Key Takeaways

• Dry food cannot automatically be shipped to every country. Its ingredients and the destination country’s regulations must be checked first.
• Labels should clearly identify product information, such as Product Name, Ingredients, Net Weight, Manufacturer, and Expiry Date, in accordance with applicable requirements.
• Packaging must protect products from moisture, air, leakage, odors, and damage during transportation.
• Sufficient Shelf Life must remain after accounting for Production, Shipping, Customs, and Distribution.
• Commercial shipments may be subject to Food Registration, Import Permit, or additional Label requirements beyond those applicable to shipments for personal consumption.

Dry food is a popular category of goods to ship internationally because it can generally be stored longer than many types of fresh food and does not always require temperature control.

However, the term dry food does not mean that products can be exported without restrictions. Destination countries may have different Requirements depending on the type of food, its ingredients, production methods, purpose of import, and shipment quantity.

In addition to checking Regulations, shippers should pay close attention to labels and packaging. Both affect Customs clearance, product quality, and whether goods are ready to be sold in the destination market.

What Is Dry Food?

Dry food refers to food that has undergone a moisture-reduction process or can be stored without the same conditions required for fresh food.

Examples include:

• Dried fruit
• Nuts and grains
• Baked snacks
• Dried noodles
• Powdered beverages
• Powdered seasonings
• Tea and coffee
• Dried seafood
• Certain types of ready-to-eat food
• Snacks and processed foods

However, classifying a product as “dry food” for Logistics purposes does not replace the classification required under the destination country’s food laws.

The actual Product Details must be checked before shipping.

Can All Types of Dry Food Be Shipped Internationally?

No.

The most important factor is the product’s ingredients.

Some types of dry food may contain ingredients such as:

• Meat
• Eggs
• Milk
• Seafood
• Plants or seeds
• Herbs
• Animal-derived ingredients
• Ingredients controlled by the destination country

Even if a Product has been dried or processed, it may still be subject to Food Regulation, Animal Quarantine, Plant Quarantine, or other specific requirements in the destination country.

Therefore, do not assume:

“Dry food = allowed to ship.”

Instead, check:

What is the product + what are its ingredients + which country is it going to + what is it being shipped for?

Is Shipping for Personal Consumption Different from Shipping for Sale?

Yes.

Small Shipments intended for personal consumption may be subject to different conditions from Commercial Shipments.

If the goods are being shipped for:

• Retail sale
• Sale through a Marketplace
• Delivery to a Distributor
• Supply to a Retail Store
• Wholesale
• Import as a Commercial Lot

The destination country may impose additional requirements, such as:

• Importer Registration
• Food Registration
• Import Permit
• Product Notification
• Label Requirement
• Health Certificate
• Manufacturer Information
• Ingredient Documentation

Businesses should not apply the rules for personal shipments automatically to commercial shipments.

Why Are Dry Food Labels Important for Exporting?

Labels are a key source of information that helps:

• Consumers identify the product
• Customs and destination authorities inspect the Product
• Importers check Ingredients and Shelf Life
• Warehouses distinguish Products and Lots
• Distributors inspect goods before sale

Unclear labels or information that conflicts with Shipping Documents may lead to requests for additional information during Customs Clearance.

What Information Should a Dry Food Label Include?

The actual Requirements depend on the product type and destination country, but the basic information to prepare includes:

• Product Name
• Manufacturer Name
• Manufacturer Address
• Ingredients
• Net Weight
• Production Date, where required
• Expiry Date / Best Before
• Country of Origin
• Storage Instructions, where applicable
• Lot / Batch Number, according to the product tracking system
• Allergen Information, where applicable
• Nutrition Information, as required
• Importer Information, according to the destination country’s requirements

Do not assume that this list is sufficient for every country, because Food Label Regulations vary by market.

Must the Label Be in English?

English can make product information easier to understand in an International Shipment, but using English alone does not guarantee compliance with every country’s requirements.

Some countries require products sold in their markets to have labels in the local language.

For example, a Buyer or Importer may need to prepare an additional Label before the product can enter the Retail Market.

Before printing large quantities of Packaging, check the following:

• Destination country
• Language Requirement
• Product Category
• Mandatory Information
• Importer Requirement

Confirm these details first.

How Detailed Should the Ingredients List Be?

