning to send non-perishable, commercially packaged foods to your family and friends, you don’t have to worry. Most of the time, these are allowed in the EU and not heavily regulated. Candy, cookies, and snacks, granola bars, and similar items are safe in your package. Yet, these are regulated and restricted foods:
- homemade dishes and foods with no commercial packaging;
- fresh produce, meat, dairy, and eggs;
- perishable items;
- alcohol.
While some of these are outright banned, some can pass customs, depending on what you’re sending and the destination. For example, Germany does not allow specific additives in the country. To make sure your parcel doesn’t get stuck or returned, include only nonperishable, factory-packaged items and clearly list them on the customs form. Avoid wrapping them in fancy paper, even if it’s a gift, as customs officers might want to check the labels.
How to Ship Medicine Properly
Sending medicine from the US to Europe can be a great way to show you care for someone. Unfortunately, it is far more restricted than food and has a higher chance of being confiscated at the border. Even simple over-the-counter medicines from the US can be banned for import in European countries. Most prescription drugs need to be accompanied by relevant documentation.
So, if you want to send medicine via Meest-America, you have to follow certain rules. First, choose over-the-counter medications like vitamins and such. Second, avoid sending prescription medication unless it is supervised by a local medical professional in Europe and authorized. If possible, include a list of ingredients, a doctor’s letter, or a prescription.
Always Check the Rules First
Different shipping services have different policies regarding food and medicine. Meest-America has a lot of experience delivering parcels from the US to Europe and can offer proper support and guidance when navigating customs.
Still, always contact the local customs authorities in the country of destination beforehand and verify that your items can safely cross the border without questioning and confiscation. When preparing the parcel, ensure that your customs declaration properly lists everything you have inside and the item’s values.
Safe and Timely Shipment With Meest-America
When in doubt about your package, work with a good courier service like Meest-America to help you understand rules and regulations and comply with customs authorities. Then, anything you send, whether food or medicine, will be able to get to the recipient on time.
