A guide to shipping from Vietnam to the UK

Trade between Vietnam and the United Kingdom has grown into one of Southeast Asia's most significant bilateral commercial relationships. Total trade in goods between the two countries reached £9.6 billion in the four quarters to the end of Q2 2025¹, with the UK now ranking as Vietnam's third largest export partner in the European region². Vietnamese exports, spanning textiles, electronics, footwear, and agricultural products, have found a strong and growing customer base among UK buyers who value their quality and competitiveness.

Much of this momentum can be traced to the UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA), which established preferential tariff conditions for Vietnamese goods entering the UK market. Vietnam's further inclusion in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) alongside the UK adds another layer of opportunity, opening the door to even more favorable export conditions for Vietnamese businesses.

For businesses in Vietnam ready to tap into this demand, knowing how to ship to the UK successfully is what separates businesses that scale internationally from those that stall at the border. Below, we dive into the procedures to prepare your shipment so that your international shipping venture from Vietnam to the UK is seamless and effective.

1. Select a strategic shipping mode

When exporting from Vietnam to the UK, the speed and reliability of your chosen shipping mode have a direct impact on your business outcomes, not just your logistics costs. Delivery speed shapes customer satisfaction, drives repeat purchases, and determines your ability to compete in a market where UK consumers increasingly expect fast, dependable fulfilment.

Express air shipping is the preferred choice for businesses where these factors matter. Shipping to the UK via international express air takes just two to three business days from Vietnam, giving your customers a premium delivery experience that builds trust and encourages loyalty. For time-sensitive categories like fashion, electronics, and e-commerce, that kind of responsiveness is a competitive advantage in itself.

The benefits extend well beyond speed. Express shipping reduces the window for lost or damaged goods, shortens your cash conversion cycle, and provides real-time tracking visibility that keeps both you and your customers informed at every stage of transit.

2. Manage your shipping costs

Understanding what goes into your shipping cost helps you plan more accurately and protect your margins. Shipping costs typically include the base freight rate, fuel surcharges, and, where applicable, remote area delivery fees. Being aware of these components from the outset allows you to price your products correctly and avoid unexpected charges eating into your profitability.

Duties and taxes are an equally important part of the landed cost equation when importing goods to the UK. Most shipments are subject to two key charges upon arrival:

• Customs duty: Applied to the declared value of goods, exceeding £135 in value or specific excise goods, which includes products like alcohol and tobacco3.
• Value Added Tax (VAT): Currently set at 20% in the UK, applied to the total of the goods' value, shipping costs, and any customs duty charged4

Leveraging the UKVFTA is one of the most effective ways to reduce these costs. Under the agreement, eligible Vietnamese exports benefit from preferential, and in many cases zero, duty rates when shipped to the UK. To qualify, your goods must meet the relevant rules of origin requirements and be accompanied by the correct proof of origin documentation.

Tips to keep your shipping costs manageable:

• Avoid remote area surcharges by verifying your recipient's postcode against DHL Express's service area coverage before booking
• Check your fuel surcharge rates in advance, as these fluctuate and can add meaningfully to high-volume shipments
• Confirm UKVFTA eligibility for your product category before shipping to take full advantage of preferential duty rates
• Use the MyDHL+ shipping calculator to get an accurate cost estimate before committing to a shipment, factoring in weight, dimensions, and destination

3. Secure your access to the UK Market

With express air shipping locked in, the next step is ensuring your goods have legal entry into the UK. Adhering to these two foundational requirements ensures you clear customs smoothly, nd keep your shipments on schedule the moment they land in the UK. 

• Obtain an EORI number beginning with "GB": Any entity importing goods into the UK (England, Wales, or Scotland) requires an EORI number beginning with "GB", followed by 12 or 15 digits. If your existing EORI doesn’t start with "GB", you must obtain a new one. For trading with Northern Ireland, an EORI number prefixed with "XI" may be necessary.

• Identify the correct commodity codes using the UK Integrated Online Tariff: The commodity code, crucial for your import declaration, specifies the nature of the goods imported, helps calculate the applicable duty, Value Added Tax (VAT) and determines whether an import license is required. Businesses in Vietnam are required to use the UK Integrated Online Tariff, which is based on the international HS (Harmonized System) codes.

Identifying the correct commodity codes can be tricky, especially if you’re in a niche industry. DHL Express Vietnam's customs specialists can guide you through commodity code identification, helping you classify your goods correctly and calculate your shipping costs to the UK with greater accuracy.

4. Be aware of what can and cannot be shipped 

When sending goods from Vietnam to the UK, knowing which items are permitted, and under what conditions, is essential to protect your parcel from confiscation, penalties or even legal action.

