Shopping UK Websites from Kuwait: No VAT, 5% Duty and How to Save on Shipping
Shopping UK Websites from Kuwait: No VAT, 5% Duty and How to Save on Shipping
TL;DR: Kuwait doesn't charge VAT on imports, which makes buying from British websites simpler than in most of the Gulf. Most goods pay 5% customs duty on the CIF value, and personal parcels worth under KWD 100 may be exempt at the discretion of customs. Combine your orders to save on shipping, and avoid ordering perfume, aerosols, medicines, power banks and spare batteries, as they can't be forwarded.
Quick answer: can I shop from UK websites and ship to Kuwait? Yes. Customers in Kuwait City, Hawalli, Salmiya, Ahmadi and across Kuwait can use a Send2Hub address in Britain to buy from retailers that don't deliver to Kuwait directly. There's no VAT to pay, and most goods attract 5% customs duty.
How Much Does a UK Order Cost in Kuwait?
Kuwait charges customs duty of 5% on the CIF value of most goods, and has no VAT.
Personal parcels worth under KWD 100 may be exempt from duty, but this is at the discretion of customs and isn't guaranteed. Some goods, such as tobacco, are charged at much higher rates. Rules can change, so check the latest guidance from Kuwait Customs before you order.
Here's how it works in practice. Values are illustrative CIF values.
| Scenario | CIF value | Customs duty | VAT |
| Small order | KWD 80 | May be waived | None |
| Larger order | KWD 150 | 5% = KWD 7.50 | None |
| Combined order | KWD 300 | 5% = KWD 15 | None |
Our customs duty estimator gives you a guide for your own basket. Any duty is paid by the recipient. Carriers may also charge their own clearance fees, so check their terms.
What Is CIF Value?
CIF stands for Cost, Insurance and Freight. Kuwait Customs usually calculates duty on the total of the goods, the shipping cost and any insurance, not just the price you paid at the checkout. So a jacket costing KWD 90 with KWD 15 shipping has a CIF value of KWD 105.
Why Kuwait Is Different from the Rest of the Gulf
Most of Kuwait's neighbours add VAT to imported parcels. The UAE charges 5% VAT on every parcel, and Saudi Arabia charges 15%. Kuwait has not introduced VAT, so for many orders the only charge is the 5% duty. If you also shop for family elsewhere in the region, see our guides to Dubai's AED 1,000 exemption, UK shopping for the UAE and ordering for Saudi Arabia.
Should You Combine Orders?
Parcel consolidation usually cuts shipping by 40 to 60%. With no VAT and a flat 5% duty, combining orders usually makes sense: on a KWD 300 basket, duty is KWD 15, which is often less than you'd save on shipping. Compare both options in our shipping calculator, and see our guide to volumetric weight for bulky items.
Do not deliberately split a single purchase into several shipments to stay under KWD 100. Customs may review parcels together and apply their own assessment.
At Send2Hub we help customers in Kuwait combine purchases from several British retailers and compare the shipping saving against the duty before anything is sent.
Popular UK Purchases for Kuwait
British clothing brands: heritage and high street fashion from shops such as Next and Marks and Spencer, often cheaper in British sales. Check sizes with our UK size conversion guide.
School uniforms: uniform items and shoes for British curriculum schools. See our school uniform guide.
Skincare: British brands from Boots, such as No7. See our UK skincare guide.
Sportswear and football shirts: from Sports Direct and official club shops. See our football shirts guide.
Toys and collectables: including LEGO sets.
Items You Cannot Ship to Kuwait from the UK
Some items can't be forwarded by Send2Hub, whatever their value: perfume and other fragrances, aerosols, medicines, power banks and spare batteries. Kuwait also prohibits alcohol, pork products and gambling equipment. Devices with batteries built in, such as phones and laptops, can be forwarded as restricted items, without cover against loss or damage. Some electronics may need approval in Kuwait. See our prohibited and restricted items page for the full list.
How to Order from the UK to Kuwait
1. Register free and get your address in Britain, with your unique unit number.
2. Shop British websites and enter your Send2Hub address at checkout. If your card is declined, see our guide on paying UK shops from abroad.
3. Each parcel is photographed on arrival. For extra peace of mind, request an inspection before it's shipped.
4. Keep everything in free storage (30 days on Individual, 45 on Business, 60 on Premium) and combine your orders.
5. Compare Royal Mail, Parcelforce, UPS, DHL, FedEx and DPD in our shipping calculator.
6. Any duty is paid by the recipient.
Use code SEND2HUB2026 for 5% off shipping until 31 December 2026, on up to 10 shipments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there VAT on UK parcels to Kuwait?
No. Kuwait has not introduced VAT, so imported parcels aren't charged it.
Is there a duty-free limit in Kuwait?
Personal parcels under KWD 100 may be exempt from duty, at the discretion of customs.
How is customs duty calculated in Kuwait?
Usually 5% of the CIF value: the goods, shipping and insurance together.
Who pays the duty?
The recipient, usually on delivery or through the carrier.
Can UK retailers ship directly to Kuwait?
Some do, but many don't. A delivery address in Britain gives you access to a much wider range of British retailers.
Can I order from UK websites that don't ship to Kuwait?
Yes. Order to your Send2Hub address in Britain and we forward the parcel to you in Kuwait.
How long does shipping from the UK to Kuwait take?
It depends on the carrier, the service and customs clearance. Compare carriers and services in our shipping calculator before you ship.
Can I combine orders?
Yes. With no VAT and 5% duty, the shipping saving is usually bigger than the extra duty.
Can I send perfume to Kuwait?
No. Perfume and aerosols can't be forwarded, so check gift sets before you buy.