{"id":1307,"date":"2023-06-08T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-06-08T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/articles\/international-shipping-from-uk\/"},"modified":"2025-05-22T13:14:20","modified_gmt":"2025-05-22T13:14:20","slug":"international-shipping-from-uk","status":"publish","type":"knowledge","link":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/retail\/international-shipping-from-uk\/","title":{"rendered":"International shipping from UK: a guide for small businesses"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sending parcels and products across Europe and the rest of the world might be something you\u2019re considering as you expand your small business to reach customers beyond the UK. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But how does international shipping work? From taxes, customs regulations, and costs, to a round-up of the best international shipping companies, our guide covers everything you need to know. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-do-you-need-to-know-about-international-shipping\">What do you need to know about international shipping?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether you\u2019re an eBay or <a href=\"\/knowledge\/retail\/selling-on-amazon-uk-guide-for-small-business\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1517\" >Amazon seller<\/a>, have an <a href=\"\/knowledge\/retail\/how-to-sell-on-etsy\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1141\" >Etsy shop<\/a>, or just have an <a href=\"\/knowledge\/retail\/how-to-set-up-an-online-shop\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"985\" >online shop<\/a> as a side hustle, it\u2019s important to know the rules for shipping overseas. Jump to the section you need or read on for a complete overview of the process from start to finish:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#rules-and-regulations\">Rules and regulations <\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#your-tax-responsibilities\">Your tax responsibilities<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#how-much-is-international-shipping\">How much international shipping costs<\/a> <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#how-long-does-international-shipping-take\">How long does international shipping take<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#how-to-choose-an-international-shipping-company\">International shipping companies <\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#insurance-for-online-sellers\">Insurance for online sellers<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-rules-and-regulations\">Rules and regulations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There will be different rules and regulations you need to follow depending on where you\u2019re shipping to and what you\u2019re sending. And with the UK\u2019s departure from the EU and a new trade agreement in place, there\u2019s additional paperwork to complete. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Firstly, your customs declaration<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Everything you send overseas needs to have a customs declaration, which can be done online through your courier or by picking up a form at a Post Office. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your customs form needs to include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">your name and address (including business name)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">what you\u2019re sending and a description (including what it\u2019s made from)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">individual item value, quantity, and weight<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">total value of goods, quantity and weight<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">HS Tariff number (also known as a <a href=\"\/knowledge\/retail\/what-is-a-commodity-code\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1256\" >commodity code<\/a>) and <a href=\"\/knowledge\/retail\/what-is-an-eori-number\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1152\" >EORI number<\/a> or <a href=\"\/knowledge\/business-tax\/vat-registration-threshold-small-business-guide\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1556\" >VAT registered number<\/a> <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You\u2019ll need a CN22 customs form for items worth less than \u00a3270 and a CN23 form for items worth \u00a3270 or more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Always check the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/check-duties-customs-exporting?step-by-step-nav=b9347000-c726-4c3c-b76a-e52b6cebb3eb\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">duties and customs process<\/a> for the country you\u2019re exporting to. The Department for Business and Trade also has detailed <a href=\"https:\/\/www.great.gov.uk\/markets\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">guides on each market<\/a> to help you understand specific rules for different countries.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Licences<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some products require specialised licences in order to be able to export, including plants, artworks, and animal products. As a small business you&#8217;re not likely to need a specialist licence though, but make sure you read up on the rules. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Packaging and labelling<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">products sold in Great Britain need to show a <a href=\"\/knowledge\/business-structure\/ce-mark-and-ukca-marking-regulations\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1363\" ><strong>UKCA marking<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">products sold and marketed in the EU must have a <a href=\"https:\/\/europa.eu\/youreurope\/business\/product-requirements\/labels-markings\/ce-marking\/index_en.htm\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>CE marking<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">complete a <strong>proof of origin<\/strong> for your goods (if you need to) \u2013 this is sometimes needed to clear customs in your buyer&#8217;s home country and shows where the product was produced, manufacturered, or processed<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You\u2019ll also need a <strong>commercial or pro-forma invoice<\/strong> included with your package \u2013 often your shipping company will generate this for you as part of the postage process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Contact the UK government\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/ask-export-support-team\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">export support team<\/a> if you have a question about rules and paperwork you need. