Why can I not send Chilli to the UK?

[Kevin]

Well, here's a weird one.... I am getting ready to send a 'care package' to somebody in the UK of perishable food items and wanted to check with UPS first to see if there were any restrictions. I doubted there was since I've received perishable items from the UK before but have not shipped them to the UK yet (non-perishable items I ship about once a year or so).

With that in mind I found the UPS page for US=>UK regulations for restricted commodities.

Import and Export Regulations | UPS - United States

It is the usual stuff until I noticed this section.....

Miscellaneous
The following are prohibited:

• Chilli
• Chilli products
• Curcuma
• Curry Powder
• Palm oil
• Turmeric

Dried whole Chillies can be imported.

Wait, what?! o_O I had no intention of sending Chilli to the UK but, now after reading that, I sort of do.

 

[Azhria Lilu]

I make a mean chilli

 

[Kevin]

I make a mean chilli

I'll have to swap recipes with you one day. My family has a few different versions we make with varying opinions on what constitutes "chilli".

 

[Mirelly]

I love chilli, too.

I have to point out that there is significant difference between a carrier's restrictions and those of the country to which goods are to be exported.

Bringing goods into the UK for personal use

 

[Jetshroom]

Banned and restricted goods could be restricted for any of dozens of reasons. In the case of fruits and vegetables it's usually to keep out potential parasites and insects.