Exporting to the UK: What You Need to Know

Editor’s Note (April 2026): This article has been updated to reflect recent tariff developments and current trade policy considerations for U.S. exporters exporting to the UK.

Despite its rocky start some 250 years ago, the United States’ trade history with the United Kingdom has blossomed into a mutually beneficial relationship—some 40,000 U.S. companies now export to the UK each year.

Thanks to a common language, low trade barrier and the UK’s business-friendly environment, exporting to England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland—the countries that make up the UK— is on trend to continue despite Brexit.

Exporting to the United Kingdom requires understanding customs documentation, VAT rules and the regulatory changes introduced after Brexit. While the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement eliminated tariffs on many goods that meet rules-of-origin requirements, exporters must still complete customs declarations and ensure shipments comply with UK import regulations.

This guide explains the key steps for exporting to the UK, including required documentation, customs procedures, tariffs and VAT considerations so businesses can avoid delays at the border.

A Summary Of Brexit

Brexit—an abbreviation of “British” and “Exit”—was “the most important constitutional shake-up the UK has known since it joined the then six-nation European Economic Community in 1973.” The UK became the only country to depart the EU on January 31, 2020, after prolonged negotiations on EU-UK economic and security relationships were hammered out. As the region with the third-largest economy in Europe (trailing Germany and France), the UK has faced a slowing economy since its decision to leave the European Union in 2016, known as Brexit.

After leaving the European Union (EU), the UK is now responsible for constructing its own economic policies (including agricultural polices) and negotiating trade agreements.Despite the challenges and uncertainty posed by Brexit, high inflation due to increasing energy prices, and the COVID-19 pandemic, the UK remains a critical market for American exports of goods and services.

Facts & Figures on Trade and Exporting to the UK

The United Kingdom has one of the largest economies in the world, with a GDP of roughly $3.7–$4 trillion and a highly developed financial and services sector.

The United States is the United Kingdom’s largest trading partner, with total bilateral trade in goods and services exceeding $400 billion. The U.S. and UK also maintain one of the world’s largest bilateral investment relationships, with hundreds of billions of dollars in foreign direct investment in each direction.

As of 2026, the leading sectors for U.S. exports and investments include the following:

• Aerospace and defense
• Defense equipment
• Agricultural technology and food products
• Clean energy and advanced mobility
• Energy
• Financial technology (FinTech)
• Design and construction
• Medical technology
• Information and communication technology
• Safety and security
• Travel and tourism
• Life sciences and pharmaceuticals
• Artificial intelligence and digital services
• Cybersecurity

Exporting to the United Kingdom: The Challenges

U.S. exporters must be aware of certain barriers when exporting to the UK. But with careful planning and assistance from agencies like the U.S. Commercial Service, exporters of all sizes can absolutely be successful. According to the UK Country Commercial Guide, challenges include:

• Establishing new regulations for the UK that differ from the EU yet align with the UK’s priorities.
• Growing a sluggish UK economy. While the UK economy showed positive signs with second-quarter 2025 GDP growth, overall growth forecasts remained around 1.2% for 2025.
• High inflation and a shrinking workforce are key economic challenges. The Labour government has sought to rejuvenate the economy with a series of long-awaited sector-specific strategies and an overarching industrial strategy.
• A combination of burdensome regulations, increased taxes, and dwindling investment by foreign companies continues to plague the UK’s aspirations for growth.

How Recent U.S. Tariff Policy Affects Exporting to the United Kingdom

One of the most impactful developments in 2025 and 2026 has been the reintroduction and evolution of U.S. tariff policy under the Trump administration, which has affected UK–U.S. commercial flows and the broader trading environment affecting exporters.

U.S. “Reciprocal” and Global Tariffs

In 2025 and into 2026, the U.S. implemented a series of broad tariff increases on imports from many trading partners, including the United Kingdom. Initially, the U.S. government introduced a baseline 10% tariff on most imports from abroad as part of a reciprocal tariff strategy aimed at addressing trade imbalances and protecting domestic industries.

This tariff regime evolved, and by early 2026 there were announcements of higher global tariff rates on all imports from around the world. While many details and legal challenges remain subject to ongoing litigation and political negotiation, these changing policies have created uncertainty for exporters and importers alike.

Impact on UK Exports to the U.S.

