Shipping to Europe? We move your goods and ambitions forward
Build a more agile, resilient supply chain and scale your business across Europe. Our international shipping services include express delivery to key European destinations in as fast as 48 hours, helping you reach customers across Europe with confidence.
Backed by our extensive network, intelligent tools and global trade expertise, FedEx helps simplify cross-border shipping while providing greater visibility and control.
Explore our Europe shipping rates and transit times to get started.
What every business should know about shipping to Europe and how FedEx can help
New to shipping to Europe?
Gain the key essentials to start smart in Europe shipping with this compact guide.
Here's what you'll find on this page:
How extensive is the FedEx shipping network across Europe?
Experience flexible, reliable delivery to Europe with FedEx. Our international shipping services support everything from urgent packages and e-commerce shipments to freight, across European markets.
2
Air hubs
Our major air hubs in Paris and Liege sort 1.4 million packages daily to keep your shipments moving.
48
Hours* express delivery
We deliver to key European destinations in 48-hours, so you can plan ahead and deliver with confidence.
68
Airports served
Our extensive air network connects your business to major destinations across Europe.
* Transit times and international delivery commitments may vary depending on origin and destination.
Note : The figures specified above are for informational use only and may be subject to change.
45
European markets
Our broad European footprint provides you with local support and expertise to help you expand your reach.
27
Road hubs
Our extensive road networks in Europe offer fast and reliable cross-border shipping.
600+
Pickup/delivery stations
Our network across Europe makes pickup and delivery more convenient for you and your customers.
* Transit times and international delivery commitments may vary depending on origin and destination.
Note : The figures specified above are for informational use only and may be subject to change.
Parcel shipping
(≤68kg)
Our wide range of international shipping services is tailored to your package delivery needs, giving you greater flexibility and control over your European shipments.
Freight shipping
(>68kg)
Our international freight services include flexible pickup and delivery options, making it easy to ship heavy and bulky items to Europe.
E-commerce shipping
Our FedEx® International Connect Plus (FICP) service provides day-definite delivery to Europe for your e-commerce shipping needs.
Industry solutions & value-added services
From healthcare to automotive, our industry-specific and value-added services help power your European expansion.
In the air
Optimizing our flight routes and modernizing our aircraft with the aim of saving jet fuels and reducing CO2 emission.
On the ground
Increasing electric vehicles (EVs) in our fleet and exploring alternative energy solutions for more sustainable delivery to Europe and beyond.
In our facilities
Designing and investing in facilities that support energy efficiency initiatives, renewable energy, and green operations.
As a company connecting 99% of the world’s GDP, we’re taking bold steps for our shared home and workplace. Learn about our approach or view your carbon emissions through FedEx® Sustainability Insights.
What’s required to clear customs when shipping to Europe?
Clearing European customs requires the right documentation and expertise. Draw on our decades of trade experience to avoid common mistakes and navigate European regulations.
Customs clearance: avoiding common mistakes
Get tips on how to avoid common mistakes when shipping to Europe, including:
- Specify a local Importer of Record and complete required import shipping documents
- Declare accurate item values to prevent customs delays when shipping to Europe
- Provide clear product descriptions and find correct HS codes using FedEx Ship Manager™
What European regulations could affect your shipment?
FedEx global trade expertise helps you navigate European regulations, keep shipments moving, and unlock new opportunities across Europe.
The EU has ended the de minimis (duty-free) exemption for low-value imports as of July 1, 2026.
What is it?
The duty exemption for consignments up to €150 was removed as of July 1, 2026.
Who does it apply to?
Predominantly applies to non-EU commerce sellers and marketplaces.
What does it mean for your business?
A temporary €3 customs duty now applies per customs declaration line / tariff classification (rather than per package).
Effective date
From July 1, 2026, applying until July 1, 2028
Certain goods must now be proven deforestation-free and accompanied by due diligence statements.
What is it?
Regulation to ensure products imported into or exported from EU27 Member States do not contribute to deforestation or forest degradation.
Who does it apply to?
Any operator or trader placing certain commodities or products on the EU market or exporting them from it. Affected products include palm oil, cattle, soy, coffee, cocoa, timber, and rubber as well as products derived from those commodities.
What does it mean for your business?
Businesses must demonstrate that goods do not originate from recently deforested areas or contribute to forest degradation. This verification must be documented through a Due Diligence Statement (DDS) submitted on the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) portal.
Effective date
Applies to all products placed on the market or exported from December 30, 2026. There is a longer period of transition for micro and small enterprises until June 30, 2027.
Safety and security data is required when shipping to the EU, Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Norway, or Switzerland.
What is it?
ICS2 is the EU’s advance cargo information system requiring safety and security data for consignments entering or transiting the EU, Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Norway, and Switzerland.
Who does it apply to?
ICS2 applies to any person or business involved in the commercial movement of goods across certain European borders.
What does it mean for your business?
Businesses sending goods across applicable borders must provide advance shipment information, including accurate HS codes, precise item descriptions, and complete consignee information.
Effective date
Currently in effect
EU VAT changes have broad implications for B2C sellers and online marketplaces.
What is it?
Importation of goods into the EU is a taxable transaction for VAT purposes. Treatment and rates depend on the transaction and country.
*VAT requirements may differ in non-EU markets, including the UK, Norway and Switzerland.
Who does it apply to?
VAT applies to businesses and other persons importing goods into the EU.
What does it mean for your business?
Businesses must understand who is liable for import VAT and ensure payments are made accordingly. They should also understand how EU VAT impacts landed costs.
