to think I can't send a food present to the EU?

[Tubbytenbums]

Trying to send a present to France for my best friend's birthday. It's a box of vegan treats. Will this be stopped? Another friend who lives in the Canaries says they won't let any food parcels in ow even if presents. WTF!??? How do we get around this? Is it possible? Can't find any concrete/solid information anywhere....surprise surprise

www.royalmail.com/sending/international/country-guides/france

I sent a box of custard powder, stuffing, mince pies and other Christmas gubbins to France in December BUT this was before Brexit.

Easier to choose a French company and get them to deliver I imagine

@Lockheart, thanks so much for the link, unfortunately it doesn't appear that RM have updated since 1/1/21
@pawsies Thanks for that idea, unfortunately I've already bought and wrapped the present. UK is great for vegan treats which is why I'm trying to send ;-(

@BikeRunSki, yeah, I'm often sending to the EU without any issue, seems there is one now. So pissed off!!!

They might have to pay duty their end depending on how much you say the parcel is worth.

If they are all processed and sealed I don't think there will be an issue. It's chilled/ raw stuff that will cause mega issues.

@GetawayfromthatWelshtart do you know how much it has to be under for them not to be charged at their end?

It depends what's in it but some food can be sent/received from abroad. I used to import American food to the UK (and obv this was a non-EU food import), as long as it's done with the right customs declaration you should be fine unless it's nuts or raw fruit/veg/seeds.
Meat is also not allowed (but obviously that wouldn't apply to your situation).

I sent a food gift to Finland early December, after courier cock ups it didn't get to the international depot until 22nd so caught up in covid restrictions, then more courier cock ups (tried to find the address in the UK and unsurprisingly couldn't) and now it's hit Brexit. I'm now waiting for it to come back to me.

It’s animal products that are the issue as far as I know, so if it’s vegan I think it should be ok.

@Tubbytenbums it has to be under €22 here in Ireland to avoid charges so it might be similar but each country sets their own rules. Given that it's just food, I'd be tempted to just tell them it cost €5, they're not going to go to Holland and Barrett and check.

Your friend will have to pay the duty I'm sure it will get there.
The postal/delivery service from the UK is terrible at the moment.
I shut my ebay & amazon UK accounts.
I ordered something 3 weeks ago in the UK no sign of delivery.
You might be able to pay the duty before it leaves.

Thanks everyone for your help.

You could always lie on the label... "books and magazines" or something. There is the risk it could get checked, but it probably wouldn't.

I'm not recommending that you do, but it is an option.

@SquishySquirmy

You could always lie on the label... "books and magazines" or something. There is the risk it could get checked, but it probably wouldn't.

I'm not recommending that you do, but it is an option.

About 50% of the parcels my sister in France and I (England) send each other get checked.

The sum total of my food parcels to her is usually about £15. She specifically wants ordinary, everyday food.