#eCommerce

How your SME can trade with the UK

Katy Starling
Katy Starling
7 min read
Share
facebook sharing button
twitter sharing button
linkedin sharing button
Smart Share Buttons Icon Share
How your SME can trade with the UK

Looking for new cross-border markets to target? Then look no further than Europe’s online shopping capital – the UK. In 2022, it emerged as the continent’s leading e-commerce market, in terms of both GDP share and total revenue1 – so doing business in the UK could prove to be a very lucrative decision. With an international shipping partner, you’ll be ready to cash in!

Read on as we explore how to export to the UK, including the local market insights and customs knowledge that will put your business on the path to success.

DOING BUSINESS IN THE UK: MARKET OVERVIEW

A thriving e-commerce market

A thriving e-commerce market

In 2023, the overall revenue of the UK’s e-commerce industry reached US$131.5 billion(2) – amounting to 38.1% of the country’s total retail sales(3).

A nation of online shopping lovers

A nation of online shopping lovers

In 2023, the UK was expected to have had nearly 60 million e-commerce users(4). With a current population of 67.8 million(5), that’s an impressive proportion!

Further growth on the horizon

Further growth on the horizon

The coronavirus expedited the UK e-commerce market's growth(6), and the increase is expected to continue over the next several years across all product categories(7). By 2028, overall revenue is forecast to reach US$185.37 billion(8).

Where does the UK import from the most?

31% of UK online shoppers buy from cross-border brands, making it an attractive prospect for international brands looking for new markets to target.  

UK’s leading import markets for goods9 (% of total goods imports)

graphic image of statistics

Data from the 12 months to October 2023

CONSUMER TRENDS

Where do consumers in the UK shop online?

Online marketplaces can be a helpful gateway for cross-border businesses wishing to sell to a new country for the first time.

Leading online marketplaces in the UK, as of April 202310  (By monthly visits, in millions)

Amazon: 328.1

eBay: 218.8

ASOS: 70.8

Wayfair: 10.5

Vinted: 9

Add social commerce to your sales strategy, too: 44% of UK consumers have purchased through social media platforms, with Facebook, YouTube and Instagram leading the way11.

What are they buying?

Most popular e-commerce segments in the UK in 202212 (By market share)

How do UK consumers like to pay for their online purchases?

After all, e-commerce shoppers are more likely to abandon their carts if they cannot pay using their preferred payment method.

Distribution of e-commerce spending in the UK in 2022, by method of payment13

The national currency is pound sterling (GBP). Display prices on your website and accept payment in this currency to attract UK buyers.

What do UK consumers care about when shopping online?  

Value for money

Value for money

In DHL’s 2023 European Shopper Survey(14), UK consumers were asked their main reasons for buying from other countries. The leading answer? “Lower price” – cited by 45% of respondents. A competitive pricing strategy will help your business stand out. If you can afford to offer free shipping too, all the better.

Fast shipping

Fast shipping

In the same survey, half of respondents said “longer delivery time” was a deterrent for shopping cross-border. Partner with an international shipping expert and be clear about your express delivery options on your website (including the homepage) to reassure potential customers.

Flexible delivery

Flexible delivery

UK consumers have high expectations when it comes to delivery – over half (53%) would abandon a purchase if they were unhappy with the delivery options available(15). Boost your conversion rate at checkout with On Demand Delivery, which lets customers choose exactly when and where their orders are delivered, with full tracking too.

Leading shopping holidays in the UK

Be sure to add these dates to your marketing and sales calendar so your business can prepare and cash in!

Mother’s Day, March

A time for people to spoil their mothers with cards and gifts.   

Father’s Day, June

And not forgetting the dads! Their day to be celebrated falls in June.

Amazon Prime Day, July

Selling on Amazon? Then this day is likely already marked out in your calendar. Prepare to roll out some big discounts!

Black Friday/Cyber Monday weekend, November  

Like many other countries, the UK participates in this sales bonanza. Competition is fierce, so be ready to offer significant discounts to attract bargain hunters.

Christmas Day, December 25

For many e-commerce businesses, December is their biggest month. Don’t forget about the last-minute shoppers either – offering next-day shipping will help you win some extra sales, even in the final days. Thereafter, Boxing Day (December 26) and January sales are the perfect opportunities to shift any leftover stock. 

ENTERING THE MARKET

Exporting to the UK: required documentation

When shipping internationally, there are several pieces of documentation commonly required to clear your goods through customs smoothly and help authorities determine what import taxes and duties are due:

  • Commercial Invoice
  • Waybill
  • Certificate of Origin (if claiming preferential customs rates)
  • Export and Import Licenses (check if your product needs them)

This dedicated guide goes into detail on each document, including what information you’ll need to complete it.    

Prohibited and restricted commodities

Several commodities are not permitted for shipment by DHL under any circumstances, following full consideration by the operational, legal and risk management teams. They include animals, hazardous or combustible materials, and illegal narcotics. The full list can be found here.

Doing business in the UK: useful resources  

Shipping costs

The UK VAT rate is 20%.

For shipments valued under £135, VAT is collected at the point of sale.

For shipments over £135, VAT will be collected at the point of import. Customs duties also become applicable for shipments valued over £135.

The rate of duty is based on the Harmonized System (HS) Code tariff classification for the goods being imported. Generally speaking, it is the Importer of Record (i.e. either your business or your chosen logistics carrier) who will pay the import duties and taxes. Depending on the terms of trade you’ve chosen to ship on, these charges can be passed on to the goods recipient. It is best practice to either incorporate these costs into the price paid by consumers, or offer the option to pay customs duties and taxes at checkout, to avoid unwelcome surprises for your customers on delivery.

You can find the correct HS code for your shipment easily via DHL’s MyGTS – a free, user-friendly platform that will help you navigate all aspects of international shipping. This includes the ability to calculate the Landed Cost for your goods in any country – i.e. your product cost, duties & taxes, and freight charges – to enhance your pricing strategy and ensure you have full transparency over the final costs. 

DHL’s expert tips for exporting to the UK

  • In some instances, those importing into the UK will need an EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number, To get an EORI number, your business usually needs to have premises based in the country you want to import to or export from – this is called ‘being established’. If you are appointing a business to deal with customs on your behalf (like DHL), you’ll need to provide them with your EORI number. This guide from the UK government explains who needs an EORI number, and how to apply for one.
  • Consider shipping your goods as Duties & Taxes Paid (DTP). Whilst the payment of duties and taxes on international shipments is typically the responsibility of the receiver – i.e., your customer – DHL does offer a DTP service to account holders. This means DHL will invoice the shipper (your business) to cover the costs. The benefit of this is the end customer will not receive an unexpected tax bill when their package arrives at customs – which may damage their opinion of your brand.
  • The UK government states you must keep records of commercial invoices and any customs paperwork, including your Import VAT Certificate (C79).
  • PVA – Postponed VAT Accounting: The UK Government permits use of PVA for all GB VAT registered traders. PVA allows the Importer of Record to account for the VAT on VAT returns as opposed to time of import, improving cash flow.

Thinking of exporting to the UK?

You’re in the right place! We know that the above guidelines may seem a little overwhelming, but that’s where partnering with DHL will pay off. As international shipping experts, we’ll support you through all customs procedures so that your shipment avoids delays. Sell to the world with DHL!

Start your journey here