If you want to learn about international shipping to the UK, you’ve come to the right place. Most airlines will include one checked bag at no extra cost on long-haul flights. However, if you’re looking to bring extra clothes or bulky items, you may consider shipping these items.
In the UK there are no duty or taxes applicable for personal items that you have owned for 12 months or more. It is however important that you do not ship items which may be subject to duty or taxes or items which are prohibited. This includes any goods which customs might deem to be for commercial purposes or any items listed below. Also, if you are planning on shipping “New” items in original boxes then take them out of the box before shipping.
If your goods are inspected and fall into any of these categories you may incur further costs for duty, taxes, storage and other fees charged by customs, indeed these items may also be confiscated and fines applied.
Banned and Restricted
Regardless of what country you are travelling from there are certain goods that you are not allowed to bring into the UK.
- Drugs (such as heroine, morphine, cocaine)
- Offensive weapons (such as flick knives, daggers, swordsticks, and some martial arts equipment)
- Indecent and obscene material (such as books, magazines, films)
Require the relevant license or permit
- Firearms, explosives and ammunition
- Samurai Swords
- Live animals
- Endangered animals or plants
- Certain radio transmitters
- Rough diamonds
Food and Plants
You are not allowed to bring in any meat or dairy products from most countries. The majority of fruits, vegetables, seeds and bulbs are subject to weight or quantity restrictions. Some plants and plant products (including potatoes) and loose soil may not be brought into the UK unless you have obtained the relevant licence.
Freight Forwarders and Shipping Agents
We suggest using a freight forwarder to handle this process as it can become quite complex. These experts will arrange to collect and package your items from your home and then store, ship and deliver your goods to your new home. There knowledge of the UK customs laws will help you save time and money, and will help sort any paperwork required to avoid any hiccups at customs.
Latest Articles
Homes for Rent in the UK [2024]
Homes for rent in the UK in 2024 can be a difficult process when you are new to the country. When you move to the UK for work, you are most likely to rent in the beginning. In 2023, net migration in to the UK was 672,000 with many newcomers moving to popular cities such […]
Immigration Salary List UK (ISL) [2024]
The Immigration Salary List (ISL) will replace the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) in the United Kingdom from the 4th of April 2024. The ISL contains 23 occupations that are most in demand in the UK for 2024, the list will be updated on an annual basis. There is some changes from the SOL including eligibility […]
Shortage Occupation List UK – Skilled Worker Visa [2026]
The Shortage Occupation List UK 2026, now officially known as the Immigration Salary List (ISL), highlights the job roles currently in demand across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. This list helps employers sponsor overseas workers for roles facing national skills shortages, including scientists, engineers, healthcare professionals, IT specialists, and construction trades. Although the Shortage […]
Youth Mobility Visa UK 2024 [Updated]
The Youth Mobility visa UK is a working holiday scheme that allows young people to work in the UK without job sponsorship. This visa is a popular one as it allows you to travel around the UK whilst gaining work experience for two years. You do not have to be sponsored by an employer, meet […]
How to work as a UK nurse from overseas [2024]
Registered nurses are in high demand in the United Kingdom and are currently on the Skilled Worker Occupations List. Nurses (2231 to 2237) are needed in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland with the National Health Service (NHS) hiring from overseas to close the skills shortage gap. Once you are registered and can work as […]
India Young Professionals Scheme 2024
The India Young Professionals Scheme was launched in early 2023. It became the best visa option for young Indians that want to live and work in the United Kingdom. The scheme is ideal as it allows young people to live and work for two years without job sponsorship. This allows time for you to find […]
What is the Skilled Worker Visa UK?
The Skilled Worker visa is one of the most popular long-term immigration routes for international professionals looking to live and work in the United Kingdom. This visa is designed to attract skilled workers across industries such as healthcare, IT, engineering, education and construction. In article, we cover everything you need to know about the UK […]
Moving to UK – How to Immigrate to the UK
Moving to another country is a big decision but can be a huge opportunity to improve your life. The United Kingdom is a popular choice for skilled workers with over 1.2 million skilled people moving here in 2023, this is more than Canada and Australia. Most people immigrate to the UK for the British culture, […]