Sending a parcel internationally involves a few more steps than sending within the UK, but with Interparcel, those steps are built into one clear and straightforward booking process.
We collect the information required for your international shipment as you book, guiding you through it step by step. From describing what you are sending and confirming where it was made to providing its value, HS code and other customs details, we explain what information is needed and give you the tools to provide it.
You do not need to understand customs terminology or be an international shipping expert before you start. What you need is accurate information about the goods you are sending. Interparcel guides you through the rest.
That reassurance has become increasingly important as customs rules have changed, low-value import arrangements have been revised and authorities have placed greater emphasis on accurate shipment information. There may be more detail involved in sending internationally today, but that does not mean booking your delivery needs to feel more complicated.
Sections in this blog:
Customs requirements are changing, but we help you through them
International customs has seen a number of significant developments in a relatively short period, affecting everything from low-value parcels to the information required about the goods being shipped.
Some of the key changes include:
- 7 August 2025 - New US import tariffs took effect:
New tariff rates were introduced for goods manufactured in more than 60 countries, making accurate country of manufacture information particularly important. - 29 August 2025 - US de minimis exemption ended:
The long-standing $800 exemption was removed, meaning lower-value shipments entering the United States could become subject to duties that would not previously have applied. - 15 June 2026 - Additional EU product information recommended:
Businesses sending applicable B2C shipments into the EU were advised to begin supplying additional product information ahead of new customs requirements. - 1 July 2026 - New EU low-value customs rules took effect:
New customs duty arrangements were introduced for goods valued at €150 or less, alongside increased requirements for accurate product and customs data. - 1 November 2026 - New EU product identifier requirements:
B2C low-value eCommerce shipments entering the EU will need additional product data, including the seller's own SKU (M-PID), a manufacturer or supplier product code (NS-PID) and, where available, a standardised product identifier (S-PID). A new Customs Handling Fee is also expected to apply, currently indicated at €2 per line item in addition to the €3 duty charge. Shipments missing the required product information may be returned.
For senders, these changes make accurate information more important, but the fundamentals remain manageable. Customs needs to understand what you are sending, how much it is worth, where it was manufactured and how the goods should be classified.
Most of that is information you already have. Interparcel's role is to help you provide it in the right way. Rather than expecting you to investigate every customs requirement before you begin, we collect the relevant details as you progress through your booking.
Why accurate customs information matters
When a parcel reaches a border, customs authorities need enough information to understand what is entering the country. A description such as "parts", "clothes", "samples" or "gift" may be too broad, so providing a clear and specific description can help customs process the shipment using the information supplied.
The value of the goods and their country of manufacture are also important because these details can affect how applicable taxes and duties are assessed.
Another key piece of information is the HS code. These internationally recognised codes are used by customs authorities to classify different types of products and, with thousands of classifications available, finding the appropriate one can understandably feel unfamiliar.
You are not expected to memorise them or work through customs manuals yourself. Interparcel includes an HS code lookup as part of the customs process, helping you identify the appropriate classification while arranging your delivery.
The principle is simple: you tell us about the goods you are sending and our booking process helps you provide the information your shipment requires.
We collect the information your shipment needs
One of the best ways to help an international parcel move smoothly is to make sure the required information is in place before its journey begins. That is why customs information is built directly into the Interparcel booking process.
Depending on the shipment, we can ask you for:
- A clear and accurate description of each item
- The quantity and value of the goods
- The country in which the goods were manufactured
- The appropriate HS or commodity code
- The reason for export
- Relevant customs details for the sender and recipient
You do not need to know in advance which pieces of information will be required or where they belong on a customs declaration. We take you through the process step by step, asking for the relevant information at the appropriate point in your booking.
For occasional senders, this makes international shipping much easier to approach. For regular exporters and eCommerce businesses, it provides a consistent process without having to remember which information needs to accompany each shipment.
The information you supply can then be used to prepare the shipping and customs documentation associated with your booking, helping to give your parcel the best possible start to its international journey.
Take control of customs charges with DDP Guaranteed - or choose DDU
For many senders, one of the biggest uncertainties with international shipping is what happens when the parcel reaches its destination. Will duty or tax be payable, and will the recipient be asked to make an unexpected payment before the parcel can be delivered?
This is particularly important for businesses selling internationally, where an additional customs bill can affect the customer's experience even when the charge itself is completely legitimate.
This is where Delivered Duty Paid, or DDP, can provide much greater certainty. With DDP, applicable duties and taxes can be dealt with by the sender when the delivery is booked rather than being left for the recipient to pay at destination.
Interparcel offers DDP on eligible international FedEx Express, UPS and DPD services, and our service goes a step further with the Interparcel DDP Guarantee.
When DDP Guaranteed is selected and the parcel contents, values and customs information have been declared accurately and completely, the amount calculated for the applicable duties and taxes covered by the guarantee is the amount you pay.
The price you see is the price you pay for the applicable guaranteed customs charges.
That can be particularly valuable for an eCommerce business. The applicable customs charges can be dealt with when the delivery is booked, rather than your customer unexpectedly being asked to settle the covered duties and taxes before receiving their order.
DDP is not the only option. You can also choose Delivered Duty Unpaid, or DDU, where the recipient remains responsible for applicable import duties and taxes. This may suit businesses or recipients who are accustomed to managing their own imports.
The important thing is that you have the choice. You can select the option that best suits the shipment and the experience you want for the recipient.
Protect your parcel with Transit Cover
For extra peace of mind, most Interparcel courier services include a level of Transit Cover as standard, with the option to add Enhanced Cover where available if the value of your parcel is higher. This can help protect you financially in the rare event that an eligible shipment is lost or damaged in transit.
You can read more in our recent guide to the importance of Transit Cover.
Choose the delivery speed that works for you
Once the customs information is taken care of, you can choose a delivery service that suits your priorities. Sometimes speed matters most, while for other shipments you may have more flexibility and prefer to keep the cost down.
Interparcel lets you compare eligible international courier services for your parcel and destination from one search. Depending on where and what you are sending, you may see a choice of Economy, Standard and Express services, alongside collection and Drop Off options where available.
If a time-sensitive shipment needs to arrive quickly, you can choose an Express option. If the parcel is less urgent, an Economy service may offer better value.
You do not have to visit several courier websites or enter the same information repeatedly. Enter your parcel details once and Interparcel brings the available choices together so you can select the service that works for you.
Send internationally with confidence
International parcel delivery has become more detailed, but more detail does not have to mean more difficulty.
Whether you are sending your first parcel overseas, arranging an occasional international delivery or shipping orders around the world every day, Interparcel gives you one clear process to follow.
We collect the information your shipment requires step by step, help with customs classifications such as HS codes, compare suitable international courier services and give you the option of taking greater control of import charges through DDP Guaranteed.
You still decide how quickly the parcel needs to arrive, which service suits your budget and whether DDP or DDU is right for the shipment.
You provide accurate details about what you are sending. Interparcel guides you through the rest.
Customs requirements may continue to evolve, but sending internationally does not need to feel complicated. With Interparcel, you can provide the information your shipment needs, choose the service that suits you and send internationally with confidence.
If you require any help with your delivery, please get in touch with our parcel experts.
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