Selling online across borders has become a big opportunity for Shopify businesses. The UK remains one of the top markets for Dutch merchants, making cross-border sales to the UK more important than ever.
For Shopify sellers, PostNL is often the go-to carrier for UK shipping. It is trusted for its reliable network, competitive international rates, and smooth integration with online stores. Many merchants rely on PostNL because it balances affordability with dependable service.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about shipping to the UK with PostNL and Shopify. We’ll cover shipping options, delivery times, customs after Brexit, costs, and how to integrate PostNL with your Shopify store.
In This Article
- PostNL Shipping Services for shipping to the UK
- Customs and Brexit Considerations
- Shopify Integration with PostNL
- Conclusion
- FAQ’s
PostNL Shipping Services for shipping to the UK
- PostNL lets you send parcels abroad, with a variety of options (standard, express, insured, registered) to suit different needs.
- Their international parcel service starts from about €7,95 (for smaller/cheaper shipments) for many destinations.
- Parcels can be prepared online (you create and print the label) or taken to a PostNL point, where they’ll help with the label and customs forms.
Parcel Sizes and Weights
- Letterbox parcel: Up to 2 kg, max dimensions 38 × 26.5 × 3.2 cm.
- Small parcel: Up to 2 kg, sum of length, width, and height: up to 90 cm; longest side up to 60 cm.
- Medium parcel: Up to 23 kg, max dimensions 100 × 50 × 50 cm.
Delivery Times
Delivery speed depends on the service level. Standard shipments take longer, while priority options arrive faster. PostNL notes that customs checks in the UK can cause extra delays. They also publish international service alerts if disruptions occur.
Customs and Handling
Since the UK is outside the EU, customs forms are required. PostNL helps with clearance, but the recipient may need to pay VAT, import duties, or handling fees. If extra info is needed for customs and is not provided, the parcel may be returned.
Restrictions
Some items cannot be sent abroad, such as aerosols, lithium batteries, and live animals. All parcels must have a barcode label for tracking. Sending goods with stamps alone is no longer allowed.
Customs and Brexit Considerations
Brexit has changed the way parcels move to the UK. The UK is now outside the EU, so every shipment must go through customs. This adds paperwork and sometimes extra costs.
- Customs Forms and Documentation
All parcels to the UK need a customs declaration. PostNL requires you to fill out the contents, value, and purpose of the shipment. You can create these forms when you print your shipping label online or at a PostNL point. Without these documents, parcels may be delayed or returned.
- VAT and Duties for UK Buyers
UK customers may need to pay import VAT, duties, and handling fees before their parcel is delivered. The exact amount depends on the product type and value. Shopify merchants should make this clear at checkout to avoid surprises for buyers.
- Tips to Reduce Delays
- Fill out customs forms accurately and in detail.
- Use clear product descriptions and correct HS codes.
- Include invoices inside the package when possible.
- Let customers know they may have to pay VAT or duties.
By preparing documents properly and keeping buyers informed, you can reduce customs issues and keep delivery times predictable.
Shopify Integration with PostNL
To use PostNL for UK orders, merchants need a shipping app. These apps make it possible to create labels and send tracking updates automatically.
Connecting PostNL to Shopify
One of the easiest ways to link PostNL with Shopify is through the PH Multi-Carrier Shipping Label app. This app supports PostNL alongside other carriers. It lets you print labels in one click and manage orders without leaving Shopify.
Automating Labels, Tracking, and Customs
With the PH Multi-Carrier Shipping Label app, you can:
- Print PostNL shipping labels directly from your Shopify dashboard.
- Send tracking numbers to customers as soon as a parcel is marked as fulfilled. Additionally, orders also appear in the tracking tab of the app.
- Generate customs forms, such as commercial invoices. These documents are available to print with the label, saving time and reducing errors.
This setup keeps the entire process from checkout to delivery smooth for both merchants and customers.
Conclusion
PostNL is a reliable choice for Shopify sellers who ship to the UK. It offers flexible parcel options, clear tracking, and strong delivery coverage. Even with Brexit changes, PostNL makes the process straightforward when customs forms are prepared correctly.
To keep operations smooth, always fill out customs documents in detail, use the right HS codes, and let customers know about possible VAT or duty charges. Packaging your parcels properly will help avoid delays and lost shipments.
By connecting PostNL to Shopify through an app like PH Multi-Carrier Shipping Label, you can automate labels, tracking updates, and customs paperwork. This saves time and gives your customers a better experience.
If you want to grow your cross-border sales, now is the time to streamline your Shopify shipping with PostNL.
FAQ’s
1. Does PostNL ship to the UK?
Yes, PostNL ships to the UK, but for non-business shipments, the recipient may need to pay customs clearance costs if the shipment’s value is over £39. PostNL will print the shipping label and customs information for you at a PostNL point.
2. How to avoid import tax from the EU to the UK?
You can legally avoid import tax from the EU to the UK if the parcel qualifies as a gift worth under £39. It must be sent from a private individual in the EU to another private individual in the UK, clearly marked as a gift.
3. How long does PostNL delivery to the UK take?
Delivery depends on the service level. Standard takes longer, while priority is faster. Customs checks may add extra time.
