Sending food home: what diaspora families need to know

For diaspora families, food is not just sustenance. It is connection, a jar of egusi, a packet of tigernut flour, a box of your grandmother's favourite biscuits. Sending food through a peer traveler is one of the most common uses of Sendways, and one of the most regulated.

What can and cannot cross borders. The strictest rules apply to animal products: fresh or cured meat, dairy, eggs, and products containing these materials are prohibited or heavily restricted entering the EU, UK, and most developed countries from Africa and Asia due to biosecurity concerns.

What is generally fine. Commercially produced, hermetically sealed, and clearly labelled food products are permitted in most countries. Dried goods (spices, flours, rice, dried beans, dried fish, packaged and labelled), packaged snacks and confectionery, and commercially bottled sauces and condiments typically clear customs without issue.

High-risk categories. Homemade products of any kind, fresh fruit and vegetables (prohibited in many corridors), fresh or partially dried meat products, and dairy products. Even vacuum-sealed homemade products can be confiscated.

How to pack food for peer delivery. Commercially sealed packaging is the first requirement. Secondary packaging in a sealed zip-lock bag protects against leakage. Clear labelling (ingredient list, producer name, country of origin) helps customs officers approve the item quickly.

Be honest with the traveler. Always tell the traveler exactly what food you are sending. A traveler who discovers they are carrying undeclared food products at customs may face fines and have the goods confiscated.