🇺🇸Shipping from United States to United Kingdom🇬🇧
Quick Answer
Cheapest option
Landmark Global
$9.55/kg
5-12 days
Fastest option
UPS
1-3 days
$39.38/kg
Duty-free under
$0
VAT / Sales Tax: 20%
↓ Scroll down for full carrier comparison
Data as of April 2026
Shipping Cost Examples
Phone / documents (0.5 kg)
$7.16
Landmark Global
5-12 d
Clothing 2kg
$13.84
Landmark Global
Box 5kg
$23.88
Landmark Global
Heavy 10kg
$40.1
Landmark Global
from $9.55/kgfrom 1 days17 carriersde minimis $0
kg
Billed at: 1 kg
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17 results
Landmark Global~ EstimatedCheapest3.5 ★regional
Standard
Delivery Time
5–12 days
Estimated Price
$9.55
Tracking: Yes
Asendia~ Estimated3.5 ★regional
Standard
Delivery Time
7–14 days
Estimated Price
$10.26
Tracking: Yes
Pitney Bowes~ Estimated3.5 ★regional
Express
Delivery Time
3–7 days
Estimated Price
$12.73
Tracking: Yes
Pitney Bowes~ Estimated3.5 ★regional
Standard
Delivery Time
5–12 days
Estimated Price
$12.73
Tracking: Yes
GlobalPost (by Auctane)✓ Verified3.5 ★regional
Standard
Delivery Time
6–10 days
Estimated Price
$13.92
Tracking: Yes
GlobalPost (by Auctane)✓ Verified3.5 ★regional
Economy
Delivery Time
10–20 days
Estimated Price
$13.92
Tracking: Yes
Passport Shipping (Passport Global)~ EstimatedFastest3.5 ★regional
Express
Delivery Time
1–3 days
Estimated Price
$15.2
Tracking: Yes
Passport Shipping (Passport Global)~ Estimated3.5 ★regional
Economy
Delivery Time
5–10 days
Estimated Price
$15.2
Tracking: Yes
USPS✓ Verified4.0 ★postal
Priority Mail International
★ 1.3(5.4K)Delivery Time
6–10 days
Estimated Price
$21.51
Tracking: Yes
USPS✓ Verified4.0 ★postal
First-Class Mail International
★ 1.3(5.4K)Delivery Time
7–21 days
Estimated Price
$21.51
Tracking: No
EMS✓ Verified4.5 ★postal
EMS Express
★ 2.5(340)Delivery Time
3–7 days
Estimated Price
$32.14
Tracking: Yes
DHL Express✓ Verified4.5 ★international
Express Worldwide
★ 1.4(30.2K)Delivery Time
2–5 days
Estimated Price
$34.72
Tracking: Yes
DHL Express✓ Verified4.5 ★international
Economy Select
★ 1.4(30.2K)Delivery Time
4–8 days
Estimated Price
$34.72
Tracking: Yes
FedEx✓ Verified5.0 ★international
International Priority
★ 1.3(11.8K)Delivery Time
1–3 days
Estimated Price
$36.45
Tracking: Yes
FedEx✓ Verified5.0 ★international
International Economy
★ 1.3(11.8K)Delivery Time
4–6 days
Estimated Price
$36.45
Tracking: Yes
UPS✓ Verified5.0 ★international
Express Saver
★ 1.3(14.5K)Delivery Time
1–3 days
Estimated Price
$39.38
Tracking: Yes
UPS✓ Verified5.0 ★international
Expedited
★ 1.3(14.5K)Delivery Time
3–5 days
Estimated Price
$39.38
Tracking: Yes
Rates are estimates based on published tariffs. Actual rates may vary depending on account type, surcharges, fuel adjustments, and package dimensions. Contact carriers directly for exact quotes.
