Back to news... 19 May 2022 What Can I Send in a Parcel to the USA?

More and more people are sending parcels to the USA each year, both for business and pleasure. The range of services offered by Worldwide Parcel Services for shipping to the USA means that you can easily send your parcel to the United States of America for as little as £20.24, and have it arrive in just 2 days! However, there are some restrictions that need to be taken into account when sending a parcel to the USA. Here are some simple tips to help you get the avoid unwanted surprises.

Sending a parcel to the USA

The amount of parcels being sent to the USA is rising, thanks to the large number of Britons that immigrate there annually. Since trade with the USA is so important, prices for sending parcels to the USA are often more affordable than you might think. If you send a parcel to the USA with Worldwide Parcel Services, you can even benefit from prices as low as £20.24!

It's crucial to ensure that your goods are safe to send if you're sending a package. It's also important to ensure that your goods arrive without damage or delays at the border if you're sending something to the USA.

Before you send a parcel to the USA, you should:

• Be aware that the recipient may have to pay customs duties or taxes depending on the type and value of the items sent
• Some items have a restricted amount that can be sent, make sure you do your research to stop your goods being stopped by customs
• Take care completing customs documentation to ensure that it is accurate
• Pack your parcel well using strong boxes and bubble wrap to keep your items safe during their long journey

Check The Rules For Importing And Exporting

Before you decide to ship anything, you must make sure that it is allowed to be sent. What you can and cannot send will depend on what country you are shipping to. If you are shipping to the USA from the UK, you cannot send fresh meat, pork, or dairy products. The rules for importing and exporting can be quite complex, so you should always research the rules for your destination state as some rules are state-specific.

What can I send to the USA?

There are many everyday items that you can send to the USA from the UK. Non-perishable foods, clothing (for personal use or as a gift), furniture, mail, personal pictures, artwork and musical instruments are all perfectly acceptable.

Can I send chocolate to the USA?

You can usually send chocolate to America from the UK as long as it is not perishable. Make sure that the chocolate is in the manufacturer’s packaging and has a shelf life of longer than six months before packaging it to send.

Can I send sweets to the USA?

You can send the majority of sweets to the USA as long as they are not perishable and are in the original packaging.

Can I send tea to the USA?

You can send tea, however it is subject to certain restrictions and extra checks at the border. Tea will be checked by customs upon arrival to make sure it is pure, good quality, and is not likely to bring any insects or potential threats into the country.

What can’t I send to the USA?

If you are shipping from the UK to the USA, you cannot send fresh meat and dairy products. You also cannot send alcohol, biological products, firearms, medicine, soil, plants and cultural artefacts to name just a few.

To conclude

There are many everyday items and gifts that can be sent to the USA, however, the government does take steps to ensure that anything potentially harmful to an individual, a business or the environment is kept out of the country. You can read the US customs guidance on prohibited goods here.

Once you are ready to send your parcel to the USA, make sure you get a quote from Worldwide Parcel Services! We can send parcels to the USA in just 2 to 6 days, and with prices starting at just £20.24!