Can You Ship Herbs Internationally?

Send herbs internationally in the mail or by courier

Find a herb shipping solution that suits your business or private needs. Check if there are any rules and regulations for importing and exporting specific herbs on your shipping route. Get tips on how to pack various types of herbs for shipping. Contact our logistics experts to discuss your options for sending herbs internationally.

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Frequently asked questions

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Herbs are usually restricted or prohibited items for shipping. Please note that insurance may not apply.

HOW TO SHIP

International solutions for transporting herbs

Herb delivery solutions to consider depending on the size and time-sensitivity of your shipment:

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*Please bear in mind that some courier companies may include certain herbs in their list of prohibited items.
For any clarifications, please contact our team of specialists via chat.

HOW TO PACK

How to pack herbs for shipping overseas

Follow these packaging guidelines to ship herbs in the mail or by courier safely:

Culinary and medical herbs should be sent in packaged form, ideally in resealable aluminium bags.
Cover the package with plastic wrap and place inside a cardboard box.
If the herbs are contained inside a glass container, use bubble wrap for extra protection.
Fill any gaps inside the box with cushioning materials.
Close and seal the cardboard box with adhesive tape.

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THINGS TO CONSIDER

General tips when shipping herbs internationally

Shipping herbs within the EU

It is perfectly legal to ship herbs within EU countries and you do not need a health certificate for importing them. However, food safety authorities may prohibit the shipment of herbs containing salmonella or other infectious agents and dangerous pesticides.

Sending herbs to the UK

Although shipping after Brexit is more complicated, there are generally no restrictions for sending or importing herbs to the UK if they are dried and packaged properly. However, some herbs contain additives or flavourings that may be allowed in the country of origin but are not approved in the UK. One example is the herb known as kava-kava. This product and any food containing it may not be shipped to the UK. This is because of concerns regarding its toxic effect on the liver.

Sending herbs to the USA

There are normally no restrictions imposed by the CBP if you are sending herbs to the USA for personal use. However, some herbs may be subject to restrictions or duties that are not imposed elsewhere. It is very important that you check if there are any restrictions on the herbs you are sending to the USA. Additionally, it is your responsibility to check what paperwork is needed for shipping to or from the USA. You will have to declare each item you are shipping in your package for customs clearance.

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FAQ on how to send herbs in the mail or via courier internationally

Can I ship or import herbs with every courier company?

It is important to note that courier companies may have restrictions for transporting certain herbs. For example, DHL, TNT and UPS will not deliver packages containing herbs that are banned in the destination country. Each courier has specific rules and requirements for different shipments and services, so we recommend checking this further with the designated courier for your route. When booking the Express or Regular Plus shipping services, please make sure not to include a forbidden herb in your parcel. If you are unsure whether you can ship specific herbs internationally or if you need more information about herb shipping and delivery solutions, you can reach us by chat, phone or email to discuss your options.

Can I send dried herbs in the mail?

Yes, you can in most cases. You should just check if there are any local restrictions on the specific herb you want to send in the mail. If you want to save yourself the hassle of waiting in line at the post office, you can book a door-to-door shipping service with Eurosender and have the package of dried herbs picked up by a courier at your address.

What is the cheapest way to ship dried herbs internationally?

The cheapest way to ship dried herbs internationally is with our Standard Service. This option is available to you if you are shipping within the EU borders.

How do I pack herbs for shipping?

If possible, you should pack and ship herbs in their original packaging. Alternatively, you can use resealable aluminium bags. Follow our packing guidelines above to prepare your herbs for safe shipping by mail or courier.

How do I ship fresh herbs internationally?

For businesses: When shipping fresh herbs within Europe, check whether you need to provide a phytosanitary certificate or other shipping document, as it depends on the type of herb you are shipping. The EU enforces strict regulations on herbs that are sent from outside the bloc. However, there are no legal requirements for additional sanitary checks and certificates if the herbs are grown and transported within the EU. You can contact our logistics experts for advice on the best way to ship fresh herbs internationally depending on your requirements.

For individuals: In international shipping, fresh herbs are considered plants and also a perishable food. They are therefore included in the restricted items list of most courier companies as it is not possible to keep the fresh herbs hydrated or maintain a controlled temperature in the case of the Standard or Express Services.

Can you ship dried flowers abroad?

This depends on the biosecurity requirements of the destination country or region. These requirements are there to prevent the introduction of pests and diseases. If you want to ship dried flowers abroad, we advise contacting the customs authorities of the destination country in advance, to make sure there are no restrictions for importing dried flowers.

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Take these guidelines into consideration when shipping herbs overseas. Nevertheless, please consider that following them does not guarantee that the courier company will transport your package without restriction. If you decide to ship certain herbs internationally via courier, Eurosender will not be held responsible for any damages caused by the transport of your shipment.

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