Cheapest Shipping to Europe from the US
Shipping to Europe doesn't have to break the bank. We compare every carrier and service to find the lowest rates to UK, Germany, France, and all EU countries.
What is the cheapest way to ship to Europe from the US?
For packages under 4 lbs: USPS First-Class Package International ($17-28 to most European countries). For 4-20 lbs: USPS Priority Mail International Flat Rate or DHL eCommerce. For 20+ lbs: Consider freight consolidators or economy services. Allow 7-21 days for cheapest options. Express shipping costs 3-4x more but arrives in 2-5 days.
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| Carrier | Service | Price | Delivery Time | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USPS | First-Class Package Intl | $17.50 | 7-21 days | Cheapest |
| USPS | Priority Mail Intl | $45.20 | 6-10 days | |
| DHL | eCommerce Packet | $22.80 | 7-14 days | |
| DHL | Express Worldwide | $68.40 | 2-4 days | Fastest |
| FedEx | International Economy | $52.60 | 4-6 days |
First-Class Package Intl
Priority Mail Intl
eCommerce Packet
Express Worldwide
International Economy
* Prices shown are discounted ShipWave rates. Actual rates vary by exact dimensions, weight, and origin/destination.
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Cheapest Options by Package Weight
The most economical carrier varies by package weight:
- Under 4 lbs (2 kg) - USPS First-Class Package International is consistently cheapest at $17-28 to Western Europe. DHL eCommerce Packet competes for tiny items under 8 oz.
- 4-10 lbs - USPS Priority Mail International Flat Rate Small Box ($30.20) or Medium Box ($61.50). For non-Flat Rate dimensions, compare USPS by weight vs DHL eCommerce.
- 10-20 lbs - USPS Priority Mail International Flat Rate Large ($101.95) for heavy-dense items. Otherwise, DHL Parcel International Direct or Passport GlobalPost economy.
- 20-70 lbs - Compare USPS Priority Mail International (by weight), consolidators like Sendle or EasyShip. Approaching freight territory for lowest rates.
- Over 70 lbs - Air freight or ocean freight. Parcel services max at 70 lbs. For regular shipments, consider European fulfillment center.
Understanding EU VAT and Import Duties
Since July 2021, EU import rules significantly changed:
- VAT on all imports - The €22 de minimis exemption was eliminated. VAT (17-27% depending on country) applies to ALL imported goods regardless of value.
- €150 duty threshold - Customs duties only apply to items valued over €150. Below this, only VAT is charged.
- IOSS for sellers - E-commerce sellers can register for IOSS (Import One-Stop Shop) to collect VAT at checkout, speeding customs clearance.
- UK post-Brexit - UK is no longer EU. £135 duty threshold. VAT (20%) applies to all imports. Separate customs process from EU.
Budget for your recipient paying 20-25% in VAT on all shipments. Consider DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) to prepay these charges for better customer experience.
Country-by-Country European Shipping Tips
Each European destination has nuances:
- United Kingdom - Post-Brexit, separate from EU. £135 de minimis for duties, but VAT on everything. Royal Mail delivers USPS packages. Allow extra time for customs.
- Germany - Largest EU market. DHL is domestic carrier—DHL shipments may clear faster. Deutsche Post delivers USPS mail. Strong consumer protection laws.
- France - La Poste delivers USPS mail. French customs can be slow. Include phone number for delivery coordination.
- Netherlands - PostNL efficient. High English proficiency for support. Rotterdam port makes it freight hub.
- Italy - Poste Italiane can be slow. Consider express for time-sensitive items. Strong customs enforcement on clothing/fashion.
- Spain - Correos delivers USPS mail. Canary Islands have different customs rules (outside EU customs territory).
- Scandinavia (Norway, Sweden, etc.) - Norway not in EU (separate customs). All have high VAT rates (24-25%). Efficient postal systems.
Pro Tips to Save More
Use USPS for small packages
USPS First-Class Package International to Europe is $17-28 for items under 4 lbs—often 50% cheaper than DHL/FedEx base rates.
Factor in fuel surcharges
DHL, FedEx, UPS add 15-25% fuel surcharges not shown in base rates. USPS has no fuel surcharges—quoted price is actual price.
Consider DDP for e-commerce
European customers expect clear pricing. DDP shipping with VAT prepaid avoids surprise fees and improves customer satisfaction.
Ship lightweight items via postal
For items under 1 lb, USPS First-Class is dramatically cheaper than any express option. Worth the longer transit time.
Check UK separately from EU
Post-Brexit, UK has different customs rules. Compare UK-specific rates—they may differ from EU pricing.
Allow extra time for customs
EU/UK customs processing can add 1-5 days to delivery times. Factor this into promised delivery dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
- USPS First-Class Package International for under 4 lbs ($17-25). For 4-10 lbs, Priority Mail International or DHL eCommerce. The UK charges VAT (20%) on all imports, so factor that into total cost for recipient.
- USPS First-Class to Germany: $17-28 for under 4 lbs. Priority Mail International: $45-85 for 4-20 lbs. Express services: $65-150. Add 19% German VAT that recipient pays on arrival for items over €0.
- As shipper, you pay shipping only (unless using DDP). The recipient pays import VAT (17-27%) on all items and customs duties (0-20%+) on items over €150. You can prepay these with DDP shipping.
- USPS First-Class Package International: 7-21 days. Priority Mail International: 6-10 days. Express services: 2-5 days. Add potential customs processing time of 1-5 days.
- For express shipping, DHL is often competitive. For economy shipping, USPS is almost always cheaper, especially for small packages. DHL eCommerce offers budget options between postal and express speeds.
- Yes. USPS Priority Mail International has full tracking. First-Class International has tracking that may be limited after US departure. DHL, FedEx, UPS all have comprehensive tracking throughout.
- IOSS (Import One-Stop Shop) lets e-commerce sellers collect EU VAT at checkout and remit monthly. It simplifies customs for customers and avoids delivery delays. Worth registering if you sell regularly to EU.
- Prohibited items include: weapons, controlled substances, counterfeit goods, certain foods (meat, dairy), some electronics without CE marking. EU also restricts goods not meeting safety/environmental standards.
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