What to Know About Shipping Food Items from Canada to the United States

Shipping food to the U.S. became more complicated in 2025 when the country suspended the de minimis exemption, which allowed certain low-value shipments to enter the country through a simplified customs clearance process. Around this same time, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also required The UPS Store network to temporarily stop accepting U.S.-bound packages containing food products of any kind.

However, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced in August 2026 that it is once again allowing food items to be imported into the U.S., although regulatory requirements and specific customs regulations still apply to these shipments.

In this article, we cover what you can ship, what remains restricted, and what you need to know before shipping food to the U.S.

What food can and cannot be shipped to the United States?

You can ship many commercially packaged, shelf-stable food items to the U.S., as well as commercially produced baked goods and personal shipments of non-meat homemade goods.

However, some food items may require additional review before they can be accepted for shipment to the U.S., including homemade refrigerated or frozen foods, and food containing dairy or cheese. Homemade food shipments may also be reviewed by the FDA, USDA, or CBP, and there is no guarantee that a shipment will be allowed into the U.S. Some packages may be delayed, inspected, refused, returned, or destroyed if they don’t meet U.S. import requirements.

Foods containing meat, poultry, or seafood cannot be shipped to the U.S. These types of products are subject to additional import restrictions and are not accepted for shipment.

The UPS Store also does not accept packages containing wine, beer, or spirits for delivery to the U.S.

Preparing Food for Shipment to the U.S.

Proper packaging and accurate documentation are important when shipping food to the U.S. to help make sure shipments arrive safely and avoid unnecessary delays.

When preparing, all food items must be:

• Fully cooked before shipping
• Individually wrapped
• Sealed in food-grade packaging
• Properly protected from contamination or leaks
• Secured with proper packaging materials to prevent damage during transit

When shipping food to the U.S., declare all contents accurately. Never hide items like meat, poultry, or seafood ingredients in packages, and do not ship spoiled or unsafe food products.

Refrigerated and frozen foods require additional care during shipping. Package these items in an insulated shipping container with frozen gel packs, if permitted by the carrier. Choosing the fastest available shipping service will help to make sure the product arrives safely and stays fresh throughout transit. If the product cannot stay fresh for the entire journey, do not ship it.

Sending Food as a Gift

In order to ship food into the U.S. it must be classified as a gift with a value of $100 or less. Must be shipped from one individual to another without payment, compensation, or other commercial consideration.

Even though the item is being sent as a gift, the commercial invoice should still include a fair retail value for all items being shipped. Do not list the value as $0 and list the shipment purpose as “GIFT.” Use specific product descriptions, such as quantity, weight, and ingredient list, and avoid vague or incomplete details.

READ MORE: What Is a Shipping Gift Allowance

If a package contains gifts for multiple recipients, include each individual’s name and the fair retail value allocated to that recipient. Also wrap gifts individually or separate them by recipient. Label each gift package with the recipient’s name and make sure the names on packages match the recipient’s name on the invoice.

Sending Food for Business or Non-Gift Shipments

For recurring food shipments or shipments for commercial purposes, additional FDA requirements may apply, including foreign facility registration, prior notice submitted to the FDA before the food is imported, and additional responsibilities for the importer.

Depending on the shipment, you may also need to provide:

• Brand name and intended use
• Product form, such as capsules, tablets, liquid, or powder
• Quantity
• Manufacturer’s complete name and physical address
• Product labelling and/or ingredient list
• Certificate of Analysis (COA) and/or Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

These requirements may apply even when you ship food directly to individual consumers. Shipments of food that classify as B2C or C2C could experience longer than expected holds with the FDA. Keep this in mind when sending perishable food items.

Ship with The UPS Store

Shipping food across the border can involve additional packaging, customs, and import requirements. The UPS Store can help with the shipping process, from preparing and packaging a shipment to helping select the best delivery option.

For more information about shipping services and available options, visit our Packaging & Shipping Services page.

Have questions about shipping food or other packages to the U.S.? Visit The UPS Store at a location near you for help preparing and shipping your package.