How to Ship Packages to the United Kingdom
Did a customer in Scotland just buy one of your products and you need to ship your merchandise over? Do you need to send a gift to a relative in London? Learn how to use Stamps.com to ship packages to the United Kingdom (U.K.)!
How to use Stamps.com for packages headed to the U.K.
Once you are ready to ship your package to the U.K., you will need to enter the mailing address details as well as choose the destination country from the drop down menu in Stamps.com.
Stamps.com offers many options; however, the easiest and most popular option is to choose United Kingdom (Great Britain) from the country drop down menu. As long as you choose United Kingdom (Great Britain), your package should reach its destination anywhere within the country without any issues.
A few other options offered by Stamps.com are explained below:
- If your package is headed to a constituent country of the U.K. (which consists of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland), you can select the individual country names (e.g. England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland) or simply select United Kingdom (Great Britain).
- Shipping a package to a crown dependency (examples include Isle of Man, Bailiwick of Jersey, Bailiwick of Guernsey etc.)? These destinations fall under the general USPS descriptor of “Great Britain and Northern Island.” In Stamps.com, these locations are listed individually (e.g. “Jersey”). You can select these individual listings or just select “United Kingdom (Great Britain).”
- Using the Stamps.com web version to print postage? Choose Great Britain from the country drop down menu to ship your packages to the U.K.
Important Note: Sometimes long country names, such as “Scotland (Great Britain and Northern Ireland)” may cause issues because your label has limited space. In cases like these or if you are not sure what country to choose from the drop-down menu, always default to United Kingdom (Great Britain).
Addressing and Shipping Tips for Your Packages
- The postal code is an important element of the mailing address that is required to ensure smooth and timely delivery. Make sure to include the accurate postal code for your package headed to the U.K.
- Stamps.com is designed to include all the essential information on your international label, so if you receive a message about your address being too long, simply abbreviate the county (province) name – for example, Hampshire as “Hamps” or “Worcestershire” as “Worcs.”
- Customs fees, duties, tariffs and taxes may be charged on your packages being shipped to the U.K. These fees are based on the value you declare on the customs form and are typically paid by your buyer in the U.K. However, you can anticipate these by checking the website for the British customs service.
- Before you ship your package to the U.K., make sure the contents do not fall into the prohibited or restricted categories; otherwise your package could be forfeited or held up at customs. Stamps.com customers can see real-time restrictions within the software or you can get more info here.
Summary: How to Ship Packages to the United Kingdom (Step‑by‑Step)
When sending packages to the UK using Stamps.com, follow these steps to ensure accuracy and smooth customs clearance:
Step 1: Choose United Kingdom as the destination country
In Stamps.com, select “United Kingdom (Great Britain)” from the country dropdown. If your destination is a constituent country (Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland), you may also choose it individually. Stamps.com
Step 2: Enter the UK postal code correctly
Ensure the postal code is entered exactly. Long county names may need to be abbreviated if the address is too long for the label. Stamps.com
Step 3: Declare customs, duties and taxes
Be clear on whether the customer or sender will pay the duties (DDP or DDU). Enter necessary customs information as part of the label creation. Stamps.com
Step 4: Check for restricted items
Confirm that your package contents are allowed for import into the UK. Restricted or prohibited items may be held or rejected. Stamps.com
Step 5: Print and ship the package
Complete the label, attach customs documentation, and send the package. Stamps.com will generate all customs forms automatically as part of the label when you create the international shipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast is Priority Mail Express International?
Delivery is made by the country's postal service in 3 - 5 business days, depending on the destination.
How fast is Priority Mail International?
Generally, it takes Priority Mail International six to ten business days. USPS hands off shipments at the border of the destination country before the local postal service completes the delivery.
How much does USPS First Class Package International® cost?
While price varies depending on weight and destination, rates for this service begin at $17 dollars.
UPS Worldwide Saver vs. UPS Worldwide Expedited: What is the speed comparison?
UPS Worldwide Saver is faster than UPS Worldwide Expedited, offering delivery by the end of the next business day to major business centers, compared to 2-5 business days for Worldwide Expedited. Worldwide Saver provides a more economical alternative to premium express services while maintaining quick delivery.
What are the UPS Worldwide Saver delivery times?
UPS Worldwide Saver guarantees delivery by the end of the business day, one day faster than UPS Worldwide Expedited. This service connects major business centers in over 220 countries and territories with time-definite delivery and customs clearance included.
What is DHL Express
DHL Express is a premium international shipping service that offers fast, time-definite delivery to over 220 countries and territories. It's designed for urgent packages, with door-to-door tracking, customs support, and express delivery options for businesses and individuals.
When using Priority Mail International, should I ship Flat Rate or by weight?
Flat Rate Envelopes are ideal for documents or small, dense items weighing 4 lbs or less, as they offer a single price based on the destination country. For items between 4 lbs and 70 lbs, or those that don't fit into the Flat Rate Envelopes, you'll need to ship by weight using your own packaging. It’s more affordable to use Flat Rate boxes if your item is under 20 lbs.
Why is it easier to ship internationally with Stamps.com?
Stamps.com makes international shipping easy by offering international services from USPS, UPS, and other carriers including GlobalPost. We make customs forms hassle free, so you can complete them online with ou guidance, and simply print to include with your international shipment.
Will my package be checked?
Yes. Your packages may be inspected to ensure compliance, as USPS is very strict about what items qualify for Media Mail.
