CAN YOU SEND FOOD AND
DRINK IN THE POST?
LEARN THE DOS AND DON'TS WHENSENDING FOOD AND DRINK
SENDING FOOD AND DRINK IN THE UK
Whether you’re sending a birthday hamper, a bottle of gin to a friend, or a care package of snacks, getting your goods there safely is our priority.
While many couriers have strict bans on liquids, DHL eCommerce UK allows you to send both food and drink within the UK. However, because these items are sensitive to temperature and transit movement, there are specific rules you need to follow regarding shelf-life, packaging, and liability.
If you’re looking to send internationally, things become a little more complicated. Each country has its own rules and regulations, including specific prohibited and foodstuffs and drinks – especially alcohol. For these instances, we recommend you see our International Prohibited Items list, or see your intended destination’s service page for more information on specific rules and regulations.
KEY RULE: NON-COMPENSATION ITEMS
Before booking, please be aware that all food and drink items (including alcohol) are carried on a non-compensation basis.
- At Your Own Risk: These items are sent at the sender’s risk.
- Invalidated Cover: Any standard (£50 free content cover) or extended content cover (for contents with a value of up to £5,000) is invalidated for food and drink.
- Third-Party Liability: If an item (such as a leaking bottle) causes damage to other parcels in our network, the sender may be held liable.
CAN I SEND ALCOHOL AND DRINKS IN THE POST?
Alcohol can be sent within the UK mainland using DHL eCommerce UK. These items are carried on a non-compensation basis, and it is the sender’s responsibility to ensure the recipient is legally permitted to receive alcohol.
- Cans and Bottles: You can send cans of drink and glass bottles, provided they are packaged to withstand the rigours of a courier network.
- Alcohol Gifts: Sending alcohol as a gift is a popular choice. Ensure the alcohol content is clearly visible, and the item is cushioned to prevent breakage.
- Liquids Restriction: Please note that liquids remain on our prohibited list for all international destinations and Northern Ireland.
WHAT KIND OF FOOD CAN I SEND IN THE POST?
We recommend sending items with a shelf-life of 6 months or more, for the best results:
- Store-bought snacks: Crisps, chocolates, and biscuits.
- Dry goods: Pasta, sealed tea or coffee, or preserves.
- <Ambient Temperatures Hampers: Gift sets containing jarred or tinned goods – hampers that include anything that requires temperature regulation.
CAN I SEND PERISHABLE FOOD?
Perishable food is accepted under DHL eCommerce UK policy but is not suitable for our ambient (room-temperature) network. These items are sent on a non-compensation basis and at the sender’s risk, so we strongly discourage sending perishable goods.
WHAT WE DISCOURAGE (HIGH-RISK ITEMS):
To ensure a positive experience, we strongly advise against sending:
- Fridge/Freezer Dependent Goods: Raw meat, fresh fish, and dairy products.
- Temperature-Sensitive Items: Anything that requires a cold chain to remain safe for consumption.
We don’t use refrigerated vehicles, so these items are highly likely to spoil or leak during transit. If you choose to send these, you do so knowing they may arrive in an unusable state and will not be covered by compensation.
HOW TO PACKAGE FOOD AND DRINK FOR DELIVERY
Since these items are non-compensable, your packaging is your best bet at protecting the contents within. Our sorting machines are automated, so your parcel must be ‘tough’ from the inside out.
1. Use a Double-Walled Box: Food and liquids are heavy. A standard single-layer box may burst under the weight.
2. The ‘Leak-Proof’ Method: If sending liquids or items that could melt, seal them in a watertight plastic bag before placing them in the box.
3. Individual Wrapping: Wrap bottles and jars individually in at least 2 inches of bubble wrap.
4. Fill the Voids: Use packing peanuts or crumpled paper so the contents cannot shift. If it rattles, it’s at risk of breaking.
5. Keep Original Labels: For food safety and customs (if applicable), keep items in their original manufacturer's packaging.
6. Use Sturdy Cardboard Dividers: When you’re packing bottles or jars, make sure you include box dividers – they can stop them clanking against one another in transit.
7. Include Orientation Arrows for Parcels Including Liquids: Make sure these arrows are clearly visible, but don’t use this as an excuse to scrimp on your packaging. A fragile item is a fragile item.
Find out more about how to package parcels for UK delivery.
CAN YOU SEND HOMEMADE FOOD IN THE POST?
Yes – but we discourage it for the reasons we discourage sending perishables through our UK network. However, there are alternatives ways you can send a foodie gift that’s full of thought. These include:
- Sending Recipes For Homemade Goodies: Create your own ‘DIY cooking kit,’ complete with any shop-bought items (minus diary or fresh ingredients) and utensils that will help your loved ones make them in their own kitchen.
- Send A Store-Bought Cake Mix: If you’re not quite up to writing recipes, a gourmet cake or brownie mix sent in the post provides a nice (and tasty!) alternative.
- Send Shop-Bought Items: Nothing says home comfort quite like chocolates, sweets or crisps.
SENDING FOOD IN THE POST IN A HAMPER
Food hampers at Christmas, or any other special time of year can be a wonderful gift to receive – especially when you’re missing someone who’s away from home.
Just remember that you need to make a few considerations when bundling up those festive goodies – remember the 6-month rule when it comes to perishables, and package any fragile bottles or jars with care. Even if they’re going in a wicker basket inside a box – you need to protect them appropriately.
QUICK COMPARISON: WHAT CAN I SEND?
Food hampers at Christmas, or any time of year that’s special, can be a wonderful gift to receive when you’re missing someone who’s away from home.
Just remember that you need to make a few considerations when bundling up those festive goodies; don’t send alcohol, anything flammable or any liquids – they’re prohibited items and can’t be sent by courier. And if sending overseas, check each item’s ingredients and make sure they’re not restricted or prohibited items in the destination country.
|
Item Type |
UK Mainland | International/NI | Cover Level |
| Alcohol/Spirits | Yes | No | Non-compensable |
| Canned Drinks | Yes | No | Non-compensable |
| Dry/Sealed Food | Yes | No | Non-compensable |
| Meat/Fish/Dairy | Discouraged | No | Non-compensable |
| Homemade Treats | Discouraged | No | Non-compensable |
IMPORTANT: SENDING ABROAD & NORTHERN IRELAND
While we are flexible within the UK mainland, food and liquids are Prohibited Items for international delivery. Due to strict customs and agricultural regulations, these items cannot be sent outside the UK mainland. This includes Northern Ireland.
Please check our International Prohibited Items list before booking to avoid your parcel being seized or destroyed.
Find out more about our UK parcel sizes and postage costs.