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" id=\"your-tax-responsibilities\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-your-tax-responsibilities\">Your tax responsibilities <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Goods sent to countries outside the UK will be subject to different tax and duties \u2013 you can use the government\u2019s online tool to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/check-duties-customs-exporting?step-by-step-nav=b9347000-c726-4c3c-b76a-e52b6cebb3eb\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">check the rates<\/a> (as well as rules and required documents) for the country you\u2019re shipping to.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Meanwhile, VAT is a tax used for products sold and marketed in the UK so won&#8217;t apply for international shipping. This means, if you&#8217;re VAT reigstered, you&#8217;ll be able to apply a <strong>zero VAT rating<\/strong> to any products you export from the UK. You need to show proof of export within a certain timeframe though, so make sure you read up on law surrounding <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/guidance\/vat-on-goods-exported-from-the-uk-notice-703#conditions-and-time-limits-for-zero-rating\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">VAT and exports<\/a> on the government website. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-much-is-international-shipping\">How much is international shipping?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Of course, the cost to send a parcel internationally varies depending on the size of your parcel, where you\u2019re sending it, and the speed of delivery you need. Costs also vary if you ship regularly \u2013 for example, sending more than 20 parcels a month can come with cheaper prices. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s easy to get a quote from any of the different international shipping companies (we\u2019ll go into these below). But to keep costs low, it\u2019s worth considering a few general rules: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">set up an account with your chosen shipping company <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">make sure you\u2019re registered to access prices for businesses (these are often cheaper than standard postage rates)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">send packages in the smallest box possible (while still keeping the items safe from any damage in transit) <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">consider the weight of your products before choosing to list them for international customers <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-avoid-unexpected-charges\">How to avoid unexpected charges? <\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">International shipping can be complex and comes with additional paperwork and costs. To make sure you don\u2019t get caught out with unexpected charges: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">fill in your customs declaration <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">don\u2019t send anything that\u2019s a prohibited item or dangerous (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.postoffice.co.uk\/mail\/what-can-i-send\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Royal Mail has a list,<\/a> but also make sure the UK government hasn\u2019t imposed any international trade sanctions for the country you\u2019re sending to)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">include the necessary labels and paperwork<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">measure and weigh your parcel accurately, in metric units<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">don\u2019t forget to include the full address with state\/province and country on your label (and include a return address too)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">make sure your buyer is aware of duties and taxes on the item you\u2019re sending \u2013 if they refuse to pay, you\u2019ll be liable for the charges<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you&#8217;re a larger business sending high volumes overseas, you might consider using a <a href=\"\/knowledge\/retail\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"988\" >freight forwarder<\/a> to manage the contact between you and the shipping company. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-long-does-international-shipping-take\">How long does international shipping take?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As a general rule, standard postage to Europe can take between three to five working days. Shipping worldwide can take about six or seven working days. You might also find cheaper options if you\u2019re happy to have a longer delivery time. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-choose-an-international-shipping-company\">How to choose an international shipping company<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our <a href=\"\/knowledge\/retail\/best-uk-courier-a-small-business-guide\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1348\" >guide to different couriers<\/a> out there has more on the specifics of each brand, while below we\u2019ll explore them in the context of international shipping. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-royal-mail-international-shipping\">Royal Mail international shipping<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Royal Mail has a choice of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.royalmail.com\/business\/international\/services\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">international shipping services<\/a> for parcels and letters. You\u2019ll probably want to choose an option for tracking and signing for it \u2013 and it\u2019s also worth checking the level of compensation if your item gets lost or damaged in transit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The types of service depend on how much you\u2019re likely to spend each year and setting up an account. If you don\u2019t set up an account, you can use their click and drop service. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-dhl-international-shipping\">DHL international shipping<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">DHL offers two options for businesses: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dhl.com\/gb-en\/parcel\/business-users.html\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">DHL Parcel UK<\/a> \u2013 delivery to 160 countries <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dhl.com\/gb-en\/home\/express.html\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">DHL Express<\/a> \u2013 delivery to 220 countries and territories<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-dpd-international-shipping\">DPD international shipping<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There\u2019s a range of DPD international shipping options, and they offer a specific <a href=\"https:\/\/international.dpd.co.uk\/services\/dpd-direct\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">delivery service for online businesses<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">DPD Local also offers worldwide delivery to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dpdlocal-online.co.uk\/we-deliver-to\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">these countries<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-evri-international-shipping\">Evri international shipping<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/international.evri.com\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Evri<\/a> (formally Hermes) offers international delivery, either as a one\u2013off or in bulk to more than 200 countries and territories. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-insurance-for-online-sellers\">Insurance for online sellers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re an expanding business then you\u2019ll likely already have <a href=\"\/insurance\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"470\" >business insurance<\/a>. However, make sure you let your provider know that you\u2019ve started shipping internationally as this could affect your level of cover. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Simply Business offers tailored <a href=\"\/business-insurance\/online-retailers-insurance\/\">insurance for online businesses<\/a>, which includes product liability cover (in case your product causes injury or damage to someone). Stock cover is also worth considering to protect your items from loss or damage, in case of a flood or fire for example.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tax and international shipping rules are complex, so make sure you speak to a professional advisor if you\u2019re not sure of anything. The government has more <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/browse\/business\/exports\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">information for businesses<\/a> exporting goods, and a website dedicated to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.great.gov.uk\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">helping businesses to export goods<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Do you have any questions or tips on international shipping from the UK? Let us know in the comments.   <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-more-guides-to-selling-online\">More guides to selling online<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/retail\/how-to-set-up-an-online-shop\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"985\" >How to start an online shop \u2013 step-by-step<\/a> <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/retail\/how-to-sell-on-etsy\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1141\" >How to sell on Etsy \u2013 step-by-step<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/self-assessment\/tax-on-second-job\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1546\" >A guide to second job tax<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/business-insurance\/faq\/what-type-of-business-insurance-do-i-need\/\">What type of business insurance do I need? <\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-azure-200-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-94e519ba wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"h-ready-to-set-up-your-cover\">Ready to set up your cover?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">As one of the UK&#8217;s biggest <a href=\"\/business-insurance\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"5152\" >business insurance<\/a> providers, we specialise in <a href=\"\/business-insurance\/public-liability-insurance\/\">public liability insurance<\/a> and protect more trades than anybody else. Why not take a look now and build a quick, tailored quote?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-a89b3969 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/quote.simplybusiness.co.uk\/business\">Start your quote<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"nba-body-001\">\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"nba-body-end\">\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Need to know about the rules, taxes and costs associated with international shipping? Read our guide for online shops and small businesses in the UK.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":2715,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"sb_hreflang":"","sb_hreflang_url":"","disable_breadcrumbs":false,"sb_breadcrumbs":[],"sb_reviewed_by":"","sb_review_date":"","sb_enable_content_gating":true,"footnotes":""},"categories":[347],"hidden-category":[],"coauthors":[25],"class_list":["post-1307","knowledge","type-knowledge","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-retail"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.2 (Yoast SEO v27.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>International shipping from UK: a guide for small businesses<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Need to know about the rules, taxes and costs for international shipping? Read our guide for online shops and small businesses.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/retail\/international-shipping-from-uk\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"International shipping \u2013 a complete guide\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Everything you need to know about posting parcels overseas from your UK small business.