Delivery Date Estimate
April 11, 2026
Estimated arrival
April 13, 2026 — May 11, 2026
Business days only (excludes weekends and holidays)
Rates aggregated from public carrier data, updated weekly. How we collect data
Import Duty Calculator
$
Shipping Insurance Comparison
$
Item value| Carrier | Included | Premium | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| DHL Express | Yes ($100) | 2.5% | Basic coverage included. Extended up to $50,000 |
| FedEx | Yes ($100) | 2.8% | Declared value coverage. Max $50,000 per package |
| UPS | Yes ($100) | 2.7% | Declared value. Max $50,000. High-value surcharge above $5,000 |
| EMS | Yes ($50) | — | Basic SDR-based compensation only. No premium option |
| USPS | Yes ($5) | 3% | Priority Mail Express includes $100. Extra insurance up to $5,000 |
| Royal Mail | Yes ($50) | 2.5% | Consequential loss cover. Max £2,500 for international |
| Aramex | No | 3% | Optional insurance. Covers damage and loss |
| SF Express | Yes ($30) | 2% | Basic coverage included for declared value |
| DPD | Yes ($520) | — | Standard liability €520. No premium insurance option |
| Japan Post | Yes ($200) | — | Registered mail includes coverage up to 200 SDR |
Track Your Shipment
After shipping, use your tracking number on the carrier's website:
Price Changes (30 days)
| Carrier | Previous | Current | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Landmark GlobalStandard | $10.03 | $9.55 | -4.8% |
| AsendiaStandard | $10.57 | $10.26 | -2.9% |
| Pitney BowesExpress | $13.62 | $12.73 | -6.5% |
| Pitney BowesStandard | $13.62 | $12.73 | -6.5% |
| GlobalPost (by Auctane)Standard | $13.08 | $13.92 | +6.4% |
| GlobalPost (by Auctane)Economy | $13.08 | $13.92 | +6.4% |
| Passport Shipping (Passport Global)Express | $14.29 | $15.2 | +6.4% |
| Passport Shipping (Passport Global)Economy | $14.29 | $15.2 | +6.4% |
Compared to rates from 30 days ago
Import Duty Rates: United Kingdom
Indicative rates for common product categories
| Category | HS Code | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | HS 85 | 0-3.7% |
| Clothing | HS 61-62 | 12% |
| Footwear | HS 64 | 8-17% |
| Food products | HS 01-24 | 0-26% |
| Machinery | HS 84 | 0-4% |
| Cosmetics | HS 33 | 2.5-6.5% |
| Books | HS 49 | 0% |
| Toys | HS 95 | 0-4.7% |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on HS code. Use the calculator below for your specific item.
Customs Clearance
HMRC manages customs through the Customs Declaration Service (CDS). Since Brexit, all goods from EU and non-EU countries require customs declarations. VAT is collected at point of sale for shipments under £135.
Processing time1-3 days
De minimisDe minimis threshold for GB: $175. Shipments valued below this amount are exempt from import duties.
What to actually expect
Full customs guide for United Kingdom →Post-Brexit customs are well-organized but added paperwork for EU imports. Express couriers handle clearance efficiently. Royal Mail parcels may face 1-2 day delays for customs processing. VAT is always charged on imports above £135.
Required Documents
✓For export from US: Commercial invoice
✓packing list
✓bill of lading/airway bill
✓Shipper's Export Declaration (for goods over $2
✓500)
✓EEI filing via AES for controlled items
✓For import into GB: Commercial invoice
✓packing list
✓customs declaration (CN23 for postal)
✓certificate of origin (for preferential tariff rates)
✓import license (for restricted goods)
Where to obtain documents
Certificate of origin: Required for preferential rates under UK FTAs (UK-EU TCA, UK-Japan CEPA, etc.). EUR.1 or supplier declarations accepted. Non-preferential certificates issued by local chambers of commerce. Import licenses: Import licenses required for controlled goods: firearms, certain chemicals, some agricultural products, waste materials. Most consumer goods enter freely.
Trade: United States & United Kingdom
$150B+ annual trade. Key goods: machinery, vehicles, pharmaceuticals, financial services equipment. The UK is one of the largest US trading partners.
Key imports into GB: Machinery, vehicles, electronics, clothing, food products, pharmaceuticals, gems and precious metals. Key exports from US: Electronics, machinery, aircraft, vehicles, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, petroleum products, agricultural goods (soybeans, corn). Since Brexit, all imports require customs declarations. VAT at 20% is charged on goods over GBP 135. For parcels under GBP 135 from overseas sellers, VAT should be collected at point of sale. Royal Mail handles most last-mile postal deliveries.
Shipper Experience
Based on shipping community reports, DHL and FedEx deliver from US to GB in 3-5 business days with reliable customs clearance. EMS takes 7-14 days. Users recommend declaring accurate values to avoid delays. Express couriers handle customs brokerage automatically.
Prohibited & Restricted Items
⚠Prohibited for export from US: Firearms without export license
⚠narcotics
⚠Cuban-origin goods
⚠certain agricultural products
⚠counterfeit goods
⚠hazardous materials
⚠obscene materials
⚠Prohibited for import into GB: Illegal drugs
⚠offensive weapons
⚠indecent/obscene materials
⚠counterfeit goods
⚠certain food and plant products without phytosanitary certificates
⚠fireworks
Special Items Guide
| Category | Restrictions |
|---|---|
| Lithium batteries | Only installed in device. Standalone prohibited by air carriers. |
| Alcohol | Restricted or prohibited. Import license typically required. |
| Food | Phytosanitary certificate may be required. Perishables: express only. |
| Medications | Up to 3-month supply with prescription. Commercial import needs license. |
| Art & antiques | Export permit may be needed. Insurance strongly recommended. |
| Electronics | Check voltage. Some countries require CE/FCC certification. |
Trade Agreements
US and GB are both members of the following trade agreements: WTO. These agreements may provide reduced or zero customs duties on qualifying goods. Be sure to obtain a certificate of origin to take advantage of preferential tariff rates.
