Getting a parcel from the UK to another country isn’t complicated. The paperwork, though, is a different story if you’ve never done it before. A missing customs document, the wrong commodity code, or a shipment that’s incorrectly valued can hold your goods at the border for days. Read on for everything you need before you send anything abroad.
Why UK Businesses Are Sending More Goods Abroad
The opportunity is there. UK goods exports totalled xc2xa3384.5 billion in 2025, according to official government trade statistics. The United States now accounts for 21.8% of all UK exports, with Germany, Ireland, and the Netherlands among the other major markets.
For small and medium businesses, that means real customers are waiting. Whether you’re fulfilling an order for an overseas client, returning a repaired component to a supplier, or shipping product samples to a new market, a dedicated international courier can move your goods quickly without the complexity of a full freight operation.
The rules that govern international shipments are different to domestic delivery. Understanding them saves time, money, and the headache of a held shipment.
The First Thing You Need: An EORI Number
Before you can make a customs declaration and move goods out of the UK, you need an EORI (Economic Operator Registration and Identification) number. It’s a mandatory requirement for any business exporting goods from Great Britain, as confirmed by HMRC on gov.uk/eori.
The application is free and takes a few working days to process. UK EORI numbers start with the letters GB. If your business operates in Northern Ireland and trades with the EU, you may also need an XI prefix EORI.
Without one, your shipment cannot be declared at UK customs. Apply before you book your first international delivery.
The Documents Every International Shipment Needs
Documentation trips up most first-time international shippers. Get the paperwork wrong and the shipment stalls. Get it right and the goods move cleanly.
Commercial invoice: It’s the core document for customs clearance. It must include a full description of the goods, their declared value, the country of origin, the quantity, and the HS (Harmonised System) commodity code. Incorrect values are one of the most common reasons shipments are held at the border.
Packing list: A detailed breakdown of what is in each package, including weights and dimensions for every box or pallet.
Customs declaration: All UK exports are submitted through the Customs Declaration Service (CDS). Most couriers and freight handlers will prepare this for you, but you remain responsible for the accuracy of what you provide.
For postal shipments, parcels valued at xc2xa3270 or under need a CN22 form. Parcels over xc2xa3270 need a CN23. Your courier should confirm which applies.
What International Shipping Actually Costs
A lot of businesses get caught out the first time. The price quoted by the courier is typically the freight charge. That’s rarely the full picture.
The actual cost usually includes freight, any fuel or remote area surcharges, export customs handling fees, import duties and taxes at the destination country, and insurance if you want the goods covered in transit. Duties depend on the commodity code, the declared value, and the destination country’s rate. The EU applies import VAT on all commercial goods regardless of value.
A reputable courier walks you through estimated landed costs before you confirm the booking. Flextro’s international shipping service uses dedicated vehicles for urgent or high-value shipments, with clear pricing quoted before you book.
Commodity Codes: Get Them Right First Time
Every product crossing an international border needs a commodity code, also known as an HS code. The code determines the rate of import duty applied at the destination. Use the wrong one and you risk incorrect duty charges, customs queries, or goods being held for inspection.
The UK Global Online Tariff on gov.uk lets you search for the correct code for your product. If you’re unsure, your courier or a customs broker can help identify the right classification. For businesses shipping the same product regularly, the code stays the same every time, so you only need to work it out once.
Why International Shipments Get Delayed
Even when the booking is confirmed and the packaging is solid, delays happen. These are the most common causes.
Incomplete or inaccurate documentation is the biggest one. A missing signature, an incorrect declared value, or a wrong goods description can stop your shipment at the UK border or at destination customs. Always double-check every field before the goods go.
Poor packaging is the next. International parcels travel further, change hands more times, and face more pressure than domestic deliveries. Standard domestic boxes often aren’t enough. Export-grade packaging with adequate internal cushioning is worth the extra cost when the alternative is a damage claim.
Incoterm confusion causes problems at both ends. Incoterms define who bears costs and risks at each stage of the journey. Using the wrong one means unexpected charges landing on either side, with neither party knowing who should pay.
Wrong commodity codes slow things down too, either through incorrect duty calculation or a customs hold for manual inspection.
How to Choose an International Courier
Not all couriers handle international shipments the same way. Shared freight networks route goods through multiple depots and handling points. Dedicated vehicle services move your goods in a single vehicle from collection to destination, without the wait times or the extra handling.
For time-sensitive or high-value shipments, the dedicated vehicle option cuts handling risk directly. Your goods travel alone, not consolidated with anyone else’s cargo.
When comparing couriers, check whether they handle customs documentation or leave that entirely to you. Check whether tracking covers the full international journey or just the domestic UK leg. Ask whether they can advise on duties and landed costs before you book. And check whether they offer business account rates for regular international shipping.
A courier that also handles urgent document delivery alongside freight can dispatch export paperwork at short notice, which matters when a deadline is close.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an EORI number to ship goods abroad from the UK?
Yes. An EORI number is mandatory for any UK business making customs export declarations. You apply for one free at gov.uk/eori. UK numbers begin with the letters GB. Without one, your goods cannot clear UK customs.
What documents do I need to send a business parcel abroad?
A commercial invoice, a packing list, and a customs declaration submitted through the Customs Declaration Service. The commercial invoice must state the goods description, HS commodity code, declared value, country of origin, and full recipient details. For postal shipments, a CN22 (under xc2xa3270) or CN23 (over xc2xa3270) form is also required.
How do import duties work when I send goods to the EU?
Goods entering an EU country from the UK are subject to import VAT and potentially customs duty, based on the commodity code and declared value. Rates vary by product and destination. Your courier or a customs broker can calculate expected duty before the shipment goes.
What is the difference between DDP and DAP shipping terms?
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) means you as the sender cover all costs including import duties at the destination. DAP (Delivered At Place) means the recipient pays import duties on arrival. The right choice depends on your arrangement with the buyer. Using the wrong Incoterm leads to unexpected costs on one or both sides.
How long does international courier delivery take from the UK?
It depends on the service and destination. European destinations typically take one to three working days with an express service. The US can take three to five working days. Customs clearance times vary by country and can extend these timescales when documentation is incomplete.
Can a courier handle my customs clearance?
Many couriers include customs documentation support as part of their international service, particularly for business account holders. They prepare the export declaration using the information you supply. You remain responsible for the accuracy of that information.
Shipping Goods Internationally Without the Stress
International shipping from the UK is more manageable than it looks once you know what’s needed. Get your EORI number before you need it, prepare your documents carefully, use the correct commodity codes, and work with a courier that’s upfront about costs.
Whether you’re sending a single urgent shipment or need a regular international setup, Flextro collects from across the UK within 60 minutes and uses dedicated vehicles for a direct, tracked route. Need a pallet shipped abroad? That’s covered too. Get a quote to see what it costs for your shipment.