Shipping to Great Britain since Brexit

Since Brexit, the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, and Wales) is no longer part of the EU Customs Union. This means that all shipments, whether private or commercial, are subject to customs duties. Every shipment of goods must be accompanied by a customs declaration and the required documentation. EU rules still apply to Northern Ireland, where customs declarations are not required.

For shipping to Great Britain, this means slightly more effort, longer delivery times, and potential import duties. However, with good preparation, shipping remains straightforward. The most important thing is to know which products are permitted and where special regulations apply.

Private shipping to Great Britain

Products that can be shipped easily

Private individuals can send many products to Great Britain if they are correctly declared. The following are generally unproblematic:

• Documents and written materials: Letters, contracts or official documents are not considered goods, therefore they are exempt from import duties.

• Clothing, books, toys, decorative items: As long as they are sent for personal use or as a gift, a customs declaration CN22 (up to 2 kg) or CN23 (above that) is sufficient.

• Simple electronics without a battery: Wired devices or accessories are permitted. A brief description and the value of the goods should be stated.

Products with special requirements or risks

Some product categories require special attention:

Food:
Since Brexit, products of animal origin (meat, sausage, cheese, dairy products) may only be imported with veterinary certificates – this is practically impossible for private individuals. These shipments are frequently stopped by British customs. Industrially packaged, shelf-stable products without animal ingredients (e.g., chocolate, tea, or pastries) are less problematic.

Cosmetics:
Personal care products and makeup are generally permitted, but should be shipped in their original packaging. Perfume, hairspray, and nail polish contain flammable liquids and are classified as hazardous materials – they may only be transported under special conditions (see section "Hazardous Materials").

medications:
Private shipments of pharmaceuticals are generally prohibited. Even over-the-counter medications can be intercepted by customs. Dietary supplements are usually unproblematic in small quantities, but should be clearly labeled.

Electronics and batteries:
Electronic devices may be shipped if built-in lithium batteries are properly packaged and switched off. Loose batteries or power banks are prohibited, as they are classified as hazardous materials.

Customs and value limits

Private shipments must always include a customs declaration.

• Gifts up to 39 GBP are tax-free.

• Between 39 GBP and 135 GBP British import sales tax (VAT) is payable, but no customs duties.

• Over 135 GBP Additional customs duties may apply.

The package must be marked as a "gift" with a precise description of its contents and value. The recipient is responsible for any applicable taxes and a small handling fee charged by the British courier service.

Commercial shipping to Great Britain

Important duties and documents

For companies, shipping to Great Britain is considered exporting to a third country.
The following are necessary:

• EORI number (EU-wide customs identification number)

• Commercial invoice including details of recipient, goods description, HS code, quantity, value, country of origin and Incoterms

• Customs declaration required for goods valued over €1.000 or over 500 kg.

• Proof of origin (e.g. preferential origin EU) for duty-free import

• Packing list for multiple items

 

Companies also need to clarify who will bear the import duties.

• DAP (Delivered at Place): The recipient pays taxes and customs duties.

• DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): The shipper takes care of everything – this usually requires a UK VAT registration.

Product groups with special requirements

• Foodstuffs: Health and veterinary certificates are required. Goods without these will be rejected at the border.

• Pharmaceuticals and medical devices: Strictly regulated, mostly requiring approval.

• Cosmetics and chemicals: Only permitted if a responsible party based in Great Britain exists and the product is registered there.

• Electronics, machinery, toys: Must comply with UK regulations (UKCA marking).

• Dual-use goods, weapons, cultural goods: require export licenses.

Commercial exporters should check before each shipment whether their products are subject to special permits or safety certificates.

Dangerous goods

Dangerous goods include all substances that pose a risk during transport – for example, due to flammability, toxicity, corrosiveness, or the risk of explosion. Typical examples:

• Perfume and nail polish (flammable)

• Lithium batteries and power banks

• Aerosol cans (pressurized gas containers)

• Paints, varnishes, adhesives

• chemicals or cleaning agents

Rules for packaging and labeling

Dangerous goods must be in approved UN packaging They must be transported in a shatterproof and watertight manner. Appropriate materials are required on the outside. Dangerous goods labels (Flame symbol, battery symbol, etc.) and the respective UN number on the package.

International regulations apply to transport:

• ADR for road transport

• IATA-DGR for air freight

• IMDG Code for sea freight

Private individuals are generally not allowed to ship hazardous materials. Exceptions apply to some substances. limited quantitiesSmall quantities of perfume or paint, for example, are permitted via land transport. Airmail shipments are generally excluded.

Professional couriers such as UPS, FedEx or DHL Express We only accept hazardous materials from trained shippers with appropriate documentation. For private shipments, it is usually better to refrain from sending such items.

