Shipping from Europe — International Destination Guides
Complete customs, duty, documentation and carrier guides for shipping from Europe to the world's major import markets. Compare destinations before you export.
USA
North AmericaThe former $800 de minimis exemption is suspended for all countries and transport modes (Executive Order 14324; Federal Register 91 FR 37789) — commercial shipments of any value now generally require customs entry and duty.
Canada
North AmericaCETA eliminates duty on 98% of EU goods — but very low de minimis means most shipments face assessment.
Australia
Asia-PacificStrict biosecurity rules — declare all food and plant material. GST collected by overseas seller for B2C.
Brazil
South AmericaComplex customs — but Remessa Conforme (20% flat tax) has transformed EU e-commerce exports to Brazil.
China
AsiaGACC registration required for food/cosmetics. CBEC channel for B2C brands via Tmall Global / JD Worldwide.
Japan
Asia-PacificEU-Japan EPA = 0% duty on 99% of EU goods. Fastest Asia-Pacific transit. Efficient customs.
UAE
Middle EastWorld-class logistics hub. Dubai Customs efficient. Gateway to GCC and Middle East re-export.
India
South AsiaHigh duties, IEC code mandatory for commercial imports, BIS/FSSAI product registration required.
Mexico
Latin AmericaEU-Mexico FTA = 0% duty on most EU goods. IVA 16% on all imports. NOM compliance required.
South Korea
East AsiaEU-Korea FTA = 0% duty on 99% of EU goods. KC certification required for electronics.
Singapore
Southeast AsiaWorld's most efficient customs. 0% duty on virtually all goods. 9% GST applies from 2023.
Turkey
EurasiaEU-Turkey Customs Union = 0% duty on industrial goods. Road freight option from EU.
South Africa
AfricaEU-SADC EPA preferential duties. NRCS product certification required. DHL dominant carrier.
Vietnam
Southeast AsiaEVFTA (Aug 2020) = 0% duty on most EU goods progressively. Growing market of 97M people.
New Zealand
OceaniaEU-New Zealand FTA (May 2024) removes duty on most EU goods. Strict MPI biosecurity screening.
Israel
Middle EastEU-Israel Association Agreement (since 2000) gives preferential tariffs. DHL strongest network.
Quick Comparison: EU Export Destinations
| Country | EU FTA | De Minimis | Duty (EU goods) | VAT/Tax | Transit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | None | Suspended (2026) | 0–32% | None (federal) | 2–4 days |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | CETA (0%) | C$20 | 0% (CETA) | GST 5–15% | 3–5 days |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | None | A$1,000 | 0–10% | GST 10% | 3–5 days |
| 🇧🇷 Brazil | None | USD 50 | 20% (RC) | ICMS/IGST | 3–5 days |
| 🇨🇳 China | None | ¥50 personal | 6–25% | VAT 9–13% | 3–5 days |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | EPA (0%) | ¥10,000 (~€60) | 0% (EPA) | Consumption 10% | 2–4 days |
| 🇦🇪 UAE | None | AED 1,000 | 5% GCC | VAT 5% | 2–3 days |
| 🇮🇳 India | None | ₹5,000 (~€55) | 20–30% BCD | IGST 12–18% | 3–5 days |
| 🇲🇽 Mexico | TLCUEM/GA (0%) | USD 50 | 0% (FTA) | IVA 16% | 3–5 days |
| 🇰🇷 S. Korea | KOREU (0%) | USD 150 | 0% (KOREU) | VAT 10% | 2–4 days |
| 🇸🇬 Singapore | None needed | None (GST all) | 0% (standard) | GST 9% | 2–3 days |
| 🇹🇷 Turkey | Customs Union | €30 | 0% (CU industrial) | KDV 20% | 2–3 days |
| 🇿🇦 S. Africa | SADC EPA | ZAR 500 (~€25) | EPA rates | VAT 15% | 3–5 days |
| 🇻🇳 Vietnam | EVFTA (0%) | VND 1M (~€38) | 0% (EVFTA) | VAT 10% | 3–5 days |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do EU goods face customs when shipping to non-EU countries?
Yes — all shipments leaving the EU to non-EU countries (including post-Brexit UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, UAE, India, Brazil, China) cross customs borders and face the destination country's import duties and taxes. Within the EU's 27 member states, goods move freely with no customs. For the UK specifically, post-Brexit commercial shipments require customs documentation and UK import duties.
Which destination has the lowest import duties for EU goods?
UAE (5% GCC duty, efficient customs) and Japan (0% EPA duty on 99% of EU goods with origin proof) are among the most favourable duty environments. Note that the USA's former $800 de minimis exemption is now suspended for all countries and transport modes (Executive Order 14324; Federal Register 91 FR 37789) — commercial US shipments of any value now generally require customs entry and are subject to duty. Brazil and India have the highest effective duty burdens for European goods.
Which carrier is best for international shipping from Europe?
DHL Express is the most reliable carrier across all international destinations — particularly strong for customs clearance in complex markets (Brazil, India, China). FedEx is a strong alternative, particularly for USA East Coast and UAE/Gulf. UPS is best for B2B and heavy shipments. For economy, DHL Economy Select covers most destinations cost-effectively.
What documents do I always need for international shipping from Europe?
For every international shipment: (1) Commercial invoice with full declared value, HS code, description, country of origin. (2) Airway bill / tracking number. (3) Packing list for commercial shipments. Additional per-destination: certificate of origin for FTA claims (Canada CETA, Japan EPA); FDA Prior Notice for food to USA; GACC registration for food to China; IEC code for India; CPF for Brazil; health certificate for animal products to UK, USA, Australia.
Compare International Shipping Rates
Get live quotes from DHL, UPS, FedEx and more — instantly priced for your destination.
Get Instant Quotes