Take the guesswork out of shipping from the United States to the United Kingdom.
How to ship from the U.S. to the U.K.
Take the guesswork out of shipping from the United States to the United Kingdom.
Here’s what you’ll find on this page:
How to ship from the U.S. to the U.K. with FedEx
Whether you’re shipping a gift, a personal item, or a business order, here’s how to simplify the process.
Tell us about your shipment
Log in or create a FedEx account. Complete a short form with key shipment info, including item value and country of origin.
Gather important details
Use our international shipping tool to make the process easier.
- Estimate your shipping cost (including duties and taxes).
- Find your Harmonized System (HS) Code.
- Get blank copies of your customs documentation.
Create your label
You can complete your international shipping label and any required customs documents online. Or you can stop by a FedEx Office location and get a hand from a team member.
Pack your shipment
Give your shipment the best odds of arriving safely and in good condition. Follow these FedEx packing tips and guidelines before sealing your box.
Get your package to FedEx
Drop off your labeled, prepaid packages at a retail location or FedEx® Drop Box. You can also schedule a pickup and we’ll come to your home or office.
How much does it cost to ship to the U.K.?
What you’ll pay depends on several factors:
- The size and weight of your package
- The declared value of your goods
- How quickly you need your shipment to arrive
Understanding duties and Value-Added Tax (VAT) for U.K. shipments
U.K. customs officials assess duties and taxes based on the item type, declared value, and whether it’s for personal or commercial use.
- Most goods shipped from outside the U.K. are subject to VAT.
- Gifts valued at £39 or less sent to England, Scotland, or Wales are exempt from VAT.
For shipments to Northern Ireland, the exemption applies to goods from outside both the U.K. and the EU.
Which customs documents do I need to ship from the U.S. to the U.K.?
Most shipments require a Commercial Invoice and a Certificate of Origin. To complete your customs documents, you’ll need to know:
- What is the purpose of your shipment?
- Are you shipping goods or a document?
- What is the declared value of your goods?
- Where were your goods grown or manufactured?
- Who will be the importer and/or the consignee?
- Who is responsible for payment of transportation charges, duties, and taxes?
Depending on your shipment's contents, destination, and other details, you may need additional documentation.
Tips to help avoid customs delays
A little effort now can go a long way.
Declare the accurate value for your item, even if the recipient is not being charged.
Keep multi-piece shipments together and label each piece individually.
Complete all customs documents accurately and double-check for spelling errors.
Make sure all information is consistent across every required document.
List each commodity separately with a detailed description, including what it’s made of and intended use.
Clearly print the country of origin or manufacture for each commodity.
If you’re using your own customs broker, include their complete contact information on all documentation.
Include a phone number or fax number for both the sender and the consignee.
How long does it take to ship to the U.K. from the U.S.?
Short answer: It depends. Shipping times from the U.S. to the U.K. vary based on the FedEx® service you choose. You’ll find a range of options to fit different timelines and budgets. Use the rate calculator to compare estimated transit times and services.
Restricted items you can’t ship to the U.K.
Certain items are prohibited from entering the U.K. Others may require special permits, licenses, or additional documentation before they can be imported. Here are some examples.
- Controlled drugs and illegal substances
- Offensive weapons, including certain firearms and knives
- Personal imports of meat and dairy products
- Endangered species and products derived from them
- Counterfeit goods and pirated content
This is not a complete list. See all banned and restricted goods.
How to prepare gifts for shipping to the U.K.
Sending something to your favorite niece or BFF? Value-Added Tax is not charged on gifts valued at £39 or less. To qualify, your shipment must be:
- Labeled as a gift
- Intended for a special occasion, such as a birthday or holiday
- Purchased and sent between individuals (not businesses)
- Intended for personal use, not resale
If you’re shipping multiple gifts in one package, each item should be intended for a different recipient. Wrap each gift separately and list individual values on the customs declaration.
Shipping to the U.K. for small businesses and ecommerce sellers
If you regularly ship to customers in the U.K., FedEx has tools and solutions designed to simplify the process.
Streamline customs clearance
Use FedEx International Shipping Assist to look up Harmonized System (HS) Codes. Correctly classifying your shipment makes it less likely to be delayed.
Manage U.K.-to-U.S. returns
FedEx Global Returns makes it easy for customers to send something back. Find options for label creation, customs preparation, and convenient drop offs.
Streamline customs clearance
Use FedEx International Shipping Assist to look up Harmonized System (HS) Codes. Correctly classifying your shipment makes it less likely to be delayed.
Manage U.K.-to-U.S. returns
FedEx Global Returns makes it easy for customers to send something back. Find options for label creation, customs preparation, and convenient drop offs.
Frequently asked questions
U.K. addresses follow a slightly different format than U.S. addresses. Use this order:
- Recipient name
- Street address
- City/town (in capitals)
- Postal code (in capitals)
- Country
For example:
Mr. Smith
268 Belsize Rd.
LONDON NW6 4BT
United Kingdom
VAT stands for Value-Added Tax. It’s a tax levied on goods at each stage of production and distribution. VAT functions similarly to sales tax in the US.
You can choose whether the shipper, the recipient, or a third party is responsible for duties and taxes. You’ll do this when completing your international shipping label. If no party is selected, “responsible party” defaults to “recipient.”
A Harmonized System (HS) Code classifies your commodity for customs purposes under international standards. Every shipment requires the correct HS Code. Without it, your package may be delayed or subject to additional tariffs. Use FedEx International Shipping Assist to search or confirm codes for your products.
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FedEx® Global Returns provides a straightforward process for international return shipments. You’ll find options for label creation, customs preparation, and drop off or pickup options for your U.K. customers.
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Ready to start shipping to the U.K.?
First step: Open a free FedEx account. You’ll have access to discounts, shipping tools, customs support, and international delivery options.