Since Brexit, sending goods from the UK to the EU means customs paperwork — even for a single parcel. It’s very manageable once you know what’s needed; the delays happen when the documents are missing or wrong.
What changed
The EU is now a customs border for UK senders. Every commercial shipment needs a customs declaration, and the goods have to be described accurately for customs on both sides. The official rules for sending items abroad are set out in the UK government’s guidance on sending post or a parcel abroad.
What you’ll usually need
- A commercial invoice — describing the goods, their value, weight and origin.
- An EORI number — a business ID for customs (starts with GB), if you’re sending commercially.
- Correct commodity (HS) codes — so the goods are classified and taxed correctly.
- Clear contents and value — vague descriptions like “gift” or “samples” cause hold-ups.
Duties and import VAT may apply in the destination country, and who pays them (you or the recipient) should be agreed up front.
How to make it smooth
- Fill in the paperwork completely and accurately — most delays are documentation errors, not transport.
- Package for a longer journey and more handling — see how to package a parcel.
- Make sure the shipment is insured in transit for its full value.
- Use a courier that coordinates the UK collection and the onward European leg for you, so you deal with one company.
That’s how our European and international courier service works: our own drivers collect in the UK, and we arrange onward delivery into Europe through trusted partners — guiding you on the paperwork rather than leaving you to navigate it alone. We don’t invent customs advice; for the legal detail, always check the official gov.uk guidance above.
Red Eagle Logistics moves UK-to-Europe consignments, collected here and delivered onward through vetted partners. Get a quote.
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