How to ship food overseas: International shipping with DHL Express Vietnam

November 5, 2025 6 Mins Read

Food connects people in ways words can’t. Whether it’s a jar of homemade chilli paste, a box of festive sweets, or signature snacks from a small business, food is how we share love, tradition, and togetherness. For Vietnamese families with loved ones abroad, being able to ship food overseas opens up new ways to keep those bonds alive.

That said, sending food internationally requires a bit of care. Packaging must be airtight and durable, expiry dates must be valid for the duration of shipping, and temperature or humidity conditions should be suitable for the journey. Some items, like meat or dairy, require extra caution due to import regulations in destination countries.

This is where an experienced logistics partner becomes invaluable. With DHL Express Vietnam, individuals and small businesses can navigate customs rules, packaging requirements, and international shipping documentation, to send food abroad with ease and ensure every package reaches its destination safely.

Why send food abroad?

Whether it’s sharing a family recipe or sending a festive hamper, the reasons to send food internationally are often deeply personal and meaningful:

Family bonds across borders: A box of bánh chưng during Tet or crispy rice crackers during family celebrations helps preserve traditions across continents.
Holiday gifting: For friends and relatives scattered around the world, a surprise food parcel is both a thoughtful gift and a reminder of shared traditions.
Support for small businesses: Independent bakers, local snack brands, and home-based sellers can expand their reach through international shipping from Vietnam.

This growing appetite for cross-border connections also reflects a wider regional shift. According to Statista, revenue in the e-commerce market in South-East Asia is projected to reach US$ 106 billion in 2025, and is expected to show an annual growth rate of 6.83% until 20301.

For Vietnam’s thriving homemade food scene, international food shipping transforms festive demand into global opportunity, whether it’s packaged teas, traditional cakes, or even meat-based delicacies that meet import standards.

What food products can you send internationally?

For exporters and individuals considering which foods can be shipped internationally, choosing the right type of product is key. Some foodstuffs travel better and comply more easily with international shipping and customs rules.

Packaged and shelf-stable items: Snacks such as cookies, chocolates, instant coffee, or dried fruits are ideal for shipping overseas.
Specialty foods: Dry spice blends, instant soup mixes, or vacuum-sealed condiments can often be shipped internationally.
Festive treats: Commercially packaged mooncakes, biscuits, or confectionery can be sent abroad during festive seasons.
Shipping perishables overseas: Fresh foods such as meat, seafood, or dairy may not be accepted in many countries due to food safety and quarantine restrictions. Always verify the customs regulations of your destination before dispatching.
Temperature-sensitive products: Food items, such as chocolates, cheese, or other perishable goods, require temperature control. DHL Express offers solutions like temperature-controlled shipping services to help protect these items from spoilage.

Popular food export destinations

Below is a quick guide to popular food export destinations2 and key considerations when sending parcels from Vietnam:

Destination	Export value (US$ Thousand)	De Minimis value	Food import notes
United States	1,505,993	De minimis threshold eliminated	Food imports are highly regulated by the Food and Drug administration (FDA) and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP).
China	1,191,870	CN¥ 50	Mandatory registration with China's General Administration of Customs (GACC) may be required for all overseas food manufacturers.
Japan	1,035,171	JP¥ 10,000	Meat, dairy, and fresh produce require quarantine inspection and are prohibited from many regions.
South Korea	690,631	US$ 150	Import businesses must be registered with the Ministry of Food and Drug safety (MFDS). Strict product labeling laws are in effect.
United Kingdom	203,386	GBP £135	Fresh meat, dairy (Products of Animal Origin - POAO), and plants require health certificates and import notifications.

DHL Express customer looking through documents

Essential documents for international food shipping

When learning how to ship food internationally, preparation makes all the difference. Proper documentation ensures that the foodstuffs you send abroad clear customs efficiently and reach their destination on time.

Air Waybill (AWB): This includes shipment details such as description, weight, and delivery addresses.
Customs declaration forms: Clearly declare the contents to avoid inspection delays and ensure transparency.
Health or phytosanitary certificates: Required by some countries for food items containing eggs or meat.
Commercial invoice: Even when sending gifts, businesses must include product values for taxation purposes.
Clear labelling: Include details such as ingredients, country of origin, and expiry dates.

Tips for packaging food for safe delivery

Proper packaging is key when you ship food overseas. It not only protects your goods but also ensures freshness and presentation upon arrival. Here are some tips to ensure your journey remains smooth:

Airtight packaging: Use vacuum-sealed pouches or tightly sealed jars to prevent contamination and spillage.
Shock absorption: Cushion fragile treats like cookies or sweets with bubble wrap or biodegradable fillers.
Moisture control: Include silica gel or oxygen absorbers to reduce humidity during long transit periods..
Handling labels: Stick labels such as “Fragile,” “Perishable,” or “Keep Dry” to alert couriers.

Festive seasons to plan for

Sending food internationally is often seasonal, with demand peaking around major holidays and family celebrations.

Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year): Traditional sweets, bánh chưng, and festive snacks are highly sought after by families abroad.
Lunar New Year (Chinese New Year): For families with Chinese heritage abroad, sending specialty foods, sweets, and traditional snacks helps preserve cultural traditions across borders.
Mid-Autumn Festival: Mooncakes and seasonal treats are popular gifts, especially for Vietnamese and Chinese families overseas.
Christmas and New Year: Festive hampers, cookies, and cakes are perfect for global gifting, especially in destinations like the United States or United Kingdom.

For small businesses, aligning international shipments with these festive peaks is crucial. Advance planning allows brands to meet seasonal demand and maintain customer trust.

Send food internationally with confidence: Partner with DHL Express Vietnam

When it comes to shipping food abroad, reliability and compliance matter just as much as speed. DHL Express Vietnam combines decades of logistics expertise with dedicated support for individuals and small businesses alike. With DHL Express, you can:

Ensure every shipment meets destination regulations.
Keep food products safe and fresh throughout the journey.
Enjoy real-time tracking and door-to-door delivery for complete peace of mind.

Whether you’re sending festive sweets to family or fulfilling online snack orders, DHL Express makes international delivery seamless. For those receiving delivery to Vietnam, DHL’s global network ensures equally smooth inbound shipments.

Open a DHL Express business account today to access expert guidance, faster customs clearance, and dependable express shipping, helping you share the authentic flavours of Vietnam with the world.