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/retail\/international-shipping-from-uk\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Simply Business UK\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/simplybusiness\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-05-22T13:14:20+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/international-shipping-uk.jpg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:title\" content=\"International shipping from UK: a guide for small businesses\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@simplybusiness\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"7 minutes\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"Catriona Fuller\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/retail\/international-shipping-from-uk\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/retail\/international-shipping-from-uk\/\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Catriona Fuller\",\"description\":\"Catriona Fuller is a content and marketing professional with 12 years\u2019 experience across the financial services, higher education, and insurance sectors. She\u2019s also a trained NCTJ Gold Standard journalist. As a Senior Copywriter at Simply Business, Catriona has in-depth knowledge of small business concerns and specialises in tax, marketing, and business operations. Catriona lives in the seaside city of Brighton where she\u2019s also a freelance yoga teacher.\"},\"headline\":\"International shipping from UK: a guide for small businesses\",\"datePublished\":\"2023-06-08T00:00:00+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-05-22T13:14:20+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/retail\/international-shipping-from-uk\/\"},\"wordCount\":1390,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/retail\/international-shipping-from-uk\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/international-shipping-uk.jpg\",\"articleSection\":[\"Retail sector\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/retail\/international-shipping-from-uk\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/retail\/international-shipping-from-uk\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/retail\/international-shipping-from-uk\/\",\"name\":\"International shipping from UK: a guide for small businesses\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/retail\/international-shipping-from-uk\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/retail\/international-shipping-from-uk\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/international-shipping-uk.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2023-06-08T00:00:00+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-05-22T13:14:20+00:00\",\"description\":\"Need to know about the rules, taxes and costs for international shipping? Read our guide for online shops and small businesses.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/retail\/international-shipping-from-uk\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/retail\/international-shipping-from-uk\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/retail\/international-shipping-from-uk\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/international-shipping-uk.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/international-shipping-uk.jpg\",\"width\":815,\"height\":458,\"caption\":\"Photograph: Gorodenkoff\/stock.adobe.com\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/retail\/international-shipping-from-uk\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Knowledge\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/%category%\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"International shipping from UK: a guide for small businesses\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/\",\"name\":\"Simply Business UK\",\"description\":\"\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/#\/schema\/person\/73ec77668d0ec554cd7df8942c664049\",\"name\":\"elliottstocks\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/themes\/simply-business\/dist\/images\/default-author-avatar.webp9df6147f02078f0218660330fdfbacf3\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/themes\/simply-business\/dist\/images\/default-author-avatar.webp\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/themes\/simply-business\/dist\/images\/default-author-avatar.webp\",\"caption\":\"elliottstocks\"}},{\"@type\":\"PostalAddress\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/retail\/international-shipping-from-uk\/#local-main-place-address\",\"streetAddress\":\"Hylo, 105 Bunhill Row\",\"addressLocality\":\"London\",\"postalCode\":\"EC1Y 8LZ\",\"addressCountry\":\"GB\"},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/retail\/international-shipping-from-uk\/#local-main-organization-logo\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/logo.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/logo.png\",\"width\":533,\"height\":187,\"caption\":\"Simply Business UK\"}]}<\/script>\n<meta name=\"geo.placename\" content=\"London\" \/>\n<meta name=\"geo.region\" content=\"United Kingdom (UK)\" \/>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"International shipping from UK: a guide for small businesses","description":"Need to know about the rules, taxes and costs for international shipping? Read our guide for online shops and small businesses.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/retail\/international-shipping-from-uk\/","og_locale":"en_GB","og_type":"article","og_title":"International shipping \u2013 a complete guide","og_description":"Everything you need to know about posting parcels overseas from your UK small business.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/retail\/international-shipping-from-uk\/","og_site_name":"Simply Business UK","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/simplybusiness","article_modified_time":"2025-05-22T13:14:20+00:00","og_image":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/international-shipping-uk.jpg","type":"","width":"","height":""}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_title":"International shipping from UK: a guide for small businesses","twitter_site":"@simplybusiness","twitter_misc":{"Est. reading time":"7 minutes","Written by":"Catriona Fuller"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/retail\/international-shipping-from-uk\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/retail\/international-shipping-from-uk\/"},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Catriona Fuller","description":"Catriona Fuller is a content and marketing professional with 12 years\u2019 experience across the financial services, higher education, and insurance sectors. She\u2019s also a trained NCTJ Gold Standard journalist. As a Senior Copywriter at Simply Business, Catriona has in-depth knowledge of small business concerns and specialises in tax, marketing, and business operations. Catriona lives in the seaside city of Brighton where she\u2019s also a freelance yoga teacher."