Customs Rules Explained: Shipping From Delhi to UK

When you send a courier from Delhi to the UK, one of the most important points you have to learn and understand is the customs rules. A huge number of shipments are delayed and stuck in customs because individuals are not aware of the requirements needed in terms of documentation, restricted items, or tax requirements.

At Courier24x7, we specialize in the secure and timely shipment of packages from Delhi to the UK for individuals and businesses alike. The following blog will walk you through the customs formalities step-by-step so you can avoid complications and win smooth clearance.

1. Why Customs Rules Are Important

Customs is the gateway between countries. Every package that travels from India to the UK must be examined by customs officers from both countries. These rules are meant to:

Protect public safety (by means of illegal or harmful items).

Ensure fair trade and collection of taxes.

Prevent counterfeit products or medicines from entering.

If you know the customs requirements, then your package shall reach the destination at an expeditious pace without unnecessary delays.

2. Documents Required for Customs Clearance

A shipment with proper documents will ensure smooth clearance at customs. Examples of basic documents are as under:

Commercial Invoice/Proforma Invoice

Concerned with the sender, receiver, items, and their pricing and consideration.

Packing List

Contains the number of each item.

KYC Documents (Sender's ID Proof)

Aadhaar Card, Passport, or Driving License with Indian Customs.

Receiver Details in the UK

Complete name, address, postal code, and contact numbers.

Special Documents (if the case may be)

Doctor's prescription in case of medicines.

MSDS- Material Safety Data Sheet for chemicals/batteries.

👉 Tip: Always remember to stick two copies of the Invoices out on the package for the convenience of the officers of Customs.

3. Restricted & Prohibited Items

Implicitly, not everything can be shipped from Delhi to the UK. Such goods are classified as restricted (allowed under certain conditions) or prohibited (not allowed in any manner).

Prohibited Items (Cannot Send at All):

Narcotics and drugs.

Explosives, fireworks, or flammable items.

Currency, coins, or precious stones.

Meat, fresh food, or dairy products.

Counterfeit goods.

Items under Restriction and Allowed with Documents/Approval:

Restricted/Prohibited List:

Medicine-only-with-Prescription and Invoice.

Ayurveda or Herbal Products-Labelled and not prohibited in the UK.

Electronics with Lithium Batteries-Requires MSDS Certificate.

Cosmetics and Supplements Must comply with UK health regulations.

High-value items-Insurance might be needed, and extra clearance.

4. Customs Duty and Taxes in the UK

When your package reaches the UK, it may face import duties and VAT (Value Added Tax). The duties depend on:

The declared value of goods.

The kind/type/category of the product.

The relevant UK customs tariff.

Key Points to Remember:

Shipments of low value (below £135) may attract lesser duties or no duties at all.

Gifts are taxable if the value exceeds the duty-free limit.

Medicines and items for personal use may be exempt if proper documentation is given.

Customs duties are usually paid by the receiver (UK side) before the parcel is delivered.

👉 Always declare the correct value. In case of suspicious under-declaration, customs may confiscate the parcel.

5. The Customs Clearance Process- Stepway

Slated to consist of the following elements:

Booking of Service with Courier, upon which the courier company picks up the parcel from your door.

Export Customs in Delhi – Indian authorities check documents and clear the shipment.

Transit through the Airline – Package heads to the UK.

Import Customs in the UK- Customs verify documents, check for restricted items, and calculate duty.

Duty Payment- Receiver pays customs duty/VAT whenever applicable.

Final Delivery- Courier partner delivers to the UK address.

6. What Not to Do

Simple mistakes cause many parcels to be held up. Stop wasting your time and money by avoiding these:

❌Providing an incorrect value on an invoice.
❌ Not putting the prescription with the medicines.
❌ Packing the restricted items without approval.
❌ Incomplete UK address or missing postal code.
❌ Presuming gifts are always duty-free.

At Courier24x7, prior to the dispatch of any package, our professionals will view your documents and give you suggestions accordingly to avoid any issues regarding customs clearances.

7. Courier charges from Delhi to the UK (With Customs Support)

There are charges varying with weight, delivery speed, and items shipped. These are the approximate charges:

 Express (On-real 3 to 5): ₹4000 to ₹6500 for 500g.

Standard (On-real 6 to 10): ₹3000 to ₹4500 for 500g.

Extra Weight: ₹1000 to ₹1500 for each Kg.

Customs Clearance Support: Provided by Courier24x7 as part of the service.

Note: Customs duties in the U.K. are to be paid extra by the receiver.

8. How Does Courier24x7 Assist in Customs?

When you have Courier24x7 handling your shipment, never worry about the customs processes. We:

✅ Give free advice on document preparation (invoice, prescription, MSDS).

✅ Screen items pre-emptively to avoid prohibited ones.

✅ Support customs clearance in India and the UK.

✅ Provide door-to-door delivery with duty payment support.

✅ Provide 24×7 customer service for tracking and updates.

We want to keep international courier easy, legal, and allow an easy life.

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Do I need to pay customs for every parcel to the UK?

Not always. Duty depends on the types of items and the values declared. Some medicines and low-value parcels may be exempted.

 Q2. Am I allowed to dispatch any food items, like pickles or sweets?
No. All fresh, homemade, and perishable foods are strictly prohibited. However, a few types of packaged and branded foods might seem to be allowed.

Q3. What if my shipment is held up at UK customs?
Courier24x7 shall intervene to assist in resolving the Customs queries and arrange the documents they are missing.

Q4. How long does customs clearance take?
Usually, between 1 and 3 days if all documents are complete, with clearance being much faster.

Q5. Who pays the customs duties in the UK?
The person who receives pays the duty/VAT before the delivery. The courier company collects payment on behalf of UK customs.

10. Final Tips Before Sending Packages from Delhi to the UK

Check and double-check the restricted/prohibited items list.

Always use proper and detailed invoices.

In case the package is urgent, use the express service.

Inform the receiver in the UK about duty charges that may be paid.

Before sending medicines, electronics, or high-value goods, consult Courier24x7 professionals.

Conclusion

A package shipment from Delhi to the UK is easy if one works through customs rules and documentation processes properly. The key is being transparent, packing well, and declaring goods almost honestly.

Courier24x7 offers Delhi to UK courier shipping services with full customs assistance, affordable pricing, and door-to-door parcel delivery. Whether it is medicines, documents, or personal shipments, Courier24x7 professionals guarantee smooth clearance and timely delivery.

👉 Planning to send a package to the UK? Contact Courier24x7 today and make your international courier experience safe, easy, and stress-free!