VAT / GST
VAT/GST rate: 20%. Applies to: CIF value + duty. VAT collected at point of sale for B2C shipments under £135; otherwise collected at border.
Trade Information
The US and UK are major trade partners with bilateral goods trade exceeding $130 billion annually. There is no broad free trade agreement between the two countries, so standard MFN tariffs apply. The UK charges 20% VAT on most imported goods with a de minimis threshold of GBP 135.
Shipping Tips
USPS Priority Mail International is often the cheapest option for small parcels under 2 kg. For larger shipments, UPS and FedEx offer competitive express rates with 2-3 day delivery. Always include a detailed customs declaration, UK customs frequently inspect US parcels.
User Reviews
“Shipped a 3 kg package via UPS Express and it arrived in London in just 2 days. Customs clearance was smooth with no extra fees since the value was under GBP 135.”
UPS2 days
“Used USPS Priority Mail International for a birthday gift. Took 7 days to deliver to Manchester. Good tracking and very affordable at $35 for 1.5 kg.”
USPS7 days
Shipping from United States to United Kingdom: Overview
We found 17 shipping options from United States to United Kingdom. The cheapest option is Landmark Global (Standard) starting from $9.55 for 1 kg. The fastest delivery is Passport Shipping (Passport Global) in 1–3 days. Express carriers (DHL, FedEx, UPS) offer fast delivery with tracking, while postal services provide more affordable rates.
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Import rules for United Kingdom
Duty-free threshold
Duty applies from $0
VAT / Sales Tax
20%
Average duty rate
4.2%
Note: VAT applies to all imports since Jan 2021
Customs rates are approximate and may vary by product category. Check with local customs for exact rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to ship from United States to United Kingdom?
The most affordable option for shipping from United States to United Kingdom is typically Landmark Global (Standard), starting from approximately $9.55 for a 1 kg package. Postal services generally offer the lowest rates, while express couriers are faster but more expensive.
How long does shipping from United States to United Kingdom take?
Delivery times from United States to United Kingdom range from 1 to 21 days depending on the service. Express services (DHL, FedEx, UPS) typically deliver in {min_days}-3 days, while economy options may take 10-{max_days} days.
Can I track my package from United States to United Kingdom?
Yes, most carriers offer package tracking for shipments from United States to United Kingdom. Express services provide real-time tracking updates, while economy postal services may have limited tracking.
Will I need to pay customs duties when shipping to United Kingdom?
Import duties and taxes may apply when shipping to United Kingdom. The duty-free threshold is $0. Above this value, you may need to pay VAT (20%) and import duties (average 4.2%). Check with local customs for exact rates.
What items are prohibited when shipping to GB?
Items prohibited for import into GB include: Illegal drugs, offensive weapons, indecent/obscene materials, counterfeit goods, certain food and plant products without phytosanitary certificates, fireworks. Always check the latest regulations before shipping.
What documents are needed to ship from US to GB?
To ship from US to GB you will typically need: Commercial invoice, packing list, customs declaration (CN23 for postal), certificate of origin (for preferential tariff rates), import license (for restricted goods). Specific requirements depend on the type of goods and shipment value.
Are there trade agreements between US and GB?
Yes, US and GB share the following trade agreements: WTO. These can reduce or eliminate customs duties on qualifying goods when a proper certificate of origin is provided.
How does customs clearance work when shipping to GB?
Since Brexit, all imports require customs declarations. VAT at 20% is charged on goods over GBP 135. For parcels under GBP 135 from overseas sellers, VAT should be collected at point of sale. Royal Mail handles most last-mile postal deliveries. Customs clearance is typically faster when documentation is complete and accurate. Use courier services for expedited clearance.
What is the de minimis threshold for GB?
The de minimis threshold for GB is $175. Shipments valued below this amount are exempt from import duties, though VAT/GST may still apply.
What is the VAT/GST rate for imports into GB?
VAT/GST rate: 20%. CIF value + duty. VAT collected at point of sale for B2C shipments under £135; otherwise collected at border.
How does RateShips compare shipping rates?
We collect published rate data from 134+ carriers weekly and display them side by side so you can find the cheapest and fastest option for your specific route.
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