What you can (and can't) ship from Vietnam
A complete checklist of shippable items, restrictions, and packaging requirements for tourists
Ask us about your itemsGood news — most souvenirs and purchases from Vietnam can be shipped internationally. Coffee, tea, ceramics, textiles, art, lacquerware, and clothing all ship without issues. However, some items have restrictions depending on the destination country. Here's everything you need to know.
Shippable items by category
Coffee & Tea
| Item | Status |
|---|---|
| Vietnamese coffee (ground/beans) | |
| Tea (dried) |
Ceramics & Pottery
| Item | Status |
|---|---|
| Bat Trang ceramics | |
| Pottery vases |
Textiles & Clothing
| Item | Status |
|---|---|
| Ao dai (traditional dress) | |
| Silk fabrics | |
| Tailored suits/clothing |
Art & Paintings
| Item | Status |
|---|---|
| Oil paintings | |
| Lacquer paintings |
Lacquerware
| Item | Status |
|---|---|
| Lacquerware bowls/boxes |
Marble & Stone
| Item | Status |
|---|---|
| Marble sculptures | |
| Stone carvings |
Jewelry
| Item | Status |
|---|---|
| Silver jewelry | |
| Pearl jewelry |
Spices & Dried Goods
| Item | Status |
|---|---|
| Phu Quoc fish sauce | |
| Dried spices (pepper, cinnamon) | |
| Dried fruits/snacks |
Souvenirs
| Item | Status |
|---|---|
| Conical hats (non la) | |
| Wooden crafts | |
| Lanterns (Hoi An style) |
Restricted Items
| Item | Status |
|---|---|
| Fresh food / meat products | |
| Plants / seeds | |
| Antiques (pre-1945) | |
| Animal products (ivory, coral) |
Country-specific restrictions
Each country has different customs rules. Here's a quick overview — click on a country for the full guide.
United States
- • FDA regulates food imports — commercially packaged only
- • No meat, dairy, or fresh produce
- • Alcohol and tobacco require permits
Australia
- • Strict biosecurity — no food, seeds, plants, or animal products
- • Wooden items must be treated (no raw/untreated wood)
- • Declare all items accurately on customs form
Japan
- • Meat products strictly prohibited
- • Some dried foods require inspection
- • Cosmetics limited to personal-use quantities
South Korea
- • Food items inspected by MFDS
- • Cosmetics require MFDS notification for commercial quantities
- • Certain herbal medicines restricted
United Kingdom
- • No meat, dairy, or animal products (DEFRA rules)
- • Plant products may need phytosanitary certificate
- • Goods over 135 GBP subject to VAT and duties
China
- • Very low duty-free threshold — most items incur tax
- • Food imports tightly regulated by GACC
- • Personal effects have a separate 5,000 CNY allowance
How we pack your items
Professional packing is included in our service — no extra charge. Here's how we handle different item types:
Ceramics and glassware
Each piece individually wrapped in bubble wrap, separated with foam dividers, placed in a rigid double-wall box.
Paintings and artwork
Face protection film, corner protectors, flat rigid packaging. Large canvases are crated for maximum protection.
Coffee, tea, and spices
Items must be in sealed commercial packaging. We verify seals are intact and pack in leak-proof bags as extra precaution.
Liquids (fish sauce, sauces)
Sealed bottles wrapped in absorbent material, placed in leak-proof bags, then cushioned in the outer box.
Frequently asked questions
What items can I ship from Vietnam?
Most souvenirs and personal items can be shipped: coffee, tea, ceramics, textiles, art, lacquerware, spices, and clothing. Restricted items include fresh food, meat, plants, seeds, and antiques (pre-1945).
Do you provide packaging for fragile items?
Yes, we offer professional packing services for ceramics, glass, art, and other fragile items. We use bubble wrap, foam, and rigid boxes to ensure safe delivery. Packing service is included in the price.
Can I ship large or heavy items like marble statues?
Yes, we handle heavy items up to 30-70kg per piece via express carriers. For very large items, we recommend contacting us for a custom quote. Wooden crating is available for extra protection.
Can I ship food items like fish sauce or dried snacks?
Commercially packaged food items like coffee, tea, and sealed spices can usually be shipped. However, fresh food, meat products, and homemade items are generally prohibited. Destination country rules vary — we will check for you.
Can I ship Vietnamese coffee home?
Absolutely! Vietnamese coffee is one of the most popular items we ship. It must be in sealed, commercial packaging. We ship coffee to all major destinations regularly.
How do you pack paintings and artwork for shipping?
We use acid-free tissue paper, corner protectors, and rigid flat boxes for paintings. Large canvases are crated. We have experience shipping lacquer art, oil paintings, and prints from Vietnam safely.
Not sure if your items can be shipped?
Send us a message — we'll confirm what can be shipped and provide a free quote
