Whether it’s snacks for family, a birthday gift, sending a package from Hong Kong to the UK doesn’t have to be stressful.
This guide will cover how to send a parcel to the UK and address some frequently asked questions about sending packages to the UK. We’ll also cover customs duties, restricted items, timelines, and costs so you can plan your shipment effectively and avoid unexpected issues. Additionally, we’ll explore how international couriers like DHL Express can help facilitate your shipments to ensure a smooth, efficient, and hassle-free experience.
Shipping from Hong Kong to the UK offers various courier options with differing quality, fees, and times. Compare details carefully for safe, timely delivery. This article compares DHL Express and Hong Kong Post on fees, timeframes, tracking, and uses to help you decide.
When shipping parcels or documents from Hong Kong to the UK, choosing the right express service requires considering fees, timeframes, and reliability comprehensively. As an international express expert, DHL Express provides efficient and reliable global door-to-door service, particularly suitable for urgent items or high-value goods. For example, for a 0.5 kg A4 document shipped from Hong Kong to the UK, the fee is approximately HK$467.7; please refer to the DHL official shipping fee calculator for the actual price. DHL's advantage lies in its fast timeframes, with most shipments arriving in the UK within 1 to 3 business days. It also offers various time-guaranteed express services, such as DHL Express 9:00, which guarantees delivery before 9:00 AM on the next/second business day, or DHL Express 12:00, which promises delivery before noon, ideal for time-sensitive important documents or commercial shipments like BNO renewals.
DHL's service is not only fast but also provides comprehensive protection and convenience. Senders can track shipment status in real-time through the MyDHL+ platform and submit customs clearance documents online. Recipients can flexibly change the delivery time or location via the "On-Demand Delivery" service. For individual senders, DHL's Express Easy service offers free packaging materials, making shipping more worry-free.
For business clients, DHL provides professional customs clearance support, consolidated customs clearance services to simplify bulk shipments, and the DHL Express Commerce platform that seamlessly integrates with e-commerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce, significantly improving order processing efficiency. If your business has a commercial registration, it is highly recommended to apply for a DHL business account. This not only allows you to enjoy exclusive negotiated shipping discounts to effectively control logistics costs but also provides access to more advanced logistics management tools, offering the most cost-effective solution for frequent shipping needs. If you prioritize speed, safety, and full control throughout, DHL Express is undoubtedly the faster, more reliable, and secure choice. Open a DHL business account now to enjoy exclusive benefits and professional logistics services.
If your budget is limited and you have lower requirements for timeframes, Hong Kong Post offers a more economical and affordable option. Its main services include air mail and surface mail. According to official data from May 2025, air mail letters or packets to the UK take about 10 to 11 business days, while parcels take 11 to 17 business days; the cheaper surface mail service extends the timeframe significantly to 9 to 12 weeks. Note that these estimated times do not include customs clearance time, and significant delays may occur during peak seasons like Christmas.
Before shipping parcels from Hong Kong to the UK, it's crucial to understand the UK's customs tariff system clearly. The UK imposes VAT (Value Added Tax) and duties on declared values exceeding £135 (approximately HK$1,350); for gifts, taxation applies if exceeding £39. Senders must honestly and accurately fill out customs declaration forms, including item descriptions and values, and prepare the Air Waybill, commercial invoice or pro forma invoice, packing list, as well as the recipient/importer's UK EORI number and valid contact information.
Senders must honestly and accurately complete customs declarations, including item descriptions and values, and prepare the Air Waybill, commercial or pro forma invoice, packing list, plus the recipient/importer's UK EORI number and contact details. Depending on goods, you may need origin certificates, import permits, or dangerous goods docs; ensure consistent item names, HS codes, quantities, values, and Incoterms (e.g., DAP/DDP) across files. If unsure or need help with clearance prep, DHL Express offers full support, including document preparation and electronic submission, to avoid delays/extra fees and ship to the UK worry-free.