},"headline":"International shipping from UK: a guide for small businesses","datePublished":"2023-06-08T00:00:00+00:00","dateModified":"2025-05-22T13:14:20+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/retail\/international-shipping-from-uk\/"},"wordCount":1390,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/retail\/international-shipping-from-uk\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/international-shipping-uk.jpg","articleSection":["Retail sector"],"inLanguage":"en-GB","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/retail\/international-shipping-from-uk\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/retail\/international-shipping-from-uk\/","url":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/retail\/international-shipping-from-uk\/","name":"International shipping from UK: a guide for small businesses","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/retail\/international-shipping-from-uk\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/retail\/international-shipping-from-uk\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/international-shipping-uk.jpg","datePublished":"2023-06-08T00:00:00+00:00","dateModified":"2025-05-22T13:14:20+00:00","description":"Need to know about the rules, taxes and costs for international shipping? Read our guide for online shops and small businesses.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/retail\/international-shipping-from-uk\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-GB","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/retail\/international-shipping-from-uk\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/retail\/international-shipping-from-uk\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/international-shipping-uk.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/international-shipping-uk.jpg","width":815,"height":458,"caption":"Photograph: Gorodenkoff\/stock.adobe.com"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/retail\/international-shipping-from-uk\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Knowledge","item":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/%category%\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"International shipping from UK: a guide for small businesses"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/","name":"Simply Business UK","description":"","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-GB"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/#\/schema\/person\/73ec77668d0ec554cd7df8942c664049","name":"elliottstocks","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/themes\/simply-business\/dist\/images\/default-author-avatar.webp9df6147f02078f0218660330fdfbacf3","url":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/themes\/simply-business\/dist\/images\/default-author-avatar.webp","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/themes\/simply-business\/dist\/images\/default-author-avatar.webp","caption":"elliottstocks"}},{"@type":"PostalAddress","@id":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/retail\/international-shipping-from-uk\/#local-main-place-address","streetAddress":"Hylo, 105 Bunhill Row","addressLocality":"London","postalCode":"EC1Y 8LZ","addressCountry":"GB"},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/retail\/international-shipping-from-uk\/#local-main-organization-logo","url":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/logo.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/logo.png","width":533,"height":187,"caption":"Simply Business UK"}]},"geo.placename":"London","geo.region":"United Kingdom (UK)"},"parsely":{"version":"1.1.0","canonical_url":"https:\/\/simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/retail\/international-shipping-from-uk\/","smart_links":{"inbound":0,"outbound":0},"traffic_boost_suggestions_count":0,"meta":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","headline":"International shipping from UK: a guide for small businesses","url":"http:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/retail\/international-shipping-from-uk\/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"http:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/retail\/international-shipping-from-uk\/"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/international-shipping-uk.jpg?w=150&h=150&crop=1","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/international-shipping-uk.jpg"},"articleSection":"Retail sector","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Catriona Fuller"}],"creator":["Catriona Fuller"],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Simply Business UK","logo":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/04\/icon-512x512-1.png"},"keywords":[],"dateCreated":"2023-06-08T00:00:00Z","datePublished":"2023-06-08T00:00:00Z","dateModified":"2025-05-22T13:14:20Z"},"rendered":"<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"wp-parsely-metadata\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"NewsArticle\",\"headline\":\"International shipping from UK: a guide for small businesses\",\"url\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\\\/knowledge\\\/retail\\\/international-shipping-from-uk\\\/\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\\\/knowledge\\\/retail\\\/international-shipping-from-uk\\\/\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/3\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/international-shipping-uk.jpg?w=150&h=150&crop=1\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/3\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/international-shipping-uk.jpg\"},\"articleSection\":\"Retail sector\",\"author\":[{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Catriona Fuller\"}],\"creator\":[\"Catriona Fuller\"],\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"Simply Business UK\",\"logo\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/3\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/icon-512x512-1.png\"},\"keywords\":[],\"dateCreated\":\"2023-06-08T00:00:00Z\",\"datePublished\":\"2023-06-08T00:00:00Z\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-05-22T13:14:20Z\"}<\/script>","tracker_url":"https:\/\/cdn.parsely.com\/keys\/simplybusiness.co.uk\/p.js"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/knowledge\/1307","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/knowledge"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/knowledge"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1307"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/knowledge\/1307\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":37488,"href":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/knowledge\/1307\/revisions\/37488"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2715"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1307"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1307"},{"taxonomy":"hidden-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/hidden-category?post=1307"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=1307"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}