The USA and the UK have a strong and long-established relationship – with key trading, linguistic, cultural and historical ties between the two nations. Because of this, and the fact both countries rank among the world’s largest economies, it is unsurprising that many thousands of parcels travel between the two countries every day.

Despite the long distance over the Atlantic Ocean between the USA and the UK, postal networks are strong and goods can travel between the two countries in a matter of a few days. If you are a British expat wanting to send gifts home, or a US-based business owner looking to enter the UK market, ParcelBroker makes it quick and easy to send parcels from the USA to the UK.

How should I address my parcel to the UK?

When you come to send your parcel from the USA to the UK, you’re going to need to know how to address it. Thankfully, the standard address format in the UK is easy to follow. Parcels should be addressed to the UK as follows:

• 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 (in all capital letters)
• Postcode (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.

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

When sending a parcel from the USA to the UK, you will have to be aware of customs checks. Any items sent from outside the EU to the UK must be posted with documents disclosing what is being sent and its value.

The good news is you do not have to pay customs duty on any item under £135 sent to the UK. However, importing gifts between the value of £135 and £630 will incur a 2.5% charge, while the duty on anything else over the value of £135 and gifts worth more than £630 will vary depending on the item. The amount charged will depend on the estimation of Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

You must also be aware of VAT which will be charged on most imports to the UK from non-EU nations as well as excise duty which must be paid on alcohol and tobacco coming from outside the EU.

What items are prohibited from shipping to the UK?

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
• Meat and dairy for personal consumption (from most non-EU nations).
• 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 the USA 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. The tool at the top of this page will tell you which companies can deliver your item and gives you a quote for postage with each.

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 goods can travel between the USA and the UK so quickly, it can be easy to forget how many people handle them and how many vehicles they are moved between. You must keep all items tightly wrapped and secured, or there is a chance the item you are sending could become damaged.