Customs and Red Tea

[Churchland 2]

My wife wants some red tea from a from her favorite small shop in Shenzhen. We trust the owner and she is willing to ship it to us, but won't guarantee it will pass through customs. We want to order at least 5 kg so it will last until we go back to China.

I know live plants would be a no-no, but I would think tea would be OK.

Does anyone have any experience with Express shipping from China to US?

[Darnell 8,478]

tea is ok. make sure it's a sealed bag, not something loosely tied or zip-locked -

a heat seal seam...

Some kind of label is useful, as well, even if it's in chinese.

[JieWei 1]

I always bring back a good supply of Green Tea whenever I visit China. I declare it as "Packaged Tea" on the customs form when arriving back inside the US and I have never had any issues. Some of the tea is loose and not always in a factory sealed package.

As far as mailing packages through China Post. The rates are very expensive if the package is shipped for express delivery. It is less expensive to have it sent regular post but your waiting time will be longer.

[Churchland 2]

tea is ok. make sure it's a sealed bag, not something loosely tied or zip-locked -

a heat seal seam...

Some kind of label is useful, as well, even if it's in chinese.

Do you have any personal experience shipping tea? If so,can you recommend a good express company? I know there is EMS, any others that are other?

TIA

[Darnell 8,478]

I don't ship tea for myself, as I have huge wholesaler in Dallas that I buy from - sometimes my friends have it shipped in, especially the aged pu'ehr tea, and it comes in via DHL to them.

[justashooter 430]

brings back fond memories of the center booth at the windows on the second floor DIO Cafe with my English friend Stuart.

i buy red tea at the local chinese market. it is best done in a french press with water not yet boiling, and with a slice of pear trapped in the tea to add sugar and flavour. apple will do if pear is unavailable. no need for any other sugar.