International Shipping from the UK
Everything you need to know about sending parcels abroad. Customs, costs, couriers, and common mistakes to avoid.
Quick Price Check
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Best Couriers for International Shipping
Royal Mail International
Cheapest for items under 2kg. International Tracked service adds reliable tracking.
From £7.85
5-7 working days (standard), 3-5 days (tracked)
Best for: Small, lightweight parcels to Europe
Parcelforce Global Express
Fast and reliable with full tracking and £200 insurance. End-to-end Parcelforce/Royal Mail network.
From £29.99
1-3 working days
Best for: Time-critical international deliveries
UPS International
Excellent global network. UPS Express Saver for cost-effective business shipping.
From £14.99
2-5 working days
Best for: Business shipments and heavier parcels
FedEx International
FedEx International Priority is one of the fastest international services available.
From £16.99
1-3 working days (priority), 3-5 days (economy)
Best for: Urgent worldwide deliveries
DHL Express
Largest international express network. Excellent for non-EU destinations.
From £18.99
1-3 working days
Best for: Global express deliveries
Customs: What You Need to Know
Customs Declaration (CN22/CN23)
Required for all parcels leaving the UK. You must declare the contents, their value, and whether the items are gifts or commercial goods. Most couriers provide electronic customs forms during the booking process.
Duties and Taxes
The recipient may need to pay import duties and local taxes (VAT equivalent) on arrival. This varies by destination country and the value of the goods. Items marked as "gift" may have higher duty-free thresholds in some countries.
Post-Brexit EU Shipping
Since Brexit, all parcels to EU countries require customs declarations. Goods under £135 have UK VAT charged at the point of sale (for businesses). Personal shipments may incur EU import VAT on arrival. Allow extra delivery time for customs processing.
Prohibited Items
Prohibited items vary by destination but commonly include: lithium batteries (loose), flammable liquids, perishable foods, weapons, counterfeit goods, and certain medicines. Always check the destination country's specific restrictions before shipping.
Tips for International Shipping
- Always use tracked services — International parcels without tracking are far more likely to be lost, and you’ll have no recourse.
- Insure valuable items — Standard courier insurance is often limited. Consider additional cover for items over £100.
- Complete customs forms accurately — Incorrect declarations cause delays, returns, and potential fines. Be honest about values and contents.
- Package for a long journey — International parcels are handled more times and travel further. Use extra padding and a sturdy box.
- Allow extra time — Customs clearance can add 1-5 days on top of the stated delivery time. Don’t leave it to the last minute for important deliveries.
- Keep proof of posting — Always get a receipt. You’ll need it for any insurance claims.
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