The process of cross-border deliveries requires more than postage services because it needs to follow regulatory requirements. The legal procedure to send parcels to USA stands as an essential matter for British businesses to comprehend. A single missed step during shipping will result in delayed shipments while seizures occur and penalties run high.
When your business needs to serve US customers appropriately or grow its e-commerce operations it is essential to approach shipping as a litigation process instead of a basic logistics management system.
Shipping Regulation Updates 2025
The regulations governing UK to USA business shipment operations became stricter in 2025. After Brexit UK exporters require knowledge about revised documentation standards as well as export codes and trade compliance regulations.
The United States customs service now uses different procedures to authenticate shipment senders and ensure accurate package inspections. Not following the updated procedures may cause major problems for users.
What You Need to Know Before Sending: Customs, Laws, and Prohibited Items
Customs Declarations Are Mandatory
Every shipment departing from the UK demands the addition of a customs declaration system through CN22 or CN23 documents. The declaration requires information about both the item content and its monetary value together with its intended usage like sale or return.
Sending Items into the USA Incurs Legal Restrictions
You can’t just send anything. The USA restricts items like:
- Alcohol and tobacco
- Certain electronics
- Perishable food
- Cosmetics with specific ingredients
- Firearms or replicas
Users must refer to the U.S. Customs Prohibited and Restricted Items List before they begin packing their items.
Commercial Invoice Requirements
Every business shipment needs to contain a commercial invoice according to U.S. regulations. The commercial invoice needs to present all essential information regarding items such as their specifications along with value and contact details for buyer and seller and Harmonized System (HS) codes.
Business Responsibilities in International Parcel Shipping
Tax and Duty Considerations
Your decision should be whether to select Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) or Delivery Duty Unpaid (DDU). The selection of an incorrect approach will lead to customer confusion and possible delivery delays.
Accuracy Is the Law
Customs officials will punish you when you hide import details by mislabeling packages or make false value declarations because it violates legal customs regulations.
Liability and Insurance
Checking which party bears liability in case a parcel gets lost or damaged should always be confirmed at all times. As a sender you are obligated by law to ensure protection of your customer’s purchased items.
Choosing a Legal and Reliable Shipping Partner
Every Online Retailer Needs to Select Legitimate Shipping Partners to do Business with
Not all couriers are equal.
Look for providers who:
- Offer clear tracking and insurance
- Provide accurate customs documentation support
- They provide open communication about costs together with estimated delivery times.
- Our recommendation is to work with Happy Post UK since they excel at international parcel delivery specifically for USA clients and follow all legal standards.
The Procedure of Shipping Packages Properly to United States
All businesses need to obtain an EORI number by registering with the system.
For businesses and individuals, learning how to send parcels to the USA legally and efficiently makes all the difference in successful delivery.
How to “Send Parcel to USA” the Right Way
- Register your business for an EORI number.
- Prepare product details and invoices.
- Choose the correct declaration forms.
- Confirm that your product isn’t restricted.
- Partner with a customs-compliant shipper
Documentation You’ll Need
- CN22 or CN23 customs form
- Commercial invoice
- Proof of payment (if needed)
- Export license (for certain goods)
- Your business’s EORI number
- Recipient’s EIN (if commercial)
Packaging and Labelling Compliance
All U.S. packaging regulations are strict in their requirements. Labels should include:
Sender and receiver details
- Product description in English
- Country of origin
- Hazard symbols if applicable
- Keep away from non-specific description terms such as “accessories or “gifts” because they trigger customs scrutiny.
Legal Considerations for Product Types
Some particular classification requirements surpass the boundary of a simple declaration procedure.
Electronics: Must meet FCC compliance.
Cosmetics: Subject to FDA regulations.
Medical Supplies: Require prior approval.
Food: Products categorized as food items need to follow USDA-established specifications.
Fully examine every category of goods before you send your shipment.
The Role of EORI and EIN Numbers
EORI (UK)
The Economic Operators Registration and Identification number serves as a vital requirement for UK companies performing international exports.
EIN (USA)
A business needs its Employer Identification Number to meet U.S. customs requirements when importing operations.
Digital Tracking and Proof of Delivery
Customs officials will punish you when you hide import details by mislabeling packages or make false value declarations because it violates legal customs regulations.
The Procedure of Shipping Packages Properly to United States
- All businesses need to obtain an EORI number by registering with the system.
- Prepare product details and invoices.
- Choose the correct declaration forms.
- Make sure your product does not fall under any restriction parameters.
- Partner with a customs-compliant shipper.
- Back up every paper documentation after submission.
All package deliveries require documentation records by law. Trackable shipping services should be used to produce proof of delivery that stands up in legal proceedings. Dispute resolution and refund processes become possible because of this system.
Handling Customs Delays and Disputes Legally
Numerous steps exist for legally handling custom delays and resolving disputes which may occur.
- Delays happen. When your item stays at customs you need to take the following steps:
- Contact your shipping partner immediately.
- You should maintain availability to present additional documents to authorities.
As an international business owner you possess legal rights to object to shipping costs and ask for the return of packages.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
The failure to maintain international shipping requirements will result in:
- Fines up to £10,000
- Shipment seizures
- Suspension of shipping privileges
- Loss of customer trust
Legal Support and Consulting
Contact the following persons for clarification regarding your duties whenever you have uncertainties:
- Trade compliance consultants
- International trade lawyers
- HMRC or U.S. CBP helplines
Working with trade experts enables you to handle complex regulations along with minimizing avoidable errors.
Conclusion
A UK shipment directed to the USA requires more than postal delivery because it follows established legal guidelines. Complaints from illegitimate exports require serious attention from businesses because they need complete legal comprehension and proper documentation along with trustworthy courier services such as Happy Post.
This checklist provides you with a method to ensure easy legal delivery of your parcels which supports your business operations and customer needs.
FAQs
- Commercial goods destined for the USA demand an EORI number to remain legal.
Every UK exporting company must obtain an EORI number to perform business exports.
- What will happen if I place incorrect markings on parcels with the purpose of preventing customs duties?
Fraud detection applies to this practice and can result in criminal consequences as well as financial penalties.
- The regulations about food product shipments to the USA exist.
Only under strict regulations. FDA and USDA regulations determine food requirement standards for almost all commercial food products.
- Do I need professional legal assistance when preparing international shipments?
Businesses need to obtain an EORI number when dealing with complex shipments worth high values.
- Is it acceptable to choose personal shipping from personal services when sending commercial packages?
You shouldn’t. Businesses should restrict their shipping operations to legally recognized services as Happy Post UK provides compliant services.