Key Points:
- USPS allows you to ship tobacco but in a limited capacity, but you need to pack and label it properly
- FedEx only accepts tobacco products if they’re being shipped from one licensed distributor to another
- UPS only allows sending tobacco in the mail if you have a legal license to do so
You probably already know that some countries have a long list of restricted or prohibited items when it comes to shipping. One such item is tobacco. There’s a lot of confusion about sending tobacco across the world, which is why many retailers dealing with these types of products frequently ask, “Can you mail tobacco?” Unfortunately, the answer isn’t exactly simple.
For example, most European countries do allow for tobacco to be shipped by mail. You just have to submit the proper paperwork and make sure everything is packed properly. However, if you’re asking, “Can you ship tobacco” to a particular country, you have to do a little research. To answer this question, you should visit the customs website of the particular country you want to ship to. This way, you’ll be able to figure out whether tobacco is prohibited or restricted. Often, you’ll find that it is restricted and that there is a weight limit. Again, in Europe, you can only ship up to 800 cigarettes or 1kg of smoking tobacco.
Another consideration that comes up when you ask, “Can I ship tobacco?” is whether you need a license. Again, this differs by country. However, if you intend to ship tobacco regularly then yes, you may very well need one. Similarly, you need to work out whether you need to pay taxes and duties for your tobacco shipments. Some countries, such as the U.S., have GST; others, like the EU countries, have VAT. Because of this, it’s important to visit the customs website of the country you want to ship to get the correct taxes and duties information.
In addition, for retailers sending tobacco in the mail, you’ll need to find a suitable mailing service. That’s because not all carriers accept tobacco in their shipments. However, a little research can help you solve this problem easily.
Table of Contents
How to Ship Tobacco
There are a number of considerations if you wish to ship tobacco across the world. Here are some things you need to consider.
How to Pack Tobacco for Shipping
If you intend to mail tobacco, it’s crucial that you pack your products properly. This begins with gathering the right packing materials. The packing material you will require to properly pack tobacco are:
- Cardboard box
- Bubble wrap
- Packing peanuts or cushioning
- Adhesive tape and scissors
When you get to packing, the first thing you should do is set up your cardboard shipping box. Next, fill the bottom with cushioning or packing peanuts. Then, wrap the product with bubble wrap. Although your tobacco product will probably already be packed in a small pouch or tin box, bubble wrap will provide some added protection. If you’re sending more than one item, use cardboard dividers to separate them. Finally, fill any extra space with more insulation and cushioning to keep your products safe and steady. When these steps are completed, you may seal your box properly and label it.
Can You Ship Tobacco with USPS?
USPS allows you to ship tobacco but in a limited capacity. First, you need to pack and label it properly. In addition, since USPS restricts tobacco shipments, you need to have a legal license to make these shipments and ensure that your packages comply with Postal Service regulations and U.S. laws.
Cigars can be delivered domestically. Cigarettes and smokeless tobacco can be shipped under these conditions:
- Intra-Hawaiian shipments and Intra-Alaskan shipments
- Business purposes
- Individual small quantity or as a gift
- As a return shipment to the manufacturer
All shipments must be approved by the Postal employee at the post office to verify that the recipient is of the legal age. If you are shipping to APO/FPO/DPO locations in foreign countries, your shipment will be treated as domestic mail. But, you will also have to follow the prohibitions and restrictions of the country you’re shipping to. Package size and weight standards must be met, too.
Can You Send Tobacco Through FedEx?
For now, FedEx only accepts tobacco products if they’re being shipped from one licensed distributor to another. So if you want to make tobacco shipments to private individuals (like customers), then FedEx is not for you.
Can You Ship Tobacco with UPS?
UPS only allows sending tobacco in the mail if you have a legal license to do so. The package should also comply with local and federal laws. These laws can be found on every country’s official website. However, you should know that UPS does not ship cigarettes at all.
How Easyship Can Help
Tobacco is a very difficult item to send because many countries don’t allow it to be shipped at all. Others want you to acquire a legal license if you want to do so. In addition, you need to factor in the taxes and duties to get the actual cost of the shipping. Similarly, you have to follow the rules and regulations of the countries you’re shipping from and to. The best way to understand these is to visit the customs website of those countries.
Easyship can help you to ship a wide range of products at a reasonable shipping cost, however tobacco is currently is prohibited. We partner with many local and international couriers to provide fast, affordable shipping solutions. You can expand your shipping options by using our services and always find everything about what you can or can’t ship here. To know more about us sign up for free a free account now.
Shipping Tobacco FAQ
Can you mail cigarettes from the US to Canada?
Tobacco products are only allowed to be sent from the US to Canada if the shipment is between manufacturers or retailers or between two consumers.
Can I send cigarettes to the UK by mail?
Yes, but be sure to check any courier restrictions before shipping cigarettes to the UK by mail.