Ingredients should accurately reflect the product’s actual formula and comply with the destination market’s requirements.

Do not use only broad terms such as:

Seasoning

or

Food Ingredients

if the law or Buyer requires more detailed information.

For products containing:

• Milk
• Egg
• Peanut
• Tree Nut
• Wheat
• Soy
• Seafood
• Sesame

or other allergens, check the destination country’s Allergen Label Requirements.

How Should the Expiry Date Be Displayed?

Dry food often has a longer Shelf Life than fresh food, but date-labeling formats can vary by product and country. Examples include:

• Expiry Date
• Best Before
• Use By

Manufacturers should use a format appropriate for the Product and the market’s Requirements.

Pay attention to date formats as well. For example:

03/08/2027

may be interpreted as 3 August in one country and 8 March in another.

For international shipments, consider an unambiguous format such as:

03 AUG 2027

where permitted by the applicable requirements.

How Much Shelf Life Must Remain for Export?

There is no single number of months that applies to every food product and every country.

Consider:

• The product’s total Shelf Life
• Importer Requirements
• Retailer Requirements
• Shipping Lead Time
• Customs Clearance
• Distribution Time
• The time needed to sell the product

For example, a product with two months of Shelf Life remaining may not yet be expired. However, if Shipping and Distribution take several weeks, the Buyer may reject it because the Remaining Shelf Life is insufficient.

Agree on the Minimum Remaining Shelf Life with the Buyer before Production and Shipment.

Must the Country of Origin Be Shown on the Label?

This depends on the Product and the destination country’s requirements.

Statements such as:

Made in Thailand

or

Product of Thailand

may be used to identify the Origin in an appropriate format, but the stated Origin must be accurate for the actual product.

The Country of Origin should not be determined solely by the country from which the goods are shipped.

If you intend to claim FTA benefits, you must also check the Rules of Origin and Proof of Origin requirements.

Suggested Internal Link: What Is a Certificate of Origin? Learn About C/O Types and Required Documents

What Properties Should Dry Food Packaging Have?

Suitable Packaging should protect against factors that can reduce product quality, such as:

• Moisture
• Air
• Light
• Odors
• Dust
• Contamination
• Leakage
• Breakage
• Compression

Materials should be suitable for the Product, rather than being selected based on appearance alone.

Examples of common Packaging include:

• Plastic Pouch
• Laminated Bag
• Aluminum Foil Bag
• Plastic Jar
• Glass Jar
• Can
• Vacuum Bag
• Sealed Container
• Outer Carton Box

Packaging that comes into direct contact with food must also be suitable for food contact.

Should Dry Food Be Vacuum-Sealed?

It depends on the product.

Vacuum Packaging can help reduce the air inside a Package and is suitable for some products, but not every type of dry food should be vacuum-sealed.

Consider:

• Texture
• Product Shape
• Moisture
• Shelf Life
• Packaging Material
• Food Safety Requirements

Some fragile products may become deformed if vacuum-sealed too tightly.

Manufacturers should therefore design Packaging according to the Product’s characteristics rather than using the same method for every item.

Why Is Moisture Important for Dry Food?

Many dry foods need to maintain moisture at an appropriate level.

If Packaging does not provide adequate Moisture protection, the product may:

• Become soft
• Clump together
• Lose its crispness
• Develop changes in color or odor
• Have a shorter Shelf Life
• Lose quality during Transportation

Sea Freight often involves a longer transportation period, so the risk of moisture exposure should be considered especially carefully.

Can Desiccants Be Included?

Some products use a Desiccant or Oxygen Absorber to help preserve quality.

However, the type must be suitable for use with food, and the packaging design must not create risks for consumers.

If used, check:

• Food Contact Requirements
• Appropriate size
• Warning labels
• Placement inside the Packaging
• Destination country Requirements

Do not place a general-purpose desiccant in Food Packaging without checking its Specifications.

Is Outer Packaging Important?

Yes.

Primary Packaging may protect the food itself, but an International Shipment must also pass through:

• Warehouse
• Truck
• Sorting
• Airport or Port
• Loading
• Unloading
• Customs
• Final Delivery

Secondary or Outer Packaging is therefore needed to protect the goods from compression and impact.

Examples include:

Food Pouch → Inner Box → Export Carton

or

Glass Jar → Divider → Carton → Pallet

depending on the product.

