Shipping Within the European Union
One of the major advantages of the EU's single market is the free movement of goods between member states. For most parcels shipped between EU countries, there are no customs declarations, no import duties, and no VAT at the border. You can ship from France to Germany, Spain to the Netherlands, or Italy to Poland with the same ease as a domestic shipment.
However, even within the EU, some items are subject to restrictions (e.g., certain food products, plant materials, or controlled goods). Always check the carrier's prohibited items policy for the specific route.
Shipping to Non-EU European Countries
Several popular European destinations — including the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Turkey — are not EU members and therefore require customs documentation for incoming parcels.
Key Documents for Non-EU Shipments
- Commercial invoice: Required for items with commercial value. Must include sender and recipient details, item description, quantity, declared value, and country of origin.
- CN22 / CN23 customs form: Used for postal shipments (via national post offices). CN22 is for lower-value goods; CN23 for higher-value items.
- EUR.1 movement certificate: Used to claim preferential duty rates under EU trade agreements with certain countries (e.g., Switzerland, Norway under EEA arrangements).
Understanding VAT and Duties
When shipping to non-EU countries, the recipient may be required to pay import VAT and customs duties before the parcel is released. Rates and thresholds vary by country:
- United Kingdom: Goods valued above £135 are subject to UK customs duty and import VAT. Below £135, only VAT applies (often collected at point of sale via IOSS-equivalent schemes).
- Switzerland: Import VAT applies to most goods; duty-free threshold is relatively low.
- Norway: Customs duty and VAT apply above a low value threshold; many carriers offer DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) options.
DDP vs. DDU: Which Should You Choose?
| Term | Meaning | Who Pays Duties? |
|---|---|---|
| DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid) | Parcel delivered; recipient pays customs on arrival | Recipient |
| DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) | All duties and taxes paid upfront by sender | Sender / Merchant |
For e-commerce businesses, DDP shipping is strongly recommended as it improves the customer experience and reduces the risk of parcel refusal at customs.
Choosing the Right Service for Cross-Border Shipments
- Economy tracked: Suitable for non-urgent, lower-value goods. Transit times of 5–10 business days. Best for relay point delivery within relay carrier networks.
- Standard courier: 2–5 business day delivery door-to-door. Carriers like DPD, GLS, and DHL Parcel are strong options.
- Express: 1–2 business day delivery. DHL Express, FedEx, or UPS for time-sensitive or high-value items.
Practical Tips for Cross-Border Shipping Success
- Always use accurate, complete delivery addresses including postcode and country code.
- Declare the correct value on customs forms — under-declaration is illegal and can result in parcel seizure.
- Use a carrier with experience in your specific cross-border route.
- For relay point delivery, confirm the carrier's relay network exists in the destination country.
- Retain your tracking number and shipping receipt until delivery is confirmed.
Cross-border shipping in Europe has never been more accessible, with numerous carriers offering competitive rates and reliable service across the continent. Understanding the customs and documentation requirements for your specific route is the key to smooth, hassle-free international parcel delivery.