Which works without any problems

Some food items may still be shipped, provided they are industrially packaged, have a long shelf life, and are not of animal origin. These include:

• Tea, coffee, cocoa

• Candy, chocolate, cookies, chips

• Canned goods with plant-based ingredients (e.g., vegetables, fruit)

• Pasta, rice, flour, spices in original packaging

• Soft drinks in sealed cans or bottles (non-alcoholic)

• Non-alcoholic beer or flavored drinks (max. a few liters, as a gift)

Important: The products must be unopened, have a long shelf life (not a fresh product) and come with a complete list of ingredients.

❌ What is no longer allowed

Since Brexit, the United Kingdom treats all animal products as imports from third countries.
This concerns:

• Meat, sausage, ham, bacon

• Dairy products such as cheese, butter, yogurt

• Eggs, honey, gelatin, animal fat

• Foods containing such ingredients (e.g., chocolate with milk, cookies with butter)

These goods may no longer be imported without a veterinary certificate.
Private individuals cannot issue these certificates – therefore:
👉 Animal-based food products are de facto prohibited for private shipping.

Fresh, chilled or frozen foods (e.g. fruit, meat, salad, cheese) are also excluded.
Customs usually confiscates such shipments immediately.

Alcoholic beverages are only permitted as gifts in very small quantities:

• Maximum 1 liter of spirits or 2 liters of wine per shipment.

• The recipient must be of legal age.

• Value limit: total amount under £39 (otherwise taxes will apply)

Commercial shipping of food and beverages

Strict import regulations apply here under British law, as the UK has introduced its own food controls (Sanitary and Phytosanitary – SPS rules).

🔍 General requirements

• Health certificate / veterinary certificate for animal products

• Preliminary announcement via the British import portal IPAFFS

• UK importer or customs agent with EORI number required

• Packaging and labeling requirements according to UK standards (e.g. nutritional information, allergens, best before date in English)

 

🥩 Animal products (POAO – Products of Animal Origin)

• Meat, milk, cheese, eggs, fish, honey, gelatin, whey powder, etc.

• Only permitted if the goods originate from a certified EU company.

• Each shipment requires a veterinary certificate (Export Health Certificate).

• Physical checks are carried out at the border control post in the UK.

Without this documentation, the goods will not be imported – they will be returned or destroyed.

🌿 Plant-based foods

• Dried, preserved or processed plant products (e.g. pasta, bread, spices) are usually unproblematic.

• Fresh fruit, vegetables, plants and seeds may require phytosanitary certificates.

• Some plant species are subject to import bans or quarantine requirements.

 

🍷 Drinks, alcohol, spirits

• Commercial import of alcohol is subject to British excise duties.

• The importer must be registered with British Customs (HMRC).

• Shipping to end customers (B2C) is only possible with a tax representative authorized in that location.

• There are no special hurdles for non-alcoholic beverages, as long as they are correctly labelled.

 

🚫 Shipments frequently stopped at customs

1. Packages containing cheese, sausage, or chocolate with milk content → due to animal ingredients

2. Homemade jam, baked goods, cakes → no commercial label, no ingredient list

3. Open or unpackaged food items → not hygienically packaged

4. Wine or beer without a tax declaration → violation of alcohol import regulations

5. Packages containing honey, pollen, gelatin → animal by-products without certification

 

 Recommendation for safe shipping

Shipping providers compared

DHL (Deutsche Post DHL)

• Customs clearance: Simply via CN22/CN23; delivery in the UK by Royal Mail.

• Price: From about €15 for small parcels, up to about €50 for large packages.

• Running time: 3–6 working days.

• Advantages: Online postage with digital customs declaration, insurance up to €500, collection optional.

• Limitations: No perfume or batteries will be shipped via airmail.

UPS

• Customs clearance: UPS handles import formalities; commercial invoice required.

• Price: From around €30, express options from €60.

• Running time: 1–4 working days (depending on the service).

• Advantages: Fast processing, real-time tracking, DDP option.

• Limitations: Higher costs, strict packaging and content requirements.

FedEx

• Customs clearance: Electronic registration; very reliable customs processes.

• Price: comparable to UPS.

• Running time: 1–4 days.

• Advantages: High reliability, professional handling of hazardous goods.

• Limitations: Registration required, more suitable for businesses.

Hermes, DPD, GLS

These suppliers have largely discontinued private shipping to the UK, as customs clearance has become too complex for private customers. Business customers can still ship depending on their contract, but must provide full commercial invoices and customs information.

We assume no liability for the information provided. If you have any questions, please inform yourself independently or contact our specialist department directly.