Suggested Internal Link: How to Pack Goods Safely: 5 Ways to Reduce Damage During International Shipping

How Tight Should Export Food Cartons Be?

Cartons should fit the products appropriately and provide sufficient Protection.

If the carton is too large:

• Products may move around
• Packages may knock against one another
• More Void Fill may be needed
• Volumetric Weight may increase

If the carton is too small or packed too tightly:

• Inner Packages may be compressed
• The carton may split
• Products may break or become deformed

Test the Packing before producing a large lot, especially for products in glass bottles, cans, or fragile Packaging.

Are Shipping Marks Necessary for Food Exports?

For Commercial Shipments, Shipping Marks make Packages easier to identify and inspect.

Information may include:

• Consignee
• Destination
• PO Number
• Product Reference
• CTN 1/20
• CTN 2/20
• Country of Origin, as required

If there are multiple SKUs or Lots, numbering Packages consistently with the Packing List helps Warehouses and Buyers receive and inspect the goods more easily.

Suggested Internal Link: What Are Shipping Marks and Why Are They Important in International Shipping?

Can Homemade Food Be Shipped Internationally?

The answer cannot be determined from the word Homemade alone.

You must check:

• Destination country
• Purpose
• Quantity
• Ingredients
• Production method
• Label
• Import Regulations

Sending a small quantity to a friend or family member is different from producing Homemade Food for Commercial sale.

For goods intended for sale, the Buyer or destination authorities may impose additional requirements relating to the production facility or applicable standards.

Can Food Containing Meat Be Shipped Internationally?

This must be checked for each destination country.

Food containing animal-derived ingredients, such as:

• Pork
• Chicken
• Beef
• Eggs
• Milk
• Seafood

may be subject to additional Animal Health or Food Import requirements.

Even if the product has been dried or processed, do not assume that it is automatically permitted for shipment.

Before Booking, disclose the Ingredients to the Freight Forwarder and check the destination’s Import Requirements.

What Should You Check When Shipping Food Containing Seeds, Plants, or Herbs?

Some countries have strict Biosecurity or Plant Quarantine rules.

Products to check include:

• Seeds
• Nuts
• Herbs
• Spices
• Dried fruit
• Tea leaves
• Plant-based products

Requirements may include checks for:

• Phytosanitary Requirements
• Treatment
• Import Permit
• Ingredient Restrictions
• Contamination

These depend on the destination country.

Always provide Product Details before shipping.

Do the Same Rules Apply When Shipping Dry Food to the United States, Europe, Japan, or Australia?

No.

Each country or market group has its own food-control authorities and systems.

Requirements may differ in relation to:

• Food Registration
• Importer
• Label
• Allergen
• Nutrition
• Ingredients
• Biosecurity
• Health Certificate
• Prior Notification
• Commercial Import

Do not automatically apply information for one country to another.

For Commercial Shipments in particular, the Importer in the destination country should confirm the Requirements before Production and Shipping.

Should Dry Food Be Shipped by Air Freight or Sea Freight?

The choice depends on Quantity, Shelf Life, and Cost.

Air Freight Is Suitable When

• The Shipment quantity is relatively small
• Speed is important
• Shipping Samples
• Placing a Trial Order
• Shelf Life is limited
• Urgent Stock replenishment is needed

Sea Freight Is Suitable When

• Shipment Volume is larger
• Shipping a Commercial Lot
• Lead Time can be planned
• Freight cost per Unit needs to be managed

Many types of dry food can be shipped by either Air or Sea, but Packaging must be suitable for the Transit Time of the selected mode.

Can Dry Food Be Shipped by Courier?

Some products may be eligible for Air Courier services, but the following must be checked:

• Ingredients
• Quantity
• Destination
• Personal or Commercial purpose
• Carrier Restrictions
• Customs Regulations

A Courier accepting a Package does not automatically mean that the product is permitted for import into the destination country.

Carrier rules and Customs rules are separate matters.

Documents to Prepare Before Shipping Dry Food

A Commercial Shipment may require information or documents such as:

• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Product Description
• Ingredient List
• Manufacturer Information
• Country of Origin
• Transport Document
• Certificate of Origin, where applicable
• Health / Product Certificate, as required
• Import Permit held by the recipient, where applicable
• Export Permit, depending on the product
• Other documents required by the destination country

Document requirements vary by product and destination country.

