Send a Parcel From Italy to UK

The UK and Italy have become closely connected through trade, tourism, and immigration. It is estimated somewhere in the region of 200,000 Italians have set up home in the UK - interestingly around 16,000 Italian students study at UK universities each year. Additionally, the UK imports around £24 billion worth of goods and services from Italy each year.

Because of this, a lot of post travels between these two countries. To send a parcel the short distance from Rome to London, or Milan to Liverpool couldn’t be easier with ParcelBroker. Because of our excellent connections with the major shipping companies, we are able to pass on considerable savings to our customers when sending parcels from Italy to the UK.

Prohibited items - refer to goods that are illegal on an international level, as well as items specifically controlled by the UK border force. Different courier services may also have their own lists of prohibited and restricted items. To ensure a smooth shipping process, it's essential to confirm these lists before sending your package. Failing to comply with these regulations could result in significant delays or even the confiscation of your package.

Restricted items - must be accompanied by the correct paperwork, and all legal restrictions must be followed. Failure to comply with these regulations or provide accurate documentation can result in the seizure of your package.

Commonly Restricted items

• Aerosols

• Alcoholic beverages below 70% ABV

• Batteries

• Christmas Crackers

• Electronic items

• Food items

• Lighters

• Paints

• Perfumes

• Seeds and plants

Commonly Prohibited items

• Alcoholic Beverages above 70%

• Combustible Gases

• Explosive materials

• Firearms

• Flammable materials

• Meat products from a prohibition area

• Narcotics

• Food or plants grown outside the EU

How long does parcel delivery from Italy to the UK take?

Sending parcels from Italy to the UK is fast and easy thanks to excellent postal links. Many shipping companies can deliver to the UK within a few days, with delivery times not likely to exceed 5 days with any service.

Do I need to deal with customs when sending from Italy to the UK?

Yes, when sending a parcel from Italy to the UK post-Brexit, you will need to deal with customs clearance. As the UK is no longer part of the EU, shipments are now subject to customs checks, and you may be required to pay import taxes and duties. To ensure your parcel is delivered smoothly, it's important to provide accurate information about the contents and value of your shipment, as this will determine the applicable fees.

How should I address my parcel to the UK?

The standard address format in the UK is how parcels should be addressed when being sent from Italy:

Name of recipient

Company name (if applicable)

Building name (if applicable)

Number and name of street (in this order)

Name of locality (if needed for differentiation)

Name of town or city (preferably in all capital letters)

Postcode (preferably in all capital letters)

It is advisable to include a return address on the rear of the parcel if necessary and, if you are writing the address by hand, to ensure all lines are written in capital letters for clarity.

What are the import restrictions when sending parcels from Italy to the UK?

The UK now has its own set of regulations and import controls, which are independent of the EU. One of the main restrictions is the list of prohibited and restricted items. The UK prohibits the import of items such as firearms, explosives, illegal drugs, and counterfeit goods. Restricted items include products such as alcohol, tobacco, and certain food items, which may be subject to additional taxes and duties. Another important restriction is the value of the goods being imported. If the value of the goods exceeds £135, you may be required to pay customs duty, as well as VAT, which is payable on the total value of the goods and the shipping costs.

What items are prohibited from shipping to the UK from Italy?

There are a number of items banned from import into the UK. Most of these are consistent with the EU’s own banned list. Items banned for import include:

• Endangered plants and animals

• Rough diamonds

• Food or plants that are diseased or were grown outside the EU.

• Pirated media

Remember to check what you are planning to ship to the UK will definitely be allowed into the country before you send. The UK government’s page on banned items may be useful for this.

You should also be aware of ParcelBroker’s prohibited items, to ensure that you’re not sending any materials that aren’t permitted by our shipping policy.

Are there any other considerations for sending a parcel from Italy to the UK?

When shipping a parcel to the UK, you must be sure you can find a courier which can actually carry out the delivery. We have a tool which will list various couriers that can do the job and supply a quote for postage.

When providing the weight and dimensions of your parcel, it is vital you measure correctly. Inaccurate values could lead to hefty extra costs being incurred! Ensure your parcel is packaged as safely as possible, as if not, goods can get damaged during transport. You must keep all items tightly wrapped and secured, or there is a chance the item you are sending could become damaged.