How to Ship to the United Kingdom from the US
The UK is a top US export destination — no language barrier and strong Anglo-American ecommerce demand. Post-Brexit, the UK runs its own VAT and customs system separate from the EU. Low-value imports (under £135) require sellers to collect UK VAT and remit to HMRC. Above £135, the buyer pays VAT + duties at delivery.
Royal Mail handles final-mile delivery for most US packages after they clear UK customs. Faster premium services go through courier last-mile (Evri, DPD, Parcelforce).
Typical 1 lb cost
$20-$45 USD
Typical transit
3-10 business days
Carrier Options to United Kingdom
USPS Priority Mail International
6-10 business days. Cheapest for under 2 lbs. Final delivery by Royal Mail.
FedEx International Priority
1-3 business days. Most reliable for time-sensitive. Higher cost.
UPS Worldwide Expedited
2-5 business days. Good mid-tier option for 2-20 lbs.
DHL Express Worldwide
1-3 business days. Premium service, strong UK network.
Customs Forms Required
CN22 for items under $400. CN23 + commercial invoice above.
Commonly Prohibited Items
- ✕Switchblade knives and flick knives
- ✕Meat and meat products from the US
- ✕Cannabis or CBD products without MHRA authorization
- ✕Certain electronics without UKCA marking (replacing CE marking post-Brexit)
- ✕Pornographic material (some categories prohibited)
United Kingdom-Specific Shipping Tips
- 💡 UK VAT threshold: low-value imports (under £135) require sellers to collect UK VAT at point of sale and register with HMRC
- 💡 Above £135: recipient pays 20% VAT + duties at delivery unless seller uses DDP
- 💡 Address format includes postcode that's split across two lines typically (e.g., SW1A 1AA)
- 💡 Royal Mail's 'Tracked 24' and 'Tracked 48' services are the final-mile for most USPS international shipments
- 💡 Brexit means EU goods can't transit through UK without additional paperwork — ship directly to EU destinations
Frequently asked questions
Other International Destinations
Create Your International Shipping Label
Free for USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL international formats.
Create Label Free →