How to send cheese by post or courier
Read everything you need to know about shipping cheese internationally and avoid any uncertainties. Check the rules and regulations to see whether you can send cheese in the mail or by courier. Follow our guidelines to learn the best way to pack and ship cheese unrefrigerated.
What are you interested in?
Cheese and other food items are usually restricted or prohibited for shipping. Please note that insurance may not apply.
Things to consider when shipping cheese unrefrigerated
- Please bear in mind that not all of our shipping services are suitable for shipping cheese. Check if the selected courier company allows shipping cheese and similar food items.
- Unlike hard cheese, soft cheese requires refrigerated transport and cannot be safely shipped through standard courier services. Please pay attention to the shipping conditions of the service you book.
- Check the customs regulations of the destination country prior to shipping cheese internationally. Some countries do not permit the import of cheese by individuals without proper certificates and cold-chain compliance. Check our Regulations Section below for more details.
- Consider the estimated time of delivery when sending cheese by courier to make sure your product can survive the transit time. Shipping cheese internationally with a direct delivery service will minimise the transit time.
- Organise the collection at the beginning of the week so that the cheese can be delivered as soon as possible, without having to be stored at a courier depot over the weekend.
- We do not recommend sending cheese by post or courier during the summertime.
HOW TO SHIP
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HOW TO PACK
How to pack and send cheese by mail or courier
Follow our guidelines to ensure the good condition of the cheese you are shipping internationally:
- Vacuum-seal the cheese if possible.
- Wrap it tightly with wax paper and plastic or bubble wrap.
- Get an insulated foam box, line it with cooling agents such as cold packs.
- Place the cheese on top of the cold packs.
- Pack the foam box inside a larger cardboard box.
- Fill empty spaces in the box with cushioning materials.
- Close and seal the box with tape.
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SHIPPING REGULATIONS
Regulations for businesses transporting cheese by courier
For businesses
Certified cheese-makers with the correct import and export licenses can send cheese by specialised courier service providers if they comply with the safety, packaging, labelling and import regulations of the destination country and provide all necessary customs documents.
Different countries may require additional documents to import milk and dairy products, such as a Certificate of Origin or Sanitary Import Permit and the correct import licenses. Make sure you check this in detail with the destination country.
For individuals
It is important to note that not every courier company offers service for shipping cheese internationally, as food is on the list of prohibited and restricted items for shipping. Individuals can book transport for such shipments through specialised providers. You should contact us via chat to discuss the options before booking your cheese shipping service.
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FAQ on how to ship cheese internationally
Can I ship cheese internationally with every courier company?
No, each courier company has its own rules regarding shipments with restricted and prohibited items. For example, DHL, FedEx, TNT and UPS will not ship parcels that contain cheese within the content.
Can you send cheese in the mail or through courier services?
Perishable goods are often on the list of prohibited and restricted items for international shipping. Even though it is not recommended to ship cheese internationally by mail or by courier, many individuals still opt for shipping it at their own risk along with the other items in the same package, especially within the EU, as such parcels usually do not undergo customs controls. Keep in mind that hard cheese can withstand transport conditions better than any soft cheese.
Does insurance apply for sending cheese through courier services?
Insurance does not apply when individuals send cheese through courier delivery as this product is on the list of items that are not recommended for shipping.
How do companies safely ship cheese in bulk to avoid spoilage?
Licensed businesses can safely ship cheese internationally with specialised providers if they have the necessary certificates, and they comply with quality, packaging, labelling requirements and import regulations of the destination country.
Is transporting cheese by plane allowed?
Yes, it is possible to take certain types of cheese on board. The best-case scenario would be to opt for hard cheese. When flying abroad, different import regulations may become applicable, including the obligation to declare such items. Depending on the route, it is generally allowed to transport the cheese bought in Duty-Free in your carry-on, if it is placed in a sealed, transparent bag with the receipt clearly visible inside. In other cases, it would be better to put it in registered luggage. Severe restrictions apply to liquid cheeses (cottage, ricotta, etc.) and cheese types containing meat (e.g. bacon cheddar, etc.).
Can cream cheese be shipped?
Unlike solid types of cheese, cream cheese presents higher risks of spoilage and thus, in most cases, cannot be safely shipped on a long distance. It is not recommended to choose soft cheese for sending by mail and through courier services.