Mooncake Shipping Guide – International Customs Rules for Sending Mooncakes Overseas
Can I send mooncakes overseas? Mid-Autumn Festival is a special time when many in Hong Kong want to send mooncakes overseas as gifts for family and friends. However, each country has its own rules on food imports. For example, mooncakes with egg yolk or dairy fillings are strictly prohibited in some regions. Without understanding these regulations, shipments may face customs delays, rejection, or even destruction. Below we’ve compiled the latest customs guidelines for major destinations, including Mainland China, USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea, to help you send your festive gifts with confidence.
Recommended Flavours to Send Overseas
Since many countries impose strict restrictions on egg yolk and dairy products, the safest choice is to select plant-based, shelf-stable mooncakes.
✅ Suitable Flavours for Overseas Shipping
Red Bean Paste Mooncakes : Made with red bean paste, flour, and vegetable oil. No egg, no dairy — lowest customs risk.
Lotus Seed Paste Mooncakes : Made with lotus seed paste, sugar, and vegetable oil. No animal ingredients, a traditional and safe choice.
🚫 Not Recommended for Overseas Shipping
Egg Yolk Lotus Seed Paste / Custard Mooncakes → Contain egg or dairy, banned by many countries.
Snow Skin / Ice Cream Mooncakes → Require refrigeration or freezing; couriers usually reject them.
Can You Send Mooncakes to These Countries/Regions?
Destination
Shelf-stable mooncakes allowed?
Egg yolk (salted egg yolk)
Dairy (custard, cream)
Key Notes
Mainland China
✅ Yes, but strict customs checks
⚠️ Restricted
⚠️ Restricted
Requires formal commercial invoice & packing list; recipient must be a registered importer. High risk of extra documentation requests.
USA
✅ Only if “egg-free, dairy-free”
❌ Not allowed
❌ Not allowed
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) & USDA prohibit egg and dairy products. Only vegan, shelf-stable mooncakes recommended. Declared value under USD 100.
Canada
✅ Allowed (with conditions)
❌ Not allowed
❌ Not allowed
Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) prohibits non-U.S. origin egg/dairy products. Best to choose vegan mooncakes.
UK
✅ Allowed (with conditions)
❌ Not allowed
❌ Not allowed
UK customs classifies egg/dairy foods as products of animal origin. Require formal import process, not suitable for gifts.
Australia
✅ Allowed
✅ Egg yolk accepted
❌ Dairy not accepted
Australian Department of Agriculture permits shelf-stable, commercially packaged mooncakes. May be subject to inspection.
New Zealand
✅ Allowed (with conditions)
⚠️ High risk (often needs documents)
❌ Not allowed
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) treats egg-containing foods as high risk. Documentation may be required. Safer to avoid egg.
Singapore
✅ Allowed (with conditions)
⚠️ Permit required / high risk
⚠️ Permit required
Singapore Food Agency (SFA) requires import permits for egg or dairy products. Best to ship vegan mooncakes.
Taiwan
✅ Allowed (with conditions)
✅ Allowed (weight/value limits apply)
❌ Not allowed
Taiwan FDA permits egg-based mooncakes as personal shipments, but subject to limits and frequent inspection.
Japan
✅ Allowed (with conditions)
✅ Allowed
❌ Dairy not accepted
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) allows egg yolk mooncakes but not custard/dairy. Clear labelling required.
South Korea
✅ Allowed (with conditions)
✅ Allowed
✅ Allowed
Korean authorities allow egg and custard fillings but shipments may face inspection delays.
Extra Tips
❌ Do not send Snow Skin / Ice Cream Mooncakes: Require refrigeration, usually rejected by couriers.
✅ Safest Choice: Vegan mooncakes (no egg, no dairy), shelf-stable, sealed commercial packaging, with English ingredient label, net weight, and expiry date.
📦 Declaration: Clearly state contents, e.g. “Personal gift of mooncakes, no egg, no dairy, shelf-stable”.
⚠️ Important: Customs rules change frequently. Final decision always rests with local customs.
Gift Hampers HK understands many customers want to send Mid-Autumn gifts overseas. We carefully select suitable vegan mooncakes and curate a non-fruit Mid-Autumn Hamper that meets customs regulations, ensuring safe delivery abroad.
If you’re planning to send a gift overseas, our team can recommend the best combinations, such as pairing mooncakes with cookies, tea, or other shelf-stable snacks, to create a personalized overseas Mid-Autumn hamper.
Beyond Mid-Autumn, we also provide Christmas Hampers and Chinese New Year Hampers, helping you share festive blessings with family, friends, or business partners worldwide.
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