Mailing Chocolate To Austria: What You Need To Know

Sending chocolate in the mail is a risky business, especially if you're sending overseas. The melting point for most types of chocolate is 86-90°F, which is lower than body temperature, so there's a good chance that your chocolate won't survive the journey without melting. However, if you're sending chocolate to Austria, you'll be glad to know that it is possible to do so, as long as you take the necessary precautions.

Can I send chocolate in the mail to Austria?

How to package chocolate for shipping

Yes, you can send chocolate to Austria, but it may melt in transit. Here are some tips on how to package chocolate for shipping:

Step 1: Package Your Candy Right

Firstly, protect your chocolates with candy boxes, inserts, or candy pads. Look for food-safe packaging that can keep your chocolates neat and separated. If you want to be extra cautious, you can individually wrap each chocolate in foil or candy wrappers.

Step 2: Choose the Right Shipping Box

Select a sturdy shipping box that is large enough to accommodate your chocolate box, cushioning, and a cooling pack. Ensure the box is thick and sturdy enough to provide support and protection during transit.

Step 3: Pick Your Padding

Fill the space between the candy box and the outer shipping box with cushioning materials. Look for flexible and durable padding such as loose fill cushioning or bubble wrap to protect your chocolates from damage.

Step 4: Include Cold Packs

Temperature control is crucial when shipping chocolate. Include cooling agents like gel ice packs or dry ice in your package to regulate the temperature. Wrap the cold packs in plastic bags to prevent moisture from affecting the chocolates.

Step 5: Seal and Label Your Package

Seal your package tightly with adhesive tape and clearly label it. Print labels that are easy to read and position the barcode on a flat side of the package. Attach a warning label to indicate that the package contains perishables, which are more susceptible to damage.

Additionally, consider the shipping time and costs. Opt for faster delivery options to increase the likelihood of your chocolates arriving in good condition. Keep in mind that shipping costs may increase during certain times of the year or for expedited delivery.

Shipping times and temperatures

Shipping chocolate to Austria is possible, but it's not without its challenges. The melting point of chocolate is relatively low, typically ranging from 70°F to 90°F, depending on the type of chocolate. This means that maintaining the right temperature during shipping is crucial to prevent melting.

When it comes to shipping times, it's best to opt for faster delivery options to reduce the risk of melting. Ideally, choose a service that can deliver within 24 to 72 hours. This may include overnight shipping, which some companies offer, but it tends to be quite expensive. If opting for a longer shipping time, consider the seasonal variations and try to avoid shipping during the hot summer months.

To maintain the ideal temperature, insulation and cooling agents are essential. Use an insulated box liner, such as those made from reflective material or recycled textile materials, to provide temperature control. Additionally, include frozen cool packs, gel ice packs, or dry ice to keep the chocolates cool. The number of cooling packs will depend on the shipping duration and temperature of the transit location. However, be mindful that cooling agents can melt or thaw, potentially causing condensation issues. To mitigate this, create layers between the ice packs and chocolates, such as protective layers of loose-fill cushioning or bubble wrap.

When it comes to packaging, choose a sturdy box that can accommodate the chocolates, cushioning, and cooling packs. Seal the box tightly with adhesive tape and clearly label it, indicating any necessary warnings or instructions for handling.

By following these guidelines, you can increase the chances of your chocolate arriving safely and intact in Austria. However, it's important to note that shipping times and temperatures can vary, and there is always a risk of melting, especially during hot weather.

Customs regulations and prohibited items

Firstly, it is crucial to be aware of the melting point of chocolate. Chocolate typically begins to melt at around 22°C, so it is recommended to check the weather at both the pick-up and delivery locations before sending. If the temperature is above 21°C, it is not advisable to ship chocolate, especially over long distances. To prevent melting, consider using a fast delivery service, such as overnight or express shipping. Alternatively, you can package the chocolate with insulation and cooling agents, such as ice packs or dry ice, but this may increase shipping costs.

When shipping to Austria, it is important to comply with the country's customs regulations and prohibited items list. Some items that are restricted or prohibited from entering Austria include animal products, fresh or perishable food, insects, and plants. Additionally, certain courier companies may include chocolate on their list of prohibited items, so it is essential to check with the designated courier before shipping.

Furthermore, as Austria is part of the European Union, shipments from outside the EU may be subject to customs duties and taxes. Shipments valued at or below €45 may be exempt from import charges, but anything above this threshold may incur additional costs. It is also important to provide detailed and accurate information, including recipient contact details, to facilitate customs clearance and avoid delays.

Overall, when sending chocolate to Austria, it is crucial to consider the melting point and take appropriate packaging and shipping measures. Additionally, complying with customs regulations and being aware of prohibited items will help ensure a smooth delivery process.

Companies that ship to Austria

While it is possible to send chocolate to Austria, it is not recommended. Chocolate has a low melting point, and there is a good chance that it will melt during transit, especially if the weather is warm. If you are set on sending chocolate, it is best to pick a company that specializes in shipping chocolate, such as Hershey's or M&Ms, or to find a distributor based in Austria.

Parcel2Go

Parcel2Go offers international shipping to Austria with trusted couriers such as Evri. They offer affordable shipping starting at £7.99, with standard shipping times between 2-8 days and express delivery in 1-3 working days. You can also track your parcel for free. Before shipping with Parcel2Go, it is important to check Austria's customs regulations and prohibited items list to avoid any delays.

Eurosender

Eurosender provides guidelines and tips on how to ship chocolate internationally without it melting. They recommend wrapping the chocolate in cling film, placing it in a cooler box with cooling agents, and sealing the box with adhesive tape. Eurosender also suggests checking the melting temperature of the chocolate and cooling it down before mailing. Additionally, they advise against shipping chocolate during warm weather and recommend booking the fastest shipping option to reduce the risk of melting. However, it is important to note that Eurosender does not guarantee that the chocolate will not melt during transit.

AustrianSupermarket

AustrianSupermarket offers a wide range of chocolates and sweets that can be delivered directly to your home in Austria. They offer products from various brands, including Mirabell, Manner, Heindl, and Zotter Schokoladen. You can explore their online shop to find the perfect chocolate treat.

Fromaustria

Fromaustria is an online shop that offers a variety of chocolates and sweets from Austria. They have a range of products, including pralines, chocolate specialties, wafers, and traditional Austrian sweets. Fromaustria provides delivery by specific dates, ensuring that your chocolate treats arrive on time.

Costs of shipping to Austria

The cost of shipping to Austria depends on the weight of the package, the speed of delivery, and the carrier.

Parcel2Go offers shipping to Austria from £7.99, with delivery in 1-3 working days.

Parcel Monkey offers shipping to Austria from $31.96, with delivery in 10-16 business days for their cheapest option, and 5-6 business days for their fastest option.

MyUS offers shipping to Austria from $11.38, with delivery in 2-14 days. They also offer discounted volume-based rates and package consolidation services that can reduce international shipping rates by up to 80%.

Other carriers that ship to Austria include UPS, Aramex, DHL, FedEx, and USPS.

Frequently asked questions