Food Shipping to USA

Sending Food to the USA

Sending food to the USA is complex and generally allowed only for commercial imports. However, private individuals from the UK can send food to family or friends as unsolicited gifts or to a private individual, but not for commercial use or testing purposes. These foods must be non-perishable with a shelf life of at least six months and must comply with US Customs Regulations. Only ambient foods are permitted as gifts. The food must be in its original packaging, unopened, and the label should list all ingredients. The "best before" date must be clearly displayed on the packaging.

Sending Food Samples for Commercial Purposes to the USA

Sending food samples for commercial or testing purposes is allowed by the FDA, but a Prior Notice must be obtained before export. Failure to provide this notice may result in the goods being destroyed upon arrival and heavy fines being imposed.

Temperature-Controlled Food Shipping Service to the USA

UK food export companies can ship temperature-controlled food from London to the USA via air freight using carriers such as British Airways, American Airlines, Delta, United Airways, and Virgin Cargo. This service is available for both food and pharmaceutical shipments. We use specialized containers like Envirotainer and Csafe to maintain climate control. This service ensures that chilled or frozen items are shipped safely to their destination.

Packaging Guide for Temperature-Controlled Shipments

When sending frozen or chilled food samples or pharmaceuticals, it’s essential to follow proper packaging guidelines. Use a polystyrene box with a secure closure and ice or gel packs inside a double-corrugated cardboard box. Wrap each item individually in bubble wrap and fill any empty spaces with newspaper, foam, or extra bubble wrap. Seal the box with packaging tape and ensure all labels and documentation are clearly visible. This will help avoid delays at customs.

Perishables by Air Freight to the USA from the UK

Shipping perishable goods by air to the USA (such as dairy, meats, and seafood) requires careful handling. Cool Cargo offers customized solutions to meet the export requirements for all types of perishable goods from the UK to various US cities including New York, Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles, Dallas, and more. Our cool-chain solutions ensure the safe transportation of perishable items from warehouse to final destination.

Exporting Food and Pharmaceuticals to the USA

When exporting food and pharmaceutical products to the USA, they must be approved by the FDA before entry. The US has strict regulations on imports, so it’s crucial to research the rules beforehand. Prior Notice is required for all food imports. Failure to submit this notice can result in packages being detained, returned, or destroyed at the shipper’s expense.

Ensure that food is shipped in its original, sealed packaging with a packing list and commercial invoice. Food labels must list all ingredients, and foods must have a shelf life longer than six months from the date of shipping. Perishables with a shorter shelf life cannot be sent via standard courier services.

Temperature-Controlled Packaging for Shipping to the USA

To ensure your food samples or pharmaceuticals arrive safely, follow these basic packaging guidelines:

Use a polystyrene box for frozen or chilled items, with frozen gel packs or ice packs, inside a sturdy double-corrugated cardboard box for outer packaging.
Wrap each item in bubble wrap, and fill empty spaces with leftover bubble wrap, newspaper, or foam to prevent movement.
Seal the box securely with packaging tape and label it clearly. Include a detailed packing list and ensure all necessary information is provided on the shipping invoice to avoid delays.

Temperature-Controlled Air Freight to the USA

Cool Cargo specializes in temperature-controlled air freight from the UK to the USA for chilled, frozen, and ambient products. Our service includes shipping perishable goods such as dairy products, meat, poultry, seafood, frozen desserts, and pharmaceuticals. We use insulated pallets and thermal blankets to maintain a constant temperature during the shipment process.

How to Export Chilled Freight

When exporting temperature-controlled, chilled, or frozen pharmaceuticals or food products, it is crucial to comply with the import regulations of the destination country. The importer must be registered with the local tax authority and possess a VAT or tax code for importing goods. Additional documentation, such as a health certificate and certificate of origin, may be required, depending on the importing country's regulations.

FDA Regulations for Shipping Food to the USA from the UK

The USA’s “Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002” (also known as the Bio-Terrorism Act) includes provisions to protect the US food supply from bio-terrorist threats. Non-compliance with these regulations can result in fines, penalties, or the return and abandonment of shipments.

All facilities that manufacture, process, pack, or hold food for consumption in the USA must register with the FDA. Prior Notice of food imports must be submitted electronically to the FDA at least four hours before arrival. Non-compliance can result in refusal of entry, delays, or the destruction of the goods. It’s essential to provide detailed information about the shipment, including the product description, manufacturer’s details, and prior notice confirmation on the shipping invoice.

For more information on shipping food or temperature-controlled pharmaceuticals to the USA, contact Cool Cargo for expert advice and support.