Quick answer: Check the exact food, ingredients, intended use and UK destination, then confirm the chosen shipping service accepts it before packing anything.
Identify the product properly
List each item individually with its common name, full ingredient list, country of origin, processing method and whether it is fresh, dried, frozen or preserved. A general label like "Nigerian food" or "assorted snacks" is not enough for a shipping assessment.
Ask the team to review each product against the current service acceptance list before you pack. A single unacceptable item can affect the rest of the consignment if it is found at the point of inspection.
Identify the UK destination correctly
Confirm whether the delivery address is in Great Britain (England, Scotland or Wales) or Northern Ireland. The two processes can differ for food imports. State the full recipient address when making your enquiry so the team can confirm which process applies.
Do not assume that a UK address is a single unified destination for food import purposes.
Read the sea acceptance list as service policy
Tianah's accepted list for UK sea shipments sets out what the service currently handles. It is a commercial policy document, not a complete inventory of all legally permitted UK food imports.
Some items on the list have conditions. Ask whether your specific product meets them before treating it as accepted. Policy can change; confirm before each booking, not just once.
Check commercial requirements separately
If the shipment has a business purpose or the goods are for resale, ask what documentation is expected. Commercial food imports carry different requirements from personal shipments.
Official UK import information is available at gov.uk/import-goods-into-uk. Use it alongside the team's assessment, not as a substitute for it.
Pack the accepted list only
Once you have confirmed acceptance, pack those items only. Do not include products that were not assessed or that the team declined. Packing undisclosed items creates risk at customs and may affect the accepted items in the same package.
Keep the packing list accurate and up to date. If you change the contents after confirmation, notify the team before handover.
Handle chilled and frozen goods separately
Do not assume temperature-sensitive goods can travel alongside ambient cargo. Ask specifically what cold-chain arrangements are available for your product and whether it qualifies.
Chilled and frozen food requires different handling from room-temperature goods. Confirm the full chain from your handover point to delivery before committing to a booking.
Check before buying in bulk
Acceptance can change with route, service, season or regulatory update. Confirm acceptance before placing a bulk order. A product that was accepted in a previous shipment is not guaranteed to be accepted in the next one without a fresh check.
If you ship regularly, ask the team how to manage ongoing acceptance queries efficiently so the process does not slow your operations down.
Frequently asked questions
Is plant-based or natural food automatically unrestricted?
No. Check the specific product, ingredients, processing method and UK destination before assuming acceptance. Plant-based or natural does not automatically mean unrestricted entry into the UK.
Can I use the traveller food list for goods I am shipping separately?
No. Traveller allowances apply to goods carried by a person crossing the border. They do not apply to separately shipped commercial or personal consignments.
Does Tianah's exclusion list reflect UK law?
No. Tianah's list is a service policy, not a legal authority. Some items are excluded for service or operational reasons that may differ from the destination import requirement. Check official guidance separately at gov.uk/import-goods-into-uk.
Discuss your shipment
Request a quote from Tianah. Provide your item list with ingredients and origin, the full UK recipient address, and whether the shipment is personal or commercial. The team will confirm acceptance and advise on the next step.