
the United Kingdom
Website customs the United Kingdom
Government website
Website chamber of commerce
Country Alpha-2 code: GB
Country Alpha-3 code: GBR
Country numeric code: 826
GDP: USD 3.071 trillion (2023)
Currency: Pound Sterling
Inhabitants: 67596281
Language: English
Freight forwarders in the United Kingdom
the United Kingdom has no freight forwarders
Seaports in the United Kingdom
Airports in the United Kingdom
Shipping between the United Kingdom and Austria
Navigating shipping between the United Kingdom and Austria involves understanding customs processes, costs, and logistics. This guide provides comprehensive insights on pre-import considerations, shipping methods, and cost-saving strategies, helping you streamline your cross-border trade efficiently. Request quotes from trusted carriers on Zendeq for seamless shipping solutions.
Below you can also request multiple quotes from freight forwarders for your shipment.


Pre-import considerations
First of all, you should know the product class of what you are shipping. Determine the correct Harmonized System (HS) code for your goods, as this dictates applicable customs duties and taxes.
If you are importing from the United Kingdom to Austria , check the Customs Tariff from Austria. If you are importing from Austria to the United Kingdom, check the Customs Tariff from the United Kingdom.
Make sure you understand all the product regulations, certifications, labeling requirements, and potential import restrictions or tariffs specific to your product category. A specialised freight forwarder can help you with this process.
Customs Clearance Process:
Customs clearance between the United Kingdom and Austria involves several crucial steps to ensure smooth transit of goods.
For exports from the UK to Austria, businesses must complete a customs declaration via the HMRC's Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) system or the new Customs Declaration Service (CDS). This includes providing a commercial invoice, packing list, and any necessary licenses or certificates. Goods must also comply with EU import regulations and may be subject to VAT and import duties upon arrival in Austria.
For imports from Austria to the UK, a similar process is required. Importers must submit a customs declaration through the UK’s CDS, accompanied by the necessary documentation. Goods are subject to UK customs regulations, including potential tariffs, VAT, and import duties. It's important to ensure that all documentation is accurate and complete to avoid delays and additional costs.
For more detailed guidance, refer to HMRC for UK exports and the Austrian Customs Authority for imports to Austria.
Costs to consider
Shipping between the United Kingdom and Austria involves various costs that businesses need to account for to ensure a smooth and cost-effective process. Key costs include:
- Shipping Fees: These depend on the shipping method (air, sea, or road), package size, weight, and speed of delivery. Major carriers like DHL, UPS, and FedEx provide detailed rate calculators on their websites.
- Customs Duties and Taxes: Both countries impose import duties and VAT on goods. The UK government provides a Trade Tariff tool to estimate duties, while Austria follows EU customs regulations which can be checked on the European Commission’s TARIC database.
- Insurance: Shipping insurance covers potential damage or loss during transit. Costs vary based on the value and nature of the goods.
- Handling and Documentation Fees: These include costs for preparing and handling documents, which may vary by service provider.
- Storage and Warehousing: If goods require storage before or after customs clearance, additional warehousing costs will apply.
Understanding these costs helps in budgeting effectively and avoiding unexpected expenses during the shipping process.
For more detailed cost breakdowns, refer to the UK Government’s Export Guide and the Austrian Customs Information.
Saving on Shipping Costs
To save on shipping costs between the UK and Austria, consider the following strategies:
- Compare Quotes: Use platforms like Zendeq to compare quotes from reliable shipping companies. This ensures you get competitive rates tailored to your needs.
- Optimize Packaging: Reduce package size and weight to minimize shipping fees. Use sturdy, lightweight materials to protect your goods without adding excess weight.
- Choose the Right Shipping Method: Depending on urgency and budget, select the most cost-effective shipping method—air for speed, sea for bulk, or road for flexibility.
- Consolidate Shipments: Combine multiple shipments into one to take advantage of bulk shipping rates.
- Negotiate with Carriers: Establish long-term relationships with carriers and negotiate better rates based on your shipping volume.
For more detailed tips, refer to the UK Government’s Guide on Reducing Export Costs and the European Shippers’ Council.
Sending Your Package: UK to Austria and Vice Versa
Sending a package between the UK and Austria is straightforward for both businesses and individuals. Here's a concise guide on how to do it:
For Businesses:
- Choose a Carrier: Leading carriers like DHL, UPS, FedEx, and DPD offer reliable shipping services between the UK and Austria. These carriers provide various options, from express to economy services, allowing businesses to select based on urgency and budget.
- Prepare Documentation: Ensure you have the necessary documents, including a commercial invoice, packing list, and any required certificates or licenses. Proper documentation is crucial for smooth customs clearance.
- Customs Declarations: Businesses must complete customs declarations accurately. In the UK, use the Customs Declaration Service (CDS), and in Austria, follow the EU customs regulations. Accurate HS codes and product descriptions are essential to avoid delays.
- Packaging: Use robust packaging materials to protect goods during transit. Clearly label packages with the destination address and any handling instructions.
For Individuals:
- Choose a Carrier: Individuals can also use carriers like DHL, UPS, Royal Mail, and Austrian Post for sending packages. These carriers offer convenient drop-off points and online booking services.
- Prepare Documentation: Typically, individuals need a customs declaration form, which can be completed online or at the post office. Include detailed descriptions of the contents and their value.
- Packaging: Securely pack items to prevent damage. Use appropriate cushioning materials and seal packages properly.
- Shipping Options: Individuals can choose from standard or express services based on how quickly they need the package to arrive.
Carriers:
- DHL: Offers comprehensive services, including tracking and express options. DHL UK and DHL Austria.
- UPS: Reliable for both business and individual shipments with extensive service options. UPS UK and UPS Austria.
- FedEx: Provides international shipping solutions with various delivery speeds. FedEx UK and FedEx Austria.
- Royal Mail: Suitable for individuals, offering international standard and tracked services. Royal Mail.
- Austrian Post: Offers a range of international shipping services. Austrian Post.
Great Online Resources for UK-Austria Shipping
- HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC):
- UK Government Trade Tariff - For calculating import and export duties.
- HMRC Export Guide - Comprehensive guide on exporting goods from the UK.
- European Commission:
- TARIC Database - For EU customs regulations and tariff rates.
- Austrian Customs Authority:
- Austrian Customs Information - For import and export regulations in Austria.
- World Customs Organization (WCO):
- WCO Trade Tools - For global customs information and Harmonized System codes.
- DHL:
- DHL Express UK - Shipping services and cost calculators.
- DHL Express Austria - Detailed shipping options and resources.
- UPS:
- UPS UK - Shipping rates, services, and guidelines.
- UPS Austria - Comprehensive shipping solutions and support.
- FedEx:
- FedEx UK - International shipping services and tools.
- FedEx Austria - Various delivery options and shipping resources.
- Royal Mail:
- Royal Mail International Services - International shipping rates and guidelines.
- Austrian Post:
- Austrian Post International Shipping - Information on shipping services from Austria.
- UK Department for International Trade:
- UK Export Finance - Financial support for UK exporters.
- European Shippers’ Council:
- European Shippers’ Council - Advocacy and resources for European shippers.
Knowledge base

Austria
Website customs
Government website
Website chamber of commerce
Country Alpha-2 code: AT
Country Alpha-3 code: AUT
Country numeric code: 40
GDP: USD 471 billion (2023)
Currency: Euro
Inhabitants: 9170647
Language: German
Freight forwarders in Austria
Austria has no freight forwarders
Seaports in the United Kingdom
There are no seaports in Austria
Airports in Austria

Austria
Website customs
Government website
Website chamber of commerce
Country Alpha-2 code: AT
Country Alpha-3 code: AUT
Country numeric code: 40
GDP: USD 471 billion (2023)
Currency: Euro
Inhabitants: 9170647
Language: German
Freight forwarders in Austria
Austria has no freight forwarders
Seaports in the United Kingdom
There are no seaports in Austria
Airports in Austria

the United Kingdom
Website customs the United Kingdom
Government website
Website chamber of commerce
Country Alpha-2 code: GB
Country Alpha-3 code: GBR
Country numeric code: 826
GDP: USD 3.071 trillion (2023)
Currency: Pound Sterling
Inhabitants: 67596281
Language: English
Freight forwarders in the United Kingdom
the United Kingdom has no freight forwarders