由 caicai8478 Transporting food goods across borders is a common but complex task for international students, especially when it comes to quarantine regulations and food storage requirements in different countries. Here are the key quarantine requirements and practical storage tips that need to be understood to help ensure that food passes through customs smoothly and maintains quality:
I. Core quarantine requirements
Food prohibited from entry
Meat and products: Most countries prohibit fresh/frozen meat, sausages, meat floss, etc. (such as China, Australia, and the European Union).
Dairy products: Unpasteurized cheese and liquid milk may be restricted (such as the United States requires FDA approval).
Fresh fruits and vegetables: May carry pests or pathogens (such as Australia strictly prohibits most fresh fruits and vegetables).
Seeds/nuts: A quarantine certificate of origin is required (such as Japan restricts shelled nuts).
Required documents
Origin quarantine certificate: Some countries require an official certificate from the exporting country (such as New Zealand dairy products exported to China).
Ingredient label: Ingredients, production date, and shelf life must be indicated (the European Union requires allergen labeling).
Import license: Special foods (such as health products) must be applied for in advance (e.g. Canada requires CFIA approval).
Declaration obligations
Even if entry is allowed, it must be declared truthfully (failure to declare may result in high fines, such as the first violation in the United States starting at $1,000).
- Key regulations by region
United States (USDA/FDA supervision):
Commercially packaged baked goods and canned goods (low-acid treatment is required), and instant noodles containing meat/eggs are prohibited.
European Union:
Animal-derived foods require EU health labels, and honey is limited to 2kg/person.
Australia (DAFF strict inspection):
All food must be declared, and tea must be in its original packaging.
Japan:
Fruits and meat products are prohibited, and a small amount of vacuum-packed seafood is allowed (with quarantine certificates).
- Food preservation and transportation tips
Packaging selection
Vacuum sealing: prolong shelf life and reduce microbial risks (suitable for dry goods and tea).
Shockproof material: Use bubble film to fix glass containers (such as sauce bottles).
Temperature-controlled transportation: Frozen food requires dry ice or ice packs (dry ice is limited to 2.5kg/box and must be marked with CO₂).
Shelf life management
Choose food with a shelf life of >6 months (such as dehydrated vegetables, canned food).
Avoid high-temperature transportation for perishable foods (such as chocolate), and cold chain is recommended in summer.
Packaging strategy
The weight of a single piece <5kg can reduce the probability of unpacking inspection (such as repackaging seasoning packets).
Keep the original label (to avoid being mistaken for smuggled goods).
IV. Practical suggestions
Advance inquiry:
Visit the official website of the customs of the destination country (such as the General Administration of Customs of China, the US CBP) or email for consultation.
Emergency plan:
When food is detained, you can apply for return or destruction (fees are required).
Alternative solution:
Asian food can be purchased through local cross-border e-commerce (such as Yamibuy, Weee!).
- Common Misconceptions
❌ “A small amount of food does not need to be declared” → Even a piece of mooncake may be fined (e.g., the UK confiscated 1.2 tons of undeclared egg yolk mooncakes in 2023).
❌ “Homemade food is safer” → Almost all homemade hot sauces and pickles are prohibited from entering the country.
Through compliant declaration and scientific storage, international students can safely bring home-style food. It is recommended to give priority to commercially packaged food that is durable and always keep the purchase receipt for inspection.