🇬🇧 Shipping to United Kingdom from the USA

Your complete guide to shipping packages to the UK - Post-Brexit rules and requirements

De Minimis

£39

VAT threshold

VAT Rate

20%

Standard rate

Delivery Time

3-10 days

From USA

Best Carrier

DHL

For speed & reliability

⚠️ Post-Brexit Changes: Since January 1, 2021, the UK is no longer part of the EU customs union. All shipments from the USA now require full customs declarations and are subject to UK import rules, not EU regulations.

Shipping Rates to United Kingdom

Carrier & Service 1 lb 5 lbs 10 lbs 20 lbs Delivery Time
USPS First-Class $18.50 N/A N/A N/A 7-14 days
USPS Priority Mail $38.50 $66.50 $96.50 $156.50 6-10 days
USPS Priority Express $58.95 $114.95 $174.95 $294.95 3-5 days
UPS Expedited $68.00 $105.00 $165.00 $285.00 3-5 days
FedEx International Priority $75.00 $115.00 $185.00 $315.00 2-3 days
DHL Express $65.00 $98.00 $155.00 $265.00 2-3 days

UK Customs & Import Information

  • VAT threshold: £39 (approx $50)
  • Duty threshold: £135 (approx $170)
  • VAT rate: 20% standard (5% reduced, 0% zero-rated)
  • Processing fee: £8-12 (Royal Mail/Parcelforce)
  • Required forms: CN22/CN23 + customs declaration
  • EORI number: Required for commercial shipments
  • Payment: Recipient pays VAT and duties on delivery

Prohibited & Restricted Items

Prohibited:

  • Offensive weapons (knives, pepper spray)
  • Indecent or obscene material
  • Counterfeit goods
  • Unlicensed medicines
  • Certain dog breeds (live animals)

Restricted:

  • Alcohol (duties apply)
  • Tobacco products
  • Food products (some restrictions)
  • Plants and seeds
  • Firearms (special license required)

How UK Import Charges Work

Example Calculations:

Item Value Shipping Cost VAT (20%) Duty Handling Fee Total Charges
$30 (£24) $15 £0 £0 £0 £0
$65 (£52) $20 £14.40 £0 £8 £22.40
$200 (£160) $35 £39.20 £8-20 £12 £59-71

Note: VAT is calculated on item value + shipping + duty. Exchange rates vary.

Tips for Shipping to United Kingdom

  1. Declare accurately: UK customs actively checks packages, false declarations result in delays and fines
  2. Consider the £39 threshold: Keep gifts under this to avoid VAT charges
  3. Use tracked services: Royal Mail can be slow with customs clearance
  4. Include recipient's phone: Carriers contact for payment arrangements
  5. Avoid Parcelforce fees: Private carriers often have lower handling fees than Royal Mail/Parcelforce
  6. Mark as gift if applicable: Gifts under £39 are VAT-free
  7. Ship early December: Christmas delays can add 5-10 days
  8. Consider IOSS alternative: Some platforms handle VAT collection at checkout

UK Regional Considerations

Region Delivery Time Special Notes Best Carrier
England (London) 3-7 days Fastest clearance All carriers good
Scotland 4-8 days Add 1 day for Highlands DHL/FedEx
Wales 4-8 days Rural areas slower UPS/DHL
Northern Ireland 5-10 days Complex post-Brexit rules DHL recommended
Channel Islands 7-14 days Separate customs territory USPS most economical
Scottish Islands 7-14 days Remote area surcharges Royal Mail/USPS

Frequently Asked Questions - UK Shipping

How has Brexit affected shipping to the UK?

Brexit means the UK is no longer in the EU customs union. All packages now require customs declarations, and UK-specific rules apply instead of EU regulations. VAT is collected at import rather than at sale.

Do I always have to pay VAT?

VAT applies to all goods over £39 in value. Gifts from private individuals (not businesses) under £39 are exempt. The £39 threshold includes the item value but not shipping costs.

Can I prepay UK customs charges?

Not directly from the US, but some platforms offer DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping where all charges are collected upfront. Otherwise, the recipient pays on delivery.

Why are Royal Mail fees so high?

Royal Mail/Parcelforce charges a £8-12 handling fee for processing customs, on top of VAT and duties. Private carriers like DHL often have lower or included handling fees.

What's the best carrier for UK shipping?

DHL and FedEx offer the best balance of speed and reliability to the UK. USPS is cheapest but slower. For time-sensitive shipments, use express carriers.

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