UK Customs and Duties Explained

What changed after Brexit?

Since the UK left the EU single market in January 2021, goods sent from Great Britain to Ireland and EU countries are treated as international imports. This means customs declarations are required and duties or VAT may apply at the destination. Northern Ireland follows different rules under the Windsor Framework, which keeps it aligned with EU customs for goods.

Who is responsible for customs charges?

As the recipient, you are the importer of record. Any customs duty, import VAT, or handling fees charged by the destination country are your responsibility. PostUK does not collect or pay these charges on your behalf. They are typically collected by the delivering courier or postal service before the parcel is released to you.

Common charges you may see

• Customs duty: A percentage of the declared goods value, based on the product category. Rates vary but are typically 0-12% for consumer goods.
• Import VAT: Charged at the destination country's VAT rate on the goods value plus any duty. In Ireland this is 23% for most items.
• Handling fee: Some couriers and postal services add a small handling charge for processing customs paperwork on your behalf.

Duty thresholds for Ireland and the EU

For shipments into the EU, customs duty is generally applied when the goods value exceeds €150. Import VAT applies to all commercial goods regardless of value. Low-value consignments under €150 may still attract VAT but are usually exempt from customs duty.

Tips to avoid surprises

• Check the declared value: Make sure the retailer's invoice reflects the actual purchase price. Undeclaring value can cause delays or penalties.
• Keep receipts: Having proof of purchase helps if customs queries the value of your goods.
• Factor in VAT: When budgeting for a UK purchase, add your country's import VAT rate to the total cost.
• Use Quick Quote: Our Quick Quote tool shows shipping costs upfront. Customs charges are separate and depend on your country's rules.

Shipping to Ireland specifically

Ireland is one of the most common destinations for PostUK customers. Parcels to Ireland are subject to Irish customs rules. For more detail on how to shop from UK retailers and forward to Ireland, see our guide to buying from UK shops or our dedicated Ship to Ireland page.

Shipping to the rest of Europe

Each EU country sets its own VAT rate, but the €150 duty threshold applies across the union. For country-specific information, check your national customs authority website. You can also view estimated shipping costs to any European destination using our Quick Quote tool, or visit our Ship to Europe page.