Need To Ship Food To France- What Can And Can't I Send?

[jasonD2]

Anyone know what I can safely send to France? For the most part I just wanted to send dried non perishables, but also wanted to send some canned salmon and vegetables. Would this be a problem? Would french customs open my box and take things out?

Thanks

Russ

[RiceGuy]

I've heard stories about customs simply taking things if they look valuable enough. I suppose if the things you are sending are hard to obtain in France, someone might take it. Perhaps using plain, uninviting boxes for things would help. I heard someplace that a common trick during war times was to send a ratty old coat that looks like something a homeless person would be wearing. The actual items being sent would be hidden inside the lining. But I'd like to think such measures are unnecessary these days.

Maybe you could put the can of salmon in an old boot just in case?

There are regulations on some food items though, especially fruits, because they can carry pests and such. I'm sure there are websites which provide information on what will not be discarded or refused when it gets to France.

[summerteeth]

My mom often sends food items to my brother and sister in law in Australia. The rules constantly change. Sometimes peanut butter is okay to send. Other times, no. Same thing with, of all things, Ranch dressing. She is not sending anything illegal, but it is very hard to tell what is okay and what is not.

I agree with the above poster, "hide" some of the stuff (i.e., my mom would take a book and put packets of tuna between the pages or wrap items in clothing).