Can you send food by post or courier in India? A clear guide to what’s allowed

If you have ever tried mailing a snack box to someone, you know the drill. You pack it with love, tape it like a treasure chest, reach the counter and then hear the three words that break every foodie’s heart: “Not allowed, sir.”

Why some items pass without a problem and others get rejected can feel like a mystery. Here is a simple guide that clears the confusion.

What India Post allows
India Post moves an enormous number of parcels every day. Their rules are straightforward: anything that can leak, spoil, smell or damage other parcels is not allowed. Dry and stable items usually make it through.

Items that are generally accepted

• Dry snacks such as chips, mixture, murukku and biscuits
• Hard sweets like laddu, chikki and plum cake
• Powder items including tea, coffee, masalas and chutney powders
• Dry fruits and nuts
• Store-bought packaged foods with a long shelf life

These fall under the safe, non-perishable category when packed properly.

Items India Post will not accept

• Liquids such as curries, gravies, payasam, sambar or anything that can spill
• Fresh, cooked or highly perishable food
• Foods with strong smell
• Alcohol
• Items with weak or risky packaging

Staff may lightly shake or check the parcel. If they sense any chance of leakage, they will reject it.

What couriers allow
Private couriers follow similar safety logic but may offer slightly more flexibility depending on the branch and the packing.

Usually accepted

• Sweets, chips, namkeen and cookies
• Homemade dry snacks
• Pickles when tightly sealed and double packed
• Branded packets or tins with proper labelling

Some couriers inspect the contents before sealing and approve items case by case.

Usually rejected

• Food with gravy
• Frozen items
• Hot or freshly cooked food
• Anything with a strong smell
• Perishables that need refrigeration

Couriers tend to avoid anything that can leak or cause complaints.

Can you send cooked meals?
Not through regular post or courier. Cooked meals and anything needing refrigeration require specialised cold-chain transport, which is usually available only for businesses. Personal parcels cannot use these services.

Cooked meals can be sent only if you use:

• Cold-chain courier companies (Shadowfax Fresh, ColdEx, Snowman Logistics)
• They are typically for business use (restaurants, cloud kitchens), not personal parcels.

How far can you safely ship food?

• Within the same state: one to two days
• Nearby states: two to three days
• Across India: three to six days

Only send items that can handle that duration without refrigeration.

Your packaging checklist
A food parcel goes through sorting belts, trucks and multiple handling points. Strong packaging is essential.

• Use airtight containers
  Steel or food-grade plastic works well.
• Double seal the food
  Zip pouch inside, container outside.
• Add newspaper padding
  This prevents movement and absorbs shock.
• Wrap pickle bottles
  Use cling film around the cap and neck before placing in a pouch.
• Label clearly
  Write “Dry food item” to avoid confusion.
• Use sturdy outer boxes
  A thick cardboard box taped on all seams is ideal.

What about smell?
Foods with strong aroma can get rejected even if they are dry. Smell can escape through poor packing.

If you must send something aromatic, add multiple layers of paper, cling film and pouches before placing it in the container.

When in doubt, check once
Rules differ slightly between courier companies and even between branches. If you are unsure about an item, call the local office before packing. With good packing and a quick check of the rules, your food parcel will reach safely and without surprises.