Below are several common popular item categories for shipping from Hong Kong to the UK, along with related restrictions and shipping notes:
| Category | Examples | Important Considerations |
|---|---|---|
Fashion & Accessories |
| Check if items contain animal skin or fur, or material subject to CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). |
Electronics Gadgets |
| Generally, it is acceptable to have a notebook computer containing one lithium-ion battery with a capacity of no more than 100Wh, provided the shipment weight does not exceed 5kg. If you are sending a parcel with a battery from any of our Service Points, check out our guide on shipping batteries to ensure your shipment complies with all safety regulations and avoids delays. There are also specific guidelines to follow when shipping hearing aids and Bluetooth earbuds, as these contain batteries. Please contact our specialists for more information. |
Food & Dried Goods |
| Typically, personal shippers cannot send fresh items, liquids, or perishables that require temperature control. However, if you need to ship these items that require special handling, it is best to consult our DHL Express experts. Before sending food to the UK, please contact DHL Express HK for pre-approval. Be aware of potential import restrictions on certain food types (e.g., meat, dairy, or specific plant products) due to health and safety regulations. Ensure all food items are commercially packaged and sealed. |
Gifts & Household Items |
| Generally straightforward, but always ensure proper labeling and packaging for fragile items. |
Medicine classified under “pharmaceutical products” or “drugs” is under license control and prohibited from shipments sent by private individuals. Only manufacturers with valid export licenses issued by the drug office are allowed to send medication by post to the UK.
Shipping vitamins and supplements from Hong Kong to the UK is generally allowed unless the products fall into the classifications. To find out more about which classifications may restrict or prohibit your shipment, you can refer to this overview of Hong Kong’s health supplement regulations. . If in doubt, please approach the DHL Express team for assistance.
Proper package preparation is crucial to ensure your items arrive safely and efficiently. The basics of preparing your package for international shipping include using strong outer packaging and proper internal cushioning to protect contents from movement and impact during transit. However, do not seal the package as Service Point staff will need to conduct a security check before final sealing.
Adhering to these packing basics helps ensure a smooth shipping experience. For more detailed packing information, refer to our packaging guide.
When looking for a reliable courier service to the UK, DHL Express makes shipping internationally as seamless as possible with our:
Navigating UK customs duties and regulations can be complex, but DHL Express provides expert customs support, guiding you through the necessary paperwork and compliance requirements to minimize delays and ensure smooth clearance for your parcel.
DHL Express offers comprehensive, real-time tracking from the moment you prepare your package until it reaches its final destination. This transparent tracking gives both senders and recipients complete visibility and peace of mind throughout the entire shipping journey. For even greater control and detailed insights, DHL ShipNow also provides robust tracking features and other helpful tools to manage your shipments efficiently.
If you are a personal shipper looking for an economical international shipping option from Hong Kong to the UK, consider visiting DHL Express ServicePoints to use Express Easy — a one-stop international delivery service that includes free and easy-to-use packaging for shipments between 0.5kg and 25kg.
If you have a Business Registration Number, you may sign up for a DHL Express Business Account and enjoy offers on regular shipping.
Certain items, such as illegal goods, firearms, and some animal products (e.g., ivory), are strictly prohibited. Restricted items, such as certain electronic devices containing lithium batteries or specific food products, may require special documentation or pre-approval. Always check with our customer service team or Service Pto confirm specific restrictions before attempting to send a package with these items to the UK.
When sending a parcel from Hong Kong to the UK, you typically need a commercial invoice that accurately describes the goods, their value, and the country of origin. An Air Waybill (AWB) is also essential, serving as a contract of carriage and providing shipment details. Depending on the item, additional licenses or certificates might be required. Providing accurate documentation is crucial for the smooth clearance of UK customs duties.
Yes. If your gift is worth £39 or less, you will not have to pay VAT or customs duty. If it’s worth over £39 but no more than £135, you will need to pay VAT but no customs duty. If the gift’s value exceeds £135, both customs duty and other import taxes may apply. It’s crucial to declare the item as a gift and state its accurate value to avoid any issues. For the latest and most comprehensive information on gift import rules and customs charges, it's best to refer to the official UK government guidelines.
1 - GOV.UK, Accessed 1 July
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