Shipping to the USA? Everything UK Ecommerce Sellers Need to Know

The USA is one of the world’s largest ecommerce markets. For UK brands, selling and shipping to the US represents a huge growth opportunity but navigating customs, duties, and carrier options can feel daunting.

While contracting international fulfilment and shipping to a 3PL can seem like the simple path, this results in a hit to your margins, a loss of control and can lead to unexpected costs. 

So if you’re keen to avoid the pitfalls of contracting out and instead want to sell into the USA and fulfil orders in-house, this is the guide for you. I’ll break down everything you need to know about shipping to the USA, from costs and customs to delivery options, restrictions, and how shipping software like Zenstores can simplify the entire process.

‍

Why Ship from the UK to the USA

If you’re considering shipping to the USA, it can be hard to know if navigating international shipping is worth the effort. 

However, the United States is one of the largest and fastest-growing ecommerce markets in the world. US online retail sales are increasing by around 15% each year. Even if your current order volume is modest, opening your store to US customers allows you to:

• Reach a significantly larger audience without changing your core business
• Test demand in a high-value market, ideal for validating new or niche products
• Grow international brand visibility, even while fulfilling everything from the UK

For some UK ecommerce businesses, the USA can quickly become their most profitable international market.

‍

Key Considerations for UK Ecommerce Sellers Shipping to the US

Starting international shipping can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into key components makes it far more manageable. 

Here are the core areas UK ecommerce brands should understand before sending parcels to the USA:

1. Duties & Taxes for US Shipments

One of the biggest concerns for UK sellers is understanding how duties and taxes work.

With the removal of the previous $800 duty-free allowance, almost all parcels entering the USA are now subject to customs charges. This makes accurate declarations more important than ever. 

Incorrect or vague item values can lead to:

• Overpaying duties
• Customers receiving unexpected bills
• Parcels being delayed or refused by customs

2. Customs Forms & Documentation 

Accurate documentation not only speeds up customs clearance but also prevents avoidable delays, errors, and unexpected charges for both you and your customers.

Every shipment to the USA must include complete and accurate customs paperwork, including:

• Detailed product descriptions
• Correct item values
• HS codes (Harmonised System codes) to classify your products for customs purposes

3. US Delivery Options 

Selecting the right shipping service ensures your parcels move through customs smoothly, arrive on time, and provide the reliable delivery experience US customers expect. 

Ensure you understand the delivery services offered by different carriers, in order to select the right one for your business..

4. Product Restrictions for US Shipping

The USA enforces strict import rules and sending restricted products can lead to parcels being seized, destroyed, or returned. Always check US import regulations for your product category before enabling US shipping.

Certain items are restricted or prohibited, including some:

• Food and drink products
• Plant-based items
• Chemicals or cosmetic ingredients

How Long Does Shipping from the UK to the USA Take?

Delivery times vary depending on the carrier, service level, and the size or weight of your parcel. While exact timings can differ, here are typical estimates UK ecommerce brands can expect when shipping to the USA:

• Royal Mail: Usually 5–7 business days for most international services
• Evri: Typically 7–12 days
• FedEx: Around 1–5 business days, depending on the service selected
• DHL: Generally 3–9 days for US delivery

These are average timeframes and can change based on seasonal demand, customs processing, or carrier-specific delays.

A common mistake is over-promising fast delivery. US customers generally understand that international orders take longer – what they value most is clear, accurate expectations and reliable tracking.

‍

How Much Does It Cost to Ship to the USA?

Shipping costs to the USA vary depending on several factors, and understanding these can help you choose the most cost-effective service for your orders. The main elements that influence price include:

• Parcel weight: Heavier items naturally cost more to ship internationally.
• Parcel dimensions: Large or bulky items can push parcels into higher pricing tiers.
• Service speed: Express and premium shipping services are faster but more expensive than standard or economy options.
• Carrier selection: Different carriers charge different rates based on their network, speed, and handling processes.
• Tracking and insurance: Adding extra tracking or protection increases the cost but may be worthwhile for higher-value items.
• Destination factors: Remote or less accessible regions of the US can carry additional surcharges.

‍

Common Mistakes UK Sellers Make When Shipping to the USA

Shipping to the USA becomes much smoother when you avoid the most frequent mistakes UK ecommerce sellers run into. Here are some key pitfalls – and how to prevent them:

1. Using Vague Product Descriptions

General terms like “gifts” or “accessories” may not be specific enough for US customs. 

How to avoid it: Use clear product names that accurately reflect what’s inside the parcel.

2. Incorrect or Missing HS Codes

Incorrect HS codes are one of the biggest causes of customs delays and misclassified duties.

How to avoid it: Ensure you have accurate HS codes on all shipments.

3. Including Digital or Non-Shippable Items on Customs Forms

Shopify Tips, digital products, and gift cards can mistakenly appear on customs declarations, inflating parcel values and causing errors.

How to avoid it: Ensure your fulfillment software excludes non-shippable items automatically from customs paperwork.

4. Not Collecting Duties at Checkout

If duties aren’t collected upfront, parcels can be delayed, refused, or held until the customer pays unexpected fees.

How to avoid it: Use PDDP (Delivered Duties Paid) services so duties are handled in advance and customers never face surprise charges.

‍

Simplify UK to USA Shipping with Zenstores

Shipping internationally, to the USA and beyond, can be complex. Zenstores is designed to simplify the process for ecommerce brands, helping you ship both domestically and internationally without getting bogged down in admin.

Here’s how Zenstores makes US shipping easier:

1. Automatically Generates Accurate Customs Forms

Zenstores pulls product data directly from Shopify and other ecommerce marketplaces, including descriptions, values, and HS codes, and completes every field correctly.

No manual typing, no copy-pasting, and no risk of errors – ensuring smoother customs clearance.

2. Excludes Digital and Non-Shippable Items

Digital products, gift cards, or Shopify Tips are automatically excluded from customs declarations, preventing mistakes, over-payments and delays.

3. Supports Royal Mail’s US Services and PDDP Options

With Royal Mail’s new Delivered Duties Paid (PDDP) services, duties are paid upfront, so customers never face surprise fees. Zenstores also automatically applies the correct service codes to keep shipments fully compliant.

4. Helps You Pick the Right Service Every Time

With Zenstores, you can set up custom shipping rules so the system automatically selects and books the best service for each order. For example, US parcels under 2kg will use Royal Mail International Standard. This ensures every parcel is handled efficiently, saving time and avoiding costly mistakes.

5. Centralises All Orders in One Place

Manage UK, US, and international orders from a single dashboard, making fulfilment faster, simpler, and less stressful.

6. Reduces Mistakes and Prevents Delays

Automation significantly lowers the risk of human error, meaning fewer:

• Returned parcels
• Delays at US customs
• Customer complaints
• Extra duty charges

With Zenstores handling customs, PDDP, service codes, and order management, shipping to the USA becomes far less intimidating – and far more scalable.

‍

Start Shipping to the US with Confidence

Shipping to the USA doesn’t have to be complicated. With accurate customs information, a clear understanding of duties, delivery options, and product restrictions, UK ecommerce sellers can confidently access one of the world’s most valuable ecommerce markets.

Zenstores takes the hassle out of international shipping – handling customs paperwork, PDDP options, Shopify syncing, and carrier updates – so you can scale your US orders efficiently and confidently.

Ready to start shipping to the USA? Explore how Zenstores can simplify your international orders and expand your brand overseas.