US to UK Shipping: Complete Guide
Rates, customs requirements, and carrier options for shipping to the United Kingdom
How much does it cost to ship from US to UK?
US to UK shipping costs $15-$25 for small packages under 1 lb, $25-$45 for 1-5 lb packages, and $45-$150+ for heavier items. USPS Priority Mail International is typically cheapest. Delivery takes 6-10 business days for standard service or 3-5 days for express. UK imposes 20% VAT on goods over £135.
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| Carrier | Service | Price | Delivery Time | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USPS | First-Class Intl (8 oz) | $15.50 | 7-21 days | Cheapest |
| USPS | Priority Mail Intl (2 lb) | $42.50 | 6-10 days | |
| DHL | Express (2 lb) | $65.00 | 3-4 days | |
| UPS | Worldwide Expedited (5 lb) | $85.00 | 3-5 days | |
| FedEx | International Economy (5 lb) | $78.00 | 4-5 days |
First-Class Intl (8 oz)
Priority Mail Intl (2 lb)
Express (2 lb)
Worldwide Expedited (5 lb)
International Economy (5 lb)
* Prices shown are discounted ShipWave rates. Actual rates vary by exact dimensions, weight, and origin/destination.
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Understanding UK Customs and VAT
When shipping to the UK, packages are subject to customs inspection and potential duties:
VAT (Value Added Tax): 20% charged on goods valued over £135 (~$170). For items under £135, VAT is collected at point of sale if seller is VAT-registered.
Customs Duty: Applied to goods over £135, rates vary by product category (0-12% typical).
De Minimis: The UK has no duty-free threshold - all commercial goods may be assessed.
Accurate customs declarations are essential. Undervaluing items is illegal and can result in seizure.
Carrier Options for US to UK
USPS: Cheapest option for most packages. First-Class International (under 4 lbs) and Priority Mail International (up to 70 lbs). Delivery by Royal Mail in UK.
DHL Express: Fastest and most reliable. 3-4 day delivery with excellent tracking. Handles customs clearance. Premium pricing.
UPS Worldwide: 3-5 day express options. Strong for business shipments. Good tracking through UK delivery.
FedEx International: Competitive express rates. 4-5 day delivery. Economy options available for cost savings.
Customs Documentation Required
All US to UK shipments require customs documentation:
CN22/CN23: USPS customs forms. CN22 for items under $400, CN23 for higher values.
Commercial Invoice: Required by UPS/FedEx/DHL. Include: item description, quantity, value, HS code, country of origin.
HS Codes: Harmonized System codes classify products for customs. Find codes at hts.usitc.gov.
Accurate documentation speeds customs clearance and prevents delays.
Pro Tips to Save More
Register for IOSS if selling regularly
The Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS) lets you collect UK VAT at checkout, providing a smoother customer experience. Required for goods under £135.
Use accurate HS codes
Correct Harmonized System codes speed customs clearance and ensure proper duty rates. Incorrect codes cause delays and potential penalties.
Consider DHL for time-sensitive shipments
DHL has the fastest, most consistent US to UK service with customs expertise. Worth the premium for urgent packages.
Inform recipients about VAT
UK recipients may need to pay VAT/duties before delivery for packages over £135. Set expectations to avoid refused deliveries.
Ship early for holidays
UK customs slows during Christmas. Ship by December 1st for guaranteed holiday delivery via standard services.
Frequently Asked Questions
- USPS First-Class International: 7-21 days. USPS Priority Mail International: 6-10 days. DHL/UPS/FedEx Express: 3-5 days. Customs clearance can add 1-3 days.
- Yes, UK recipients pay 20% VAT on goods over £135 plus customs duty (0-12%). Items under £135 may have VAT collected at purchase if seller uses IOSS. No duty-free threshold exists.
- USPS First-Class International is cheapest for packages under 4 lbs ($15-35). For heavier items, compare USPS Priority Mail International with DHL eCommerce for best rates.
- Many foods are prohibited or restricted. Banned: meat, dairy, some produce. Allowed: shelf-stable packaged foods, candy, baked goods (without dairy/meat). Check UK import regulations for specific items.
- Include: accurate item description, quantity, value in USD, HS code, country of origin (usually USA). Mark as "gift" only if truly a gift - commercial goods must be declared accurately.
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