Prohibited items you cannot ship to the UK 

Certain items are strictly forbidden from entering the UK, and customs authorities will seize them upon detection. These include:

• Controlled drugs: Substances that are illegal to possess, like certain narcotics. 
• Offensive weapons: This category includes items such as flick knives. 
• Self-defense sprays: Pepper sprays, CS gas, and similar items meant for personal protection. 
• Endangered species: This pertains to both animal and plant species that are at risk of extinction. 
• Indecent materials: Items considered inappropriate or offensive, including certain books, magazines, films, and DVDs. 

Restricted goods you need approval for before exporting to the UK 

While not entirely forbidden, the following types of goods are some examples of items that require special permissions or certifications before shipping:

• Alcohol: Limits apply based on quantity and type, and you must seek approval from the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). 
• Batteries: Especially those that are potentially hazardous, batteries must be certified for entry by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). 
• Electronic devices with lithium batteries: You must be certified by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) to ship these into the UK, as per the Batteries and Accumulators (Placing on the Market) Regulations 2008. 
• Hazardous substances: These include any type of dangerous goods harmful to the environment, from explosive substances to clinical waste, generally governed by the Environment Agency (EA) and HSE.
• Cosmetics: Items like nail varnish, polish, and gel must be sold by entities granted as Responsible Persons and products must be approved by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS).
• Rough diamonds: Vietnam is among the countries in the Kimberley Process (KP) Certification Scheme (KPCS). When shipping to the UK, you will thus need a KP certification to prove that the rough diamonds you are importing are conflict-free.

Always verify the status of your goods against the latest UK import regulations before shipping, particularly when dealing with unfamiliar product categories.

5. Prepare essential documentation for shipping 

Accurate and complete customs documentation is one of the most critical factors in achieving smooth UK customs clearance. Missing or incorrect paperwork is a leading cause of shipment delays and additional costs. Here is what you need to prepare, and what to do with each document.

• Air Waybill (AWB): As your shipment's primary identification document, ensure it includes the full contact details and addresses of both shipper and receiver, a detailed description of the goods (type and quantity), and the total weight and dimensions of the shipment. When you book through MyDHL+, the AWB is generated automatically from the information you enter, reducing the risk of errors.

• Commercial invoice: This is the core customs documentation when shipping to the UK. Complete it accurately with the names, addresses, and tax ID numbers of both exporter and importer; a breakdown of transaction costs (goods value, insurance, packaging, and freight); the currency used; the applicable Incoterm; and the reason for export. 

• Customs declaration: Required for all goods entering the UK. Many businesses work with a customs compliance provider to prepare and submit this document accurately. DHL Express Vietnam can support you through this process.

• Licences and certifications: Certain product categories require additional permits to clear UK customs. Refer to Section 4 above to check if your goods fall into a restricted category, and secure the relevant approvals before shipping.

6. Apply UK-standard packing and labeling

Meeting UK packaging requirements directly affects whether your goods clear customs without delay and arrive in good condition. Correct packaging and labeling protect goods in transit, help handlers store and transport items safely, and ensure customs officers can process your shipment efficiently.

Here is what Vietnamese exporters need to action before shipping:

Apply the UKCA mark to eligible products

The UK Conformity Assessment (UKCA) mark is required for goods placed on the Great Britain market that fall within regulated product categories, including toys, machinery, lifts, pyrotechnics, and radio equipment. The mark confirms that your product meets UK legal safety and compliance standards.

Note that the UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has extended recognition of the CE marking for Great Britain indefinitely following BREXIT, though different rules apply to specific categories such as medical devices, rail products, and unmanned aircraft systems.

Meet product-specific label requirements

Certain goods carry additional UK labeling obligations:

• Wine imported into Great Britain must display the name and address of the importer, bottler, or both on the label. Wine marketed in Northern Ireland must similarly feature the details of an EU or Northern Ireland-based importer or bottler.
• Food packaging must be marked as "for food contact" or display the recognised wine glass and fork symbol confirming food-safe suitability.
• Plastics, ceramics, and cellophane are also subject to further specific rules, and a declaration of compliance from your packaging supplier must be obtained before shipping.

For more guidance on packing your shipment for international delivery, refer to DHL Express Vietnam's packing guidelines.

Ship to the UK with DHL Express Vietnam

For Vietnamese businesses ready to grow in the UK market, DHL Express Vietnam offers the express shipping infrastructure, customs expertise, and global reach to make it happen reliably.

With our MyDHL+ platform, you can easily schedule international shipments, track packages in real-time, and manage your shipping documentation, all from one user-friendly interface. 

Our customs specialists are also on hand to help you navigate UK customs clearance requirements, from commodity code classification to documentation preparation, so your shipments arrive on time and without unnecessary complications.

Create a DHL Express business account today and give your products the express gateway they deserve.

Looking to expand further across Europe? View our guide on international shipping to Europe and broaden your global venture.