Shipping guide

Ship internationally with confidence

Everything you need to prepare a shipment that clears customs and arrives in perfect condition.

Packing your shipment

Parcels travel through automated sorting hubs, conveyor belts and aircraft holds. Good packaging protects your goods and keeps volumetric charges down.

Use strong, double-walled boxes

Choose a box that suits the weight. Re-used boxes lose strength - remove old labels and barcodes.

Leave no empty space

Fill voids with bubble wrap or paper so contents cannot move. Items should be 5cm from each side.

Tape it H-style

Use 48mm packing tape across all seams, top and bottom. Never use string or straps on parcels.

Right-size to save money

Oversized boxes cost more through volumetric weight. Pack snugly to pay less.

Customs documents

Almost every non-document shipment leaving the UK - including to the EU - needs a commercial invoice. Our customs team checks yours before dispatch.

Clear description	"Men's cotton T-shirts", not "clothing" or "samples".
Value & currency	The real transaction value per item and in total.
Commodity (HS) code	The tariff code for each product type. We can help classify.
Country of origin	Where the goods were manufactured, not where they ship from.
Sender & receiver details	Full names, addresses, phone numbers and EORI / tax IDs where required.
Reason for export	Sale, gift, sample, repair or return.

Duties & taxes: DAP or DDP?

DAP - Delivered at Place

The receiver pays any import duties and taxes before delivery. The default for most international shipments.

DDP - Delivered Duty Paid

You pay duties and taxes up front, so your customer receives the goods with nothing to pay. Ideal for e-commerce.

Prohibited & restricted items

We do not carry IATA restricted articles or any items which by their value or characteristics are unacceptable for safety or legal reasons. Rules vary by destination - if in doubt, ask us first.

Prohibited - never accepted

Explosives, fireworks and ammunition
Flammable liquids and gases (fuel, aerosols, lighter refills)
Loose lithium batteries and damaged or recalled batteries
Illegal drugs and narcotics
Weapons, firearms and replicas
Cash, bullion and negotiable instruments
Counterfeit or pirated goods
Hazardous, toxic, corrosive or radioactive materials
Human remains and live animals

Restricted - ask us first

Lithium batteries packed with or inside equipment
Perfume, nail varnish and cosmetics containing alcohol
Food, plants and seeds
Medicines and supplements
Alcohol and tobacco
Precious metals, jewellery and watches
Artwork and antiques
Dual-use and export-controlled goods

Weights & dimensions

Accurate weights and dimensions mean accurate prices. Carriers re-weigh and re-measure every parcel and adjust charges for under-declared shipments.

Volumetric calculator Get a quote

Not sure your shipment is ready?

Send us the details - our customs team will check your paperwork before it leaves the UK.

Get an instant quote Request a callback