Hyderabad pickles are one of the most-asked items at our Edi Bazaar shop: mango and lemon achar for a son in New Jersey, gongura for a daughter in Dallas, chicken or mutton pickle for family in Chicago. Pickles can travel well, but the USA has its own food rules and oily jars need careful packing. Here is what to know before you send.
1. Know what you are sending: veg, non-veg, homemade or packed
Tell us exactly what is inside, because the rules are different for each type:
- Veg pickles (mango, lemon, gongura, tomato, mixed veg) and dry items (snacks, sweets, spices, dry fruits) are the most common food parcels.
- Non-veg pickles (chicken, mutton, prawn, fish) are animal products. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA APHIS) restricts many meat products coming into the USA, so always check with us before packing non-veg items for the USA.
- Homemade vs shop-bought: the U.S. FDA has a published policy on food sent as gifts to friends and family. Homemade food sent by a person as a personal gift is treated differently from manufactured or shop-bought food. Read the FDA page linked below, or simply ask us.
2. Write a clear contents list
Customs officers want to know what is in the box. Keep a simple list with each item, its weight and its value, for example: “Mango pickle, homemade, 1 kg”, “Mixture snacks, packed, 500 g”. Vague words like “food” or “gift items” can cause questions and delays. See our guide on documents for international courier for the papers we ask for.
3. Pack jars so they never leak
Oil leakage is the number one problem with pickle parcels. A leak can spoil everything else in the box. Follow these steps:
- Use strong, food-safe plastic jars or pouches with screw lids. Avoid glass where you can.
- Do not fill to the brim. Leave a little space at the top.
- Wrap cling film over the mouth before closing the lid, then tape the lid all around.
- Put each jar in its own zip-lock bag, then a second bag. Double bagging is the simplest protection.
- Stand jars upright in a strong box and fill the gaps with clothes, paper or bubble wrap so nothing moves.
More packing tips in our step-by-step packing guide.
4. Keep the receiver’s details ready
For the USA we need the receiver’s full name, full address with ZIP code and a working phone number. A correct phone number helps the delivery reach the right door.
5. Book a doorstep pickup
Once you know what you are sending, message us on WhatsApp. We pick up from your home anywhere in Hyderabad, or you can drop the parcel at our shop in Edi Bazaar (open 10 AM to 11 PM). We send to all over the USA and 200+ countries, and you can follow your parcel with the Track box on our website.
Not sure about your parcel?
Send us a photo or list of what you want to send and the country. We’ll tell you what can go and share the price on WhatsApp.
Ask on WhatsAppOfficial sources
- U.S. FDA: Prior notice policy for sending gifts to friends and family
- USDA APHIS: Meats, poultry and seafood
Rules change and differ by country. This guide is general information, not legal advice. Message us on WhatsApp with your exact items before you send.