Effective date
Currently in effect
Additional European shipping requirements
In addition to the key regulatory requirements outlined above, you should be aware of other important customs-related requirements when shipping to Europe.
EORI number
An Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number is a unique identifier used for customs activities in the EU and UK. Businesses carrying out applicable customs activities may need to register for an EORI number.
EU tariffs and customs tariff codes
The EU applies a Common Customs Tariff (CCT) to goods imported from outside the EU. Your product’s customs tariff code (also known as an HS code) determines applicable duties. To ensure smooth customs clearance, businesses need to accurately classify products and refer to the TARIC database to understand potential duties and import rules.
Trade insights by country
Stay ahead with data-driven perspectives on Europe’s evolving trade environment, with insights from key European markets.
Country insights: Spain
Explore how SMEs leverage express and e-commerce logistics to scale in Spain’s trade ecosystem.
Country insights: Turkey
Discover how Turkey’s cross-regional access enables smarter trade strategies and business expansion.
Country insights: Poland
Discover how Poland’s location, manufacturing and logistics strengths help SMEs expand across Europe and beyond.
International shipping resources and tools
Customs clearance hub
Everything you need to complete key documentation and build your knowledge for exports or imports.
Import logistics expertise
Rely on us to streamline your imports with our advanced digital shipping tools and expert clearance services.
Easy, speedy online shipping tools
Manage your shipments effortlessly with our digital tools - and see how to integrate them into your platform.
FAQs about shipping to Europe
The following countries are part of the European Union and follow EU regulations: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.
Learn more about how to prepare customs documents and leverage our customs tools to streamline your customs declaration process.
Businesses shipping goods to Europe must register for an Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number. This number is required for specified customs activities across the EU and the UK, including importing, exporting, and transiting goods across certain borders. Businesses must include their EORI number on all applicable customs declarations. Many carriers also require an EORI number to be included on applicable commercial invoices.
EUDR applies to products linked to specific commodities such as cattle, timber, cocoa, soy, palm oil, coffee and rubber. This includes products derived from these commodities (such as beef, furniture, or chocolate), as well as their derivatives when re-imported into the EU and placed on the market. Businesses shipping or exporting these products to or from the EU market must be able to demonstrate that they are deforestation-free and comply with applicable due diligence requirements.
Shipments imported into Europe are primarily subject to customs duties, import Value-Added Tax (VAT), and potentially excise taxes. Customs duties are calculated based on your item’s product classification, country of origin, and declared customs value. Import VAT is charged based on rates and rules set by each country. Excise taxes apply to specific regulated goods such as alcohol, tobacco, and energy products.
A customs tariff code is a standardized numerical classification used by customs authorities to determine duty rates, tax obligations, and regulatory controls on imported goods. Most international trade relies on 6-digit Harmonized System (HS) codes, while imports into most European countries use 8-digit Combined Nomenclature (CN) codes and 10-digit TARIC codes to calculate exact duty rates and applicable trade measures.
You can locate the correct code using digital tools such as FedEx Ship Manager™ and FedEx Global Trade Manager, or by looking up your product directly in the European Commission's official TARIC database.
EU tariffs and import duties affect the total price of goods shipped to Europe and must be paid before goods can clear customs. Tariff rates for imported goods are calculated based on EU Common Customs Tariff (CCT) rates and information such as product quotas, which can be found in the TARIC (the integrated tariff of the European Union) database.
Businesses shipping to Europe must provide precise product descriptions and use the correct 10-digit TARIC code to ensure accurate duty assessment and avoid unexpected charges or delays.
For shipments entering or transiting through the EU, ICS2 requires safety and security information to be submitted through an Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) either before loading or arrival, depending on the transport mode.
To help ensure the required information is available for the ENS filing, prepare:
- A detailed description of the goods
- Minimum 6-digit Harmonized System (HS) codes
- Shipper and consignee details
- EORI details, where applicable
- Number and type of packages, and gross weight
Different parties may file the ENS, depending on the shipment and filing arrangements. Confirm with your carrier or freight forwarder what information they need from you and who is responsible for submitting the declaration.
Who is responsible for customs clearance depends on the Incoterms® agreed upon between the buyer and seller. For example, under Delivered Duty Paid (DDP), the seller is responsible for all documents and costs associated with customs clearance and transportation. Under Ex Works (EXW) shipping terms, buyers must manage all shipping and customs formalities, including the payment of export fees and import duties.
Every commercial shipment to Europe requires a commercial invoice, as it is the document used by most foreign customs agencies for import control, valuation and duty determination. Other frequently required documents for shipping to Europe include Certificates of Origin, export licenses, export packing lists, and inspection certificates. You can easily submit many of these documents online using FedEx® Electronic Trade Documents.
Because import regulations vary by nation and commodity, you should always confirm specific requirements with the proper customs authorities in your destination country.
Delivery to Europe can be as fast as two days using FedEx International First®, FedEx International Priority®, International Priority® Express, and FedEx International Priority® Freight (IPF), which offers express shipping for heavier freight shipments. However, transit time may vary based on your shipment's origin and destination and the shipping service you choose. To explore different services and calculate transit time, use the FedEx rate tool.
The total cost to ship to Europe depends on the baseline shipping rate and any carrier surcharges applied to your package or freight. Baseline transportation rates vary by service, with final calculations determined by your package's actual scale weight or its dimensional (DIM) weight, whichever is greater.
Other fees, such as customs duties and taxes, are not categorized as shipping costs, but should be considered when calculating the total cost of delivering products to Europe.
Estimate European shipping costs using the FedEx rate tool. You can also use FedEx Global Trade Manager (GTM) to estimate duties and taxes based on product type, origin, destination, and declared value.