sweets to the US

soolin

Not strictly an ebay question, but I thought the sellers on here more likely to know than anyone else.

With all the new guidelines for restricted items in the post can I still send boiled sweets (not chocolate or a dairy product) to the US?

Thanks

Soo

Contains_Mild_Peril

I didn't even know there were new guidelines for restricted items in the post. Is that in the UK or US (or both)?

martindow

You can send them but you need to give prior notice now for food imports to the US
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~pn/pnstepm.html
It's something of a nightmare as you have to fill out details on the FDA site and get a reference number which you then write on or near the customs declaration. If it's missing the parcel will be sent back. This is supposed to be an anti terrorist measure but it seems more like protectionism to me. We sell various herbs which we now supply everywhere except the US - the procedure was more trouble than it was worth. I think the only exceptions are hand made items like a cake that you have made yourself.

soolin

Contains_Mild_Peril wrote:

I didn't even know there were new guidelines for restricted items in the post. Is that in the UK or US (or both)?

It was just somethng I heard my Post Office lady say to another ebayer once. She warned him that he couldn't send a certain type of biscuit to the US anymore as it was considered dairy and not allowed (probably something like a jaffa cake with chocolate). I think it might have been to do with all the food scares we had, so it might not even still be in force.

I had a look on various websites but can't find a thing. I was going to chance it but I will be cross if If I have to unpack a goodie parcel for a friend just because it contains sweets.

Soo

GeDink

Soo,
You might find this link useful:

http://www.customs.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/kbyg/prohibited_restricted.xml#FoodProductsPrepared

'Food that was made by an individual in his/her personal residence, or food purchased by an individual from a vendor that is sent by that individual as a personal gift (for non-business reasons) to someone in the United States is not subject to BTA requirements. However, food that is sent to an individual in the U.S. by a business is subject to special requirements of the Food and Drug Administration. For instance, if you go to a food shop in England and buy a gift basket, then take it to the post office or a courier service to send to a friend, the shipment is not subject to BTA requirements. But if you go to that same shop and ask them to send the gift basket for you, the shipment is subject to BTA requirements, and the vendor will have to file Prior Notice. Many travelers are finding that vendors will not ship food directly to U.S. residents because the reporting requirements can be time-consuming to complete.'


An odd rule I'd say

soolin

Thanks GeDink, it does look like I can possibly send boiled sweets then as I am sending them to an individual as a gift. I think I'll just write it very small on the customs label and keep my fingers crossed.

Thanks for all the help

Soo

martindow

Thanks GeDink - I thought these rules applied to all shipments. The Americans obviously think that only businesses are trying to poison them and not individuals.