Send a Parcel to Europe from the UK

Everything you need to know about sending a parcel from the UK to Europe — post-Brexit customs, shipping costs, prohibited items, and expert tips for cross-channel delivery.

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Your Guide to Sending a Parcel from the UK to Europe

Since Brexit, sending parcels to the EU is no longer as simple as domestic post. This guide explains what changed, what documents you need, how long delivery takes, and what recipients may pay at customs. We deliver door-to-door across Italy, France, Spain, Germany, and all major EU countries — from £2.49/kg with a 10kg minimum, our most affordable international route.

Things to Consider Before Sending a Parcel to Europe

Before you book your shipment, here are the key things every sender should know:

Brexit Changed Everything

Since Brexit, all UK to EU shipments are treated as international exports. Customs declarations and commercial invoices are now mandatory for every parcel — even personal gifts. There is no longer a simplified process for low-value items.

Minimum Weight Requirement

The minimum chargeable weight for UK to Europe shipments is 10kg at £2.49/kg. This is our most affordable international rate — ideal for regular cross-channel shipments.

Recipients May Pay Import VAT

EU countries charge import VAT on goods from the UK. Low-value gifts under €45 between private individuals may qualify for exemption in some countries. Commercial goods over €150 are subject to full duties. The recipient pays these charges.

Post-Brexit Delays are Possible

UK parcels now go through EU customs checks that did not exist before Brexit. Allow extra transit time, especially for first-time shipments to a given country or during busy periods.

Country of Origin Matters

Under the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement, goods that are genuinely UK-made may attract reduced or zero import tariffs. Declare the correct country of origin on your commercial invoice to take advantage of this.

Food and Animal Products are Restricted

Post-Brexit rules prohibit most animal-derived food products (meat, dairy, eggs) from entering the EU from the UK. Commercially packaged non-perishable food is generally permitted but check the destination country's specific rules.

Shipping Rates from the UK to Europe

Rates are based on actual or volumetric weight, whichever is greater. Use our volumetric weight calculator to check your parcel before booking.

United Kingdom → Europe

£2.49/kg Minimum 10kg

Our most affordable international rate — ideal for regular cross-channel shipments.

Countries We Cover:

  • Italy
  • France
  • Spain
  • Germany
  • Netherlands
  • Belgium
  • Portugal
  • Poland
  • Sweden
  • Denmark
  • Austria
  • Greece
  • Czech Republic
  • Hungary
  • Romania
  • And all other EU member states

Estimated transit: 3–7 working days (subject to post-Brexit customs clearance)

Understanding Customs for Europe

Since Brexit, all shipments from the UK to EU countries are treated as international exports and are subject to customs checks at the EU border. This applies regardless of the value or contents of the parcel. Accurate documentation is now essential for all UK to Europe shipments to avoid delays.

  • All UK to EU shipments now require a full customs declaration — there is no longer a simplified process for low-value goods.
  • A commercial invoice is required for all shipments, including personal parcels.
  • The EU's Import One Stop Shop (IOSS) applies to commercial goods under €150 — VAT must be collected at point of sale.
  • Goods over €150 in value are subject to import duties and VAT in the destination EU country.
  • The recipient may be required to pay import VAT and duties before the parcel is released by customs.
  • Ensure all items have correct HS commodity codes on the commercial invoice.

Items Prohibited from Shipping to Europe

Post-Brexit, some items that previously moved freely between the UK and EU are now subject to restrictions. Check the destination country's specific rules in addition to general courier prohibitions.

✅ What You Can Send

  • Clothing, textiles, and fashion items
  • Books, documents, and printed materials
  • Non-perishable food items in original sealed packaging
  • Cosmetics and personal care products (non-flammable)
  • Electronics declared at full value
  • Gifts and personal effects with correct documentation

❌ What You Cannot Send

  • Fresh meat, dairy, and animal products from the UK (post-Brexit restriction)
  • Certain plant products without phytosanitary certificates
  • Firearms, weapons, and ammunition
  • Narcotics and controlled substances
  • Counterfeit or trademark-infringing goods
  • Flammable liquids, aerosols, and perfumes
  • Lithium batteries (standalone, uninstalled)
  • Cash and negotiable instruments

If you are unsure whether your item can be shipped, please contact our support team before booking.

Frequently Asked Questions — UK to Europe

Since Brexit, all UK to EU shipments are treated as international exports. Customs declarations and commercial invoices are now required for every shipment, regardless of value. Parcels may be subject to import duties and VAT in the destination EU country, which the recipient is responsible for paying.

Transit times to major European countries typically range from 3 to 7 working days. Post-Brexit customs clearance can add additional time, particularly during peak periods or for first-time shipments to a given country.

The minimum chargeable weight for UK to Europe shipments is 10kg at £2.49/kg. If your parcel weighs less than 10kg, it will be charged at the 10kg minimum.

Possibly. EU countries charge import VAT and duties on goods from the UK. Low-value gifts between private individuals (under €45 in some countries) may qualify for VAT exemption. Commercial goods over €150 are subject to full import duties. The recipient is responsible for any charges at their end.

Yes. Since Brexit, a commercial invoice is required for all UK to EU shipments — even personal or gift parcels. The invoice should list the contents, quantity, value, country of origin, and HS commodity codes for each item.

Post-Brexit restrictions mean that many animal-derived food products (meat, dairy, eggs) cannot be sent from the UK to the EU. Commercially packaged non-perishable food items are generally permitted. Always check the destination country's import rules for food before shipping.

We ship to all EU member states and most non-EU European countries including Italy, France, Spain, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Portugal, Poland, Sweden, Denmark, Austria, Greece, Czech Republic, Hungary, and Romania, among others. Contact us if you need to confirm availability for a specific country.

Ready to Send Your Parcel to Europe?

Get an instant quote for your UK to Europe shipment with Parcel Horse. Our most affordable international rate starts at £2.49/kg.

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