International Delivery

International shipping solutions with global logistics expertise

eCourier is a highly experienced global logistics provider, offering established international routes, trusted networks and expert support to simplify worldwide shipping.

Whether you are expanding into new markets or already managing global deliveries, we provide the expertise and infrastructure needed to support your business every step of the way. Our international delivery experts make it simple for businesses to send shipments overseas with confidence, handling the complexities of global delivery on your behalf.

Global Logistics Expertise • Customs & Compliance Support • End-to-End Shipment Visibility • Post-Brexit Shipping Guidance

News & Updates

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Central Europe Service Update – July 2026

July 17, 2026

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EU Customs Update 1st July 2026

June 26, 2026

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Service alert – Spain

June 2, 2026

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Important Shipping Update – Easter 2026

April 1, 2026

Important Shipping Update – Middle East

March 2, 2026

See All Updates

The Commercial Invoice

To ensure your package clears customs and reaches the buyer or recipient without delays, complete your commercial invoice accurately. Missing or incorrect information can result in customs authorities holding your shipment.

Here’s a detailed rundown of what you need to include:

Sender’s name, address and contact details (phone number)
The sender’s VAT / EORI number
Receiver’s name, address and contact number (VAT/EORI if you have them)
Date of invoice (the shipping date)
Full description of each item of goods supplied and their individual commodity code(s)
If your shipment contains multiple items and you require more space to declare them, you can list these on a separate sheet and attach to the invoice
Country of origin (manufacture) of each of the goods being supplied
Quantity of each item
Value of each item in GBP
Total value of all goods declared
Weight
Number of items
Reason for export (for example, sale/repair/loan/gift)
Incoterms (all explained below) – we’ll elect for DDP unless otherwise instructed here
If using paper copies, the invoice must be signed & dated with four copies included with the shipment

Commodity Codes

You can search the full, official list of commodity codes (also known as HS or tariff codes) here: https://www.trade-tariff.service.gov.uk/find_commodity

Why certain information is required for customs

Origin of goods

Customs authorities must have clarity over a package’s country of origin. This is because trade agreements and duties vary from region to region. By verifying the country of origin, you ensure the correct application of export / import duty and associated fees.

What are Incoterms and why do they matter?

Formally known as International Commercial Terms, Incoterms are global trade rules established by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). Having existed for over a century, they provide a standardised framework for the transportation of goods, helping reduce confusion between international buyers and sellers by clearly defining key responsibilities and obligations.

What Incoterms Determine

The point of delivery defines the stage at which ownership and responsibility for the shipment transfers from the seller to the buyer. Incoterms determine which party is responsible for transportation costs at each stage of the journey, as well as who must arrange and cover insurance costs for the shipment.

The Incoterms eCourier Uses

eCourier supports two commonly used Incoterms to help simplify international shipping:

Delivered Duty Paid (DDP)
The seller takes full responsibility for the shipment, covering transportation costs, customs duties and taxes until the goods reach the buyer’s agreed destination. This provides a smoother delivery experience for the recipient, with costs handled upfront by the seller.

Delivered at Place (DAP)
The shipper arranges international transportation, insurance and export documentation, while the buyer is responsible for any customs charges and import duties when the goods arrive. This is a straightforward option for businesses managing their own import requirements.

Packaging Advice

Proper packaging is essential for a smooth international delivery. Following our packaging guidelines can help protect your shipment, reduce the risk of delays, and ensure it arrives safely at its destination.

Download Packaging Guide

Create a Business Account

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I book an international delivery with eCourier?

You will need to open an eCourier business account to book an international delivery, as we are unable to process international shipments through credit card accounts.

Once your account is set up, you can book directly through our portal. Alternatively, send your shipment details along with your account number to customer.services@ecourier.co.uk, and our team can provide a quote or arrange the booking for you.

What are the cut-off times for international bookings?

The cut-off time for booking a collection from Central London is 16:00.

If the collection is from an address outside of London, bookings must be made before 15:30 on the previous working day (for some remote areas, please allow up to two days for collection).

What is an EORI number and why do I need it?

An EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number is a unique identification number used by businesses to import or export goods between the UK and other countries. It is required for customs declarations, helping goods clear customs smoothly and avoiding unnecessary delays at the border.

For more information, visit: https://www.gov.uk/eori

What are my VAT obligations when selling to the EU?

The EU VAT rules changed on 1 July 2021 with the introduction of the Import One Stop Shop (IOSS) scheme. These changes introduced new responsibilities for online sellers, including understanding their VAT obligations when shipping goods to EU customers. The EU also removed the previous €22 low-value consignment relief threshold, meaning all goods imported into the EU are now subject to VAT, which must be paid either by the seller or the buyer.

What is IOSS?

IOSS = ‘Import One-Stop Shop’. It’s a simplified reporting model which enables sellers to register in a single location for the sales you make to all EU consumers. It’s applicable where the total value of a sale of goods in a shipment is below €150.

IOSS is designed to ensure fast, simple customs clearance. As a seller, you are required to display the amount of VAT paid by the buyer in the EU, by the time the ordering process is finalised.

You will need to produce an invoice stating the price paid by the buyer in EUR, this will need to be provided alongside your IOSS number. This allows the import VAT to be exempt when the goods pass through customs. You then report the VAT you collected at point of sale in your monthly IOSS returns.

Why is there a £150 threshold on a consignment value?

VAT is due on all goods shipped into the EU but consignment values of above €150 would likely be subject to duties (on top of the VAT). The information on your commercial invoice will determine whether and duty is applicable.

Does every seller have to register for IOSS when selling to the EU?

No, IOSS is a simplified process that allows you to ship to all 27 EU member states through one singular registration. You can still continue to ship through the old DAP and DDP models, but using both methods is not possible for orders €150

What if goods are sold with the value of over more than £150

IOSS does not cover the shipment of these goods so you will be required to use one of the previous models like DAP or DDP. You can reclaim the VAT on returned goods in the new IOSS returns.

What are the maximum dimensions for international shipping?

eCourier’s standard size and dimensional limits for international shipping are as follows:
Max length = 1.2m as standard (up to 3m available, POA)
Max weight (per piece) = 70kg per Item (unless palletised).

Dimensions are volumetric weight calculated using a divisor of 5,000:
(Length × Width × Height in cm) ÷ 5,000

What surcharges may apply to international deliveries?

Certain surcharges may apply to international shipments, with the most common being a Fuel Surcharge. This dynamic charge is linked to wholesale jet fuel prices and may vary over time.

Shipments to particularly remote locations may also incur an Outer Delivery Area (ODA) charge, which we can confirm at the point of booking. Additional insurance cover is available for consignments that require extra protection.

Need some urgent help?

International Department: international@ecourier.co.uk