Sending Packages Back Home

[Billy Vegas]

So, Im going to be traveling Europe... and would like to send some packages home to people from different locations. Perhaps some local delicaticies, wine, things of that nature.

Whats the legal ramifications of these things, is it legal?

I read the post on "Sending home goodies from Amsterdam" and it got me thinking about sending real things I'd want to send.

If I want to send, say, a bottle of wine, some local foods, and this and that in a box, does it get searched and rifled through? What if I get some goofily wrapped gift basket and i ship it home... does it get ripped apart and searched?

I just want some european foods damnnit!

-vegas

[bluepea]

I know sending alcohol is illegal. I don't know how/if they go about checking that. We had some friends living in Slovakia that got a small bottle (mini) bottle of wine to us for a wedding gift. I'm pretty sure most other stuff that is legal in the US fine.

As far as I *know* they don't open your packages. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

Oh yeah, but you can bring back alcohol when you go home. There's *technically* a limit (I think 3 bottles of wine) but I've never had an issue exceeding that, especially if I pack them separately.

[omisan]

Here's a very informative article...

Take It or Leave It?

[tumblezweedz]

I'm too lazy to read Omi's article, so don't know if this is mentioned, but if not, meat, cheese and fruit are generally not allowed in the mail/back in the country. If you live in a good sized city, chances are there's a store specializing in European foods, why not keep a list of the things you tried and liked (or, if you're feeling feisty, didn't like) and throw a "back home" food tasting bash? The other thing about food is that it is generally heavy, or will have to be very well padded, which will cost you tons in shipping.

Chocolates are generally okay, both for carrying on and mailing, and you will encounter some of the best chocolate of your life in Europe, so that might be a good option for mailed gifts.

[omisan]

According to the article, cheeses are OK as long as they're not raw/unpasteurized... which is a shame, because those are the tastiest foreign cheeses!

[bluepea]

Yes, as TumblezWeedz said you can get a lot of stuff in the states. In Chicago, I can get *almost* anything I had in Europe, so it's nice when I'm back here to get the cheeses and stuff. No one can do a croissant like the French though, not like those would travel well. I know it's a lot more special to mail things home though, so I think as long as you avoid the prohibited items (or are willing to risk their confiscation) you should be fine!