International · GB

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

Do I need to register for UK VAT to ship to the UK?
Yes, if you sell goods worth £135 or less direct to UK consumers. Register with HMRC, collect 20% VAT at checkout, and remit quarterly.
How long does USPS take to UK?
Priority Mail International: 6-10 business days. First-Class: 1-3 weeks. Express International: 3-5 business days.
Does DHL do next-day delivery to UK?
Express Worldwide is typically 2-day to most UK addresses, next-day for London with a morning drop-off.
What's the cheapest way to ship a small package to UK?
USPS First-Class Package International for under 1 lb. DHL eCommerce for 1-3 lbs often beats USPS on total cost including customs handling.
Can I ship electronics to UK without UKCA marking?
Electronics sold in the UK technically require UKCA marking (replacing CE). For personal-use imports (gifts, etc.), enforcement is limited. For commercial sales, ensure UKCA compliance.

Other International Destinations

JP
Japan
CN
China
KR
South Korea
IT
Italy
ES
Spain
NL
Netherlands

Create Your International Shipping Label

Free for USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL international formats.

Create Label Free →