SHIPPING FROM AUSTRALIA
TO THE UNITED KINGDOM
Expanding your ecommerce reach from Australia to the UK opens exciting opportunities. For retailers, the challenge is not just getting parcels across borders, but doing so in a way that's efficient, compliant, cost-effective, and seamless for your customer.
That's where trusted partners like SEKO can help. With tailored DDP and DAP parcel solutions and deep expertise in cross-border trade, we support Australian businesses in simplifying the shipping process to the UK.
In the sections below, we outline what you need to know about UK VAT thresholds, UK Customs duty, and how to choose the right delivery model for your business and customers.
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE SEKO SOLUTION?
MAXIMUM DIMENSIONS
Weight: 15kg (0.125 chargeable Dimensions: 61 x 46 x 46 cm Volume: 0.129m3
RESTRICTED COMMODITIES
Yes
DDP & DAP
SEKO DDP: All VAT and duty charges invoiced to the retailer SEKO DAP (DDU): Parcels of high value are stopped in Sydney, and held until payment is received from end customer
COLLECTION
Extended cut-off for origin collection. Powered by SEKO vehicles and staff.
TRACKING
End-to-end tracking via free branded tracking portal
DELIVERY
SEKO multi-carrier solution with redelivery attempts and delivery to PO Boxes accepted
WHAT ARE THE UK'S TAX AND DUTY REQUIREMENTS?
VAT THRESHOLD
GBP 0
DUTY THRESHOLD
GBP 135
VAT
Retailers shipping customer orders to the UK are obliged to pay VAT to the UK government on the full sale price of the taxable goods or services.
CUSTOMS DUTY
The UK charges customs duty on parcels shipped by retailers from outside the UK valued over 135GBP. Customs Duty is charged on the sale price of the goods plus freight. The rate charged varies depending on the type of goods and their origin. Customs Duty is payable on excise goods of any value (e.g., alcohol, tobacco).
AS THE SELLER OF GOODS YOU'LL NEED TO...
- Register for VAT: As per the UK Government website, retailers that are not UK-based must register for VAT as soon as they supply taxable goods and services to the UK or intend to do so within the next 30 days.
- Collect taxes and duties: SEKO suggests retailers collect this VAT from customers at shopping cart level. An example of platforms which facilitate these services are Zonos, Shopify, Eurora and Avalara. Retailers can then use a DDP solution to optimise customer experience.
NAVIGATING UK DUTIES & DELIVERY WITH SEKO
For parcels valued under 135GBP, VAT will be calculated by UK authorities upon entry and will be payable by the retailer quarterly upon submission of the VAT statement.
For parcels valued over 135GBP, we simplify the ecommerce shipping process with two tailored service options for retailers:
SEKO Delivered At Place (DAP/DDU)
Each parcel being shipped to the UK will be stopped by SEKO at origin (Sydney). The retailer's customer will be notified of the duties and taxes payable via an email notification with a payment link. Upon payment the parcel will be released by SEKO and forwarded directly to the end customer.
SEKO Delivered Duty Paid (DDP)
Duties and taxes applicable to each parcel shipped will be calculated at border-level and invoiced to the retailer. The parcels shipped will not be stopped.
SEKO suggests retailers collect duties and VAT from customers at shopping cart level for transparency and a better customer experience.
Retailers will need to provide their VAT number to SEKO before shipping to the UK can commence.
ANY QUESTIONS, WE CAN HELP – HERE’S JUST A FEW WE RECEIVE REGULARLY
- What locations do you serve?
We empower you to scale into every core market, with 150+ offices and counting.
- Can you ship what I need to ship?
No matter how specialist or time-critical your request, we can handle it all.
- How much will it cost me?
No two shipments are the same, so inquire today for an exact quote.
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