How Should Food Be Described on the Invoice?

Use a clear Product Description.

Avoid using only:

Food

or

Dry Food

when a more specific description is available.

Examples include:

• Dried Mango
• Roasted Cashew Nuts
• Instant Rice Noodles
• Chili Seasoning Powder
• Dried Seafood Product

Clear descriptions help the Forwarder and Customs inspect the goods more easily.

Should You Check the HS Code Before Shipping Dry Food?

Yes, for Commercial Shipments.

The HS Code affects:

• Customs Declaration
• Import Duty
• FTA
• Import Requirements
• Trade Measures

Products that appear similar may have different HS Codes depending on their Ingredients and Processing.

Do not select a Code based only on the food’s name.

Can a Certificate of Origin Reduce Import Duties?

It may help if the product and route qualify under an FTA.

Check:

• HS Code
• Country of Origin
• FTA
• Rules of Origin
• Tariff Rate
• Proof of Origin

Having a C/O does not mean that Import Duty will be 0% for every product.

Common Mistakes When Shipping Dry Food Internationally

Common issues to watch for include:

• Failing to check Ingredients before shipping
• Assuming dry food can be shipped to every country
• Missing key information on the Label
• An unclear Expiry Date
• Insufficient remaining Shelf Life
• Packaging that is not properly sealed
• Moisture damage
• Odors escaping from the Package
• Cartons that are not strong enough
• Quantities that do not match the Packing List
• Failing to check Commercial Import Requirements
• Shipping before the Importer confirms the Permit

Many of these issues can be reduced through a Pre-Check before Booking.

Checklist Before Shipping Dry Food Internationally

Before Confirming a Shipment, check:

• Product name
• Ingredients
• Destination country
• Personal or Commercial Shipment
• Import Requirements
• Product Registration, where applicable
• Label Requirements
• Manufacturer Information
• Country of Origin
• Shelf Life
• Expiry Date
• Primary Packaging
• Outer Carton
• Shipping Marks
• HS Code
• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Certificates / Permits, where applicable
• Air or Sea Freight
• Delivery Address
• Whether the Importer is ready to receive the goods

Completing these checks before dispatch helps reduce the risk of Customs delays and the need to modify Packaging later.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shipping Dry Food Internationally (FAQ)

Can Every Type of Dry Food Be Shipped Internationally?

No. Ingredients and the destination country’s Regulations must be checked, especially for products containing meat, eggs, milk, plants, or other controlled ingredients.

Does All Dry Food Need to Be Vacuum-Sealed?

No. Packaging must be selected to suit the Product. Vacuum Packaging is suitable for some products, while others may become deformed or may not need it.

Can Food with Only a Thai-Language Label Be Shipped Internationally?

It depends on the destination country and the purpose of shipment. Products intended for sale may require English or the local language, along with information required by that country’s Food Label Regulations.

Can Homemade Food Be Shipped Internationally?

This must be checked for each destination country, quantity, and purpose. Shipments intended for sale may have additional Requirements relating to the manufacturer and product.

Should Dry Food Be Shipped by Air or Sea?

For small quantities or urgent shipments, Air Freight may be more suitable. For Commercial Lots with larger Volumes and flexible Lead Times, Sea Freight may be worth considering.

Does Food Without Meat Automatically Qualify for International Shipping?

No. It may still be subject to requirements relating to Ingredients, Plant Products, Labels, Import Permits, or other destination-country Regulations.

International Dry Food Shipping Services with CPL INTER

CPL INTER provides international shipping by air, sea, and road, along with Packing, Shipping Documents, and Customs Clearance services according to the Shipment’s Service Scope.

If you plan to ship dry food internationally, prepare the product name, photos, Ingredient List, Product Label, quantity, dimensions, weight, Shelf Life, origin and destination countries, and purpose of shipment. The CPL INTER team can help review the preliminary information and plan a suitable shipping method before Booking.

Tel: 02-519-4426 / 091-519-4426
LINE: @cplinter

Written by: CPL Inter Logistics Operations Team, specialists in international shipping and customs clearance, with more than 15 years of experience and an internationally recognized ISO 9001:2015 quality management system.