Many overseas Chinese want to ship tea from China abroad but are unsure if it's allowed, how to ship, and the cost. This article provides detailed answers on tea shipping rules, from restrictions, packaging to costs.
Can tea be shipped overseas?
Conclusion: Yes, it can.Tea is aFoodtype of product, and throughImagineShipit can be shipped to most countries worldwide.
Notes:Tea is a plant product. Australia/New Zealand have strict quarantine but it's usually allowed. The US FDA requires food labels
How to package tea for shipping?
Use tin cans/sealed bags to keep dry. Avoid packing with strong-smelling items. Moisture-proofing is key
- Average weight: 50-500g/can
- Recommended line: Food-specific line or regular line both acceptable
- Risk level: low (low = high customs clearance rate, medium = need to pay attention to packaging and declaration)
Customs clearance and declaration notes
Tea is considered a regular food item in most countries,Customs Dutieswith low or no duties. Australia requires ingredient declarations on the packaging.
Accurately declaring the product name and value is key to smooth customs clearance. For detailed information on each country'scustoms duty policiesplease checkTariff Guide.
Estimated shipping cost for tea
Famous Chinese teas sell overseas at 3-10 times the domestic price. Buying authentic Longjing, Tieguanyin, Pu'er etc. on Taobao and shipping via consolidation still costs far less than overseas tea shops.
| Shipping method | Reference Shipping Costs | Estimated Delivery Time |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Air Freight | ¥45-80/kg | 7-15 days |
| 🚢 Sea Freight | ¥12-30/kg | 25-45 days |
For specific costs, please use theshipping calculatorCheck real-time quotes.
Pre-Order Checklist
- ✅ Confirm the item is not on the destination country'sprohibited listInside
- ✅ Choose the appropriate shipping line (food-specific or regular line both work)
- ✅ Packaging must meet requirements (use tin cans/sealed bags to keep dry. Avoid packing with strong-smelling items. Moisture protection is key.)
- ✅ Declaration information is accurate (product name, quantity, value)
- ✅ Consider whether to purchase insurance service
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to declare tea?
Yes. Tea is a food item, just declare the product name and quantity accurately. Honest declaration will not cause issues.
Which type of tea is best for shipping?
Fermented teas (black tea, Pu'er) are most durable during shipping and less prone to spoilage. Green teas (Longjing, Biluochun) are recommended for air freight to shorten transit time and maintain freshness.
Will customs open and inspect tea?
It's possible. Customs has the right to open and inspect any package. Ensure packaging is intact and declaration is accurate; they will reseal after inspection.
Want to send tea overseas?Register for ImagineShip for free, get a warehouse address, and order from Taobao or JD directly to the warehouse!
