U.S. Customs Regulations for Shipping from the UK to the USA
When shipping goods from the UK to the USA, compliance with U.S. Customs Service regulations, enforced by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), is essential to ensure smooth clearance and delivery. Here’s what businesses and individuals using a service like Send2Hub need to know:
1. Customs Clearance Process
All goods entering the USA from the UK must pass through CBP for clearance. This involves:
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Documentation Review: CBP examines paperwork to verify the shipment’s contents, value, and compliance with U.S. laws.
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Physical Inspection: Goods may be inspected to ensure they match the declared description and adhere to regulations.
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Duty and Tax Assessment: Applicable fees are calculated based on the shipment’s value and classification.
2. Required Documentation
To clear U.S. customs, Send2Hub shipments need the following:
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Commercial Invoice: Details the goods, their value, buyer/seller information, and terms of sale. This is mandatory for all shipments.
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Packing List: Lists the contents, quantity, weight, and dimensions of each package for verification.
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Bill of Lading (Sea Freight) or Air Waybill (Air Freight): Acts as a receipt and contract of carriage, proving ownership and transport details.
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Customs Declaration (e.g., CBP Form 3461 or 7501): Required for formal entry if goods exceed $2,500 in value or are regulated.
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Certificate of Origin: May be requested to verify the UK as the country of origin, especially for tariff purposes.
3. Duties and Taxes
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No Duty-Free Threshold: As of August 29, 2025, the previous $800 de minimis exemption under Section 321 has been withdrawn. All shipments entering the U.S.—regardless of value—are now subject to standard customs clearance procedures, including applicable duties and regulatory checks.
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Import Duties: Duties are assessed based on the product’s Harmonized System (HS) code, an international classification standard.
Rates vary by category—for example, apparel may incur duties between 5% and 20%, while electronics or home goods may be taxed differently.
For precise rates, refer to the Check the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule for specifics.
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Taxes: The United States does not impose a federal VAT, but state-level sales taxes may apply depending on the destination.
In most cases, online platforms, importers or shipping companies collect and remit these taxes. We will charge them to you additionally after the checkout. If additional payment for tax applies to your your shipment, we will only ship your order once the additional payment relating to applicable taxes is made. Recipients may be liable for additional state taxes if the seller or shipping company does not handle them.
- Entry Filing Requirements
All imports now require formal entry filing, typically under Entry Type 11.
Simplified filings like Entry Type 86 are no longer accepted. Importers must ensure accurate documentation, including product descriptions, HS codes, and declared values.
4. Prohibited and Restricted Items
CBP restricts or bans certain goods from entering the USA:
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Prohibited: Illegal drugs, counterfeit items, certain meat/dairy products (e.g., fresh UK cheeses), and items violating intellectual property laws.
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Restricted:
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Alcohol/tobacco: Requires permits and compliance with Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) rules.
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Plants/seeds: Needs USDA phytosanitary certificates to prevent pest introduction.
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Firearms: Subject to strict licensing under the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
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Cultural artifacts: Must prove legal export from the UK.
Send2Hub should advise customers to check CBP’s prohibited/restricted list before shipping.
5. HS Codes and Valuation
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HS Codes: Every item needs an HS code to determine duties. For example, a wool sweater might be 6110.11, incurring a specific duty rate. Use the U.S. International Trade Commission’s HTS search tool to find codes.
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Customs Valuation: Declared value includes the cost of goods, shipping, and insurance (CIF value). Under-declaring risks penalties or seizure.
6. Customs Bonds
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For shipments over $2,500 or regulated goods (e.g., textiles), a customs bond is required. This guarantees payment of duties/taxes. Options include:
7. Partner Government Agencies (PGAs)
Some goods fall under additional agencies:
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FDA: Food, drugs, cosmetics (e.g., UK tea or skincare) need prior notice or registration.
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USDA: Agricultural products require inspection.
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EPA: Chemicals or vehicles must meet emissions standards.
8. Post-Brexit Considerations
Since the UK left the EU, it’s treated as a third country by the U.S., with no free trade agreement (as of March 2025). This means standard tariffs apply, unlike EU-U.S. trade preferences. Send2Hub should highlight this to clarify costs.
9. Tips for Smooth Shipping
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Accurate Paperwork: Incomplete or incorrect forms delay clearance.
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Prepay Duties: Some couriers (e.g., FedEx, UPS) offer this; Send2Hub could integrate it for convenience.
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Tracking: CBP provides shipment status updates via its online portal.
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Customs Broker: For complex shipments, a licensed broker can streamline the process.