Because the United States is one of the UK’s largest export markets, higher U.S. tariffs directly affect British exporters in some sectors:

• Automotive exports: Tariffs on cars exported from the UK to the U.S. were reduced under a negotiated agreement but still remain at approximately 10%, which is higher than pre‑tariff levels and can raise the landed cost of UK‑made vehicles in the U.S. market.
• Steel and aluminum: Following initial high proposed duties under U.S. policy, the U.S.–UK Economic Prosperity Deal eliminated tariffs on British steel and aluminum entering the United States, though broader tariff threats still generate uncertainty.
• Other manufactured goods: Tariffs of roughly 10% on many UK products entering the U.S. make British exports somewhat less price‑competitive compared with goods from countries with lower duty rates.

These cost differences can influence UK exporters’ strategic decisions. Some British manufacturers have reported a shift away from U.S. markets toward alternative destinations such as Europe, Asia and other regions where trade barriers are lower.

The evolving tariff framework has created uncertainty for businesses on both sides of the Atlantic. UK government officials continue to seek the best possible arrangements for British firms, aiming to preserve UK–U.S. preferential access where possible.

In addition, unresolved tariff policy increases the complexity of supply chain planning and pricing, particularly for exporters dealing in goods with integrated global value chains (e.g., aerospace components, machinery, and technology products).

What This Means for Exporters

For companies exporting to the UK, the direct influence of U.S. tariff policy may be indirect but still relevant:

• Exchange rates and competitive pricing: U.S. tariffs can affect global trade flows and exchange rates, which in turn influence price competitiveness in the UK market.
• Supply chain shifting: Firms may adjust supply sources or production locations in response to tariff‑related costs, potentially affecting the supply of goods destined for the UK.
• Market diversification: Exporters are increasingly diversifying beyond a single market to reduce risk from tariff volatility in any one country.

Exporting to the UK: The Opportunities

The potential rewards of exporting to the UK outweigh many challenges exporters may face in many situations. Exporters should identify and cultivate business opportunities while building a strategy to minimize the risks. Opportunities include IT, service, aerospace and defense, health and pharmaceutical, and travel sectors.

Export Assistance

The best thing about exploring UK export opportunities is knowing you don’t need to go it alone. If you’re an exporter interested in exporting to the UK for the first time, or you currently export to the UK but are facing challenges, you can get help from in-country allies, including the U.S. Commercial Service offices, trade missions, and chambers of commerce.

U.S. Commercial Service Offices

The first place to go for help is your local and in-country U.S. Commercial Service offices. The Commercial Service’s seven in-country offices offer U.S. exporters business partners in the UK—boots on the ground in the country—and include representation by an agent, distributor or partner who can provide essential local knowledge and contacts critical for your success. You can learn more about in-country offices in our article, Tapping into the U.S. Commercial Service's In-Country Offices.

District Export Councils (DECs)

DECs across the U.S. help exporters by supporting trade and services that strengthen individual companies, stimulate U.S. economic growth, and create jobs. DEC members also serve as mentors to new exporters and provide advice to small companies interested in exporting to the UK

Trade Missions

Sponsored by state and local trade offices as well as commercial service offices, trade missions are a great way to meet new business contacts and network.

International Trade Administration (ITA)

The ITA is an excellent resource to help you combat trade problems. ITA staff members are experts in advocating for U.S. businesses of all sizes. They customize their services to help solve trade dilemmas as efficiently as possible. The ITA makes it easy to report a trade barrier, even allowing you to submit your report online.

Chambers of Commerce

Chambers of commerce may be a resource when exporting to the UK. You can learn more about various chambers and how they can help smooth the way for your export activities in our article, The Chamber of Commerce Role in Exporting.

Export Document Requirements for the UK

Export documentation and attention to procedures are as critical in UK exporting as they are for any other country. An import license is not needed to import the majority of industrial goods into the UK or EU; however, some industrial goods require import licenses issued by the Import Licensing Branch (ILB) as a result of controls imposed at national, EU and United Nations levels. Documents you need to export to UK (and the European Union) from the U.S. will vary depending on your products, but may include:

• Bill of lading: This document serves as the transportation contract and provides shipment tracking and delivery details.
• Commercial invoice: The commercial invoice describes the goods being shipped, including their value, currency, buyer and seller information, and country of origin.
• Packing list: A packing list details the contents of each shipment package and helps customs officials verify the cargo.
• Sales contract
• Proforma invoice
• AES filing
• Customs declaration
• Insurance policy
• HS Classification Codes: Each product must include the correct Harmonized System (HS) code, which determines duties, taxes, and regulatory requirements.
• Proof