Can food products be sent by mail?

Shipping food items by mail from Calgary is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires a detailed understanding of both Canadian and international regulations. Canada has a streamlined system for regulating postal shipments, covering both domestic delivery within the country and international shipments.

Canada Post, the country's national postal service, allows certain categories of food items to be sent, but with important caveats and restrictions. The company strictly states that all perishable goods are sent at the sender's own risk, without any coverage for losses in case of damage. This means that the sender is fully responsible for the consequences of transporting food by mail.

Domestic delivery of food products within Canada

Products allowed for domestic delivery

For domestic delivery within Canada, the rules are more lenient than for international shipments. According to Canada Post's official policy, a wide range of food products can be sent within the country, including:

  • Perishable items — fish, game, meat, fruits, and vegetables can be sent, but only if they are properly prepared and packaged in accordance with the requirements described in the “ABCs of mailing” guide. It is important to understand that Canada Post does not provide any guarantees regarding the quality of these products during transportation.
  • Canned and processed foods — a much safer option for shipping, as they have a long shelf life and are less prone to spoilage during transport.

Packaging and labeling requirements

Proper packaging is critical to the successful shipment of food items. Experts recommend using airtight containers or plastic bags to seal products before placing them in a gift box and shipping packaging. All air gaps in containers should be filled with foam squares to cushion vibrations and prevent cookies or other fragile items from breaking.

The packaging should be labeled with complete and accurate information about the contents, especially for products that require special storage conditions. Incorrectly placed or poorly attached labels can prevent scanners from reading barcodes, resulting in delivery delays.

International shipping of food products

General principles for international shipments

International shipments of food products from Calgary are subject to significantly stricter restrictions and regulations. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) establish detailed requirements for food exports, which vary depending on the destination country and the type of product.

Each country has its own import restrictions on food products, which can vary significantly. Some countries completely ban the import of certain categories of products through parcels, while others allow it only with special permits or certificates.

Documentation requirements

For international food shipments, it is mandatory to complete customs declarations with a complete list of ingredients. This is especially important for shipments to the United States, where the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires prior approval of all food and beverage products.

Customs forms must clearly mark the goods as a “gift” and indicate that the products are intended solely for the personal consumption of the recipient. In addition, you must provide a complete list of ingredients for any purchased products or your own list for homemade items.

Weight and value restrictions

Most countries set limits for personal use, typically up to 20 kilograms or 20 liters of any specific product. The duty-free limit for shipments to the US is $100 per person, and if the value of the shipment exceeds this amount, the recipient must pay customs duties and taxes on the full value of the shipment.

Special features of shipping to Ukraine

Current delivery situation

Shipping food from Calgary to Ukraine has its own specific features related to the current geopolitical situation. Thanks to the Free Trade Agreement between Canada and Ukraine, which came into force on August 1, 2017, trade relations between the countries have been greatly simplified.

Since November 1, there has been a 20% discount on parcel delivery rates from Canada to Ukraine, making shipping more affordable for Ukrainians in Calgary. Ukrposhta, together with Canada Post, has found ways to make delivery affordable and reliable, despite significantly increased costs due to closed airspace.

Products allowed for Ukraine

The following items can be sent from Calgary to Ukraine:

  • Sweets and confectionery — candy, chocolate, cookies, marmalade, marshmallows, jam, muffins, biscuits, and bars.
  • Light snacks — crackers, wafers, gum, and mints.
  • Beverages — coffee, tea, cocoa, and chicory (depending on the destination country, may require labeling or phytosanitary certification).
  • Canned foods and sauces — vegetable oil, mayonnaise, sauces, ketchup, salt, and baking soda.

Prohibited products for Ukraine

  • Perishable goods (eggs, fish, meat, milk, and products made from them, including animal feed).
  • Unprocessed products (raw seeds, berries, beans, grains, nuts, fruits).
  • Fresh fruits and vegetables.
  • Products without an expiration date.

Weight restrictions for Ukraine

The maximum weight of food products is 10 kg per parcel. For mixed shipments over 10 kg, the entire contents must be declared in detail.

Regulatory requirements and product safety

Canadian safety standards

The SFCR rules establish strict requirements for the production, storage, packaging, and labeling of products. A Safe Food for Canadians (SFC) license is required for commercial imports.

Customs control and inspections

The CFIA has the right to detain or destroy products that violate the rules. The costs of re-inspection may be borne by either the exporter or the importer.

Practical recommendations for senders

  • Choosing the time of shipment — it is best to ship at the beginning of the week, avoiding Thursdays and Fridays.
  • Temperature control — gel packs or dry ice (for frozen goods).
  • Packaging and protection — airtight packaging, additional padding, waterproof film.

Alternative delivery methods

  • Courier services — DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT.
  • Specialized logistics companies — Semero, Global Unity Logistics, Meest.

Economic aspects and costs

  • The cost depends on the weight, volume, and speed of delivery.
  • Possible additional costs: customs duties, taxes, brokerage fees.

Conclusions and recommendations

Sending food products by mail from Calgary is possible, but requires compliance with regulations, proper packaging, and correct documentation. It is safest to send canned, dry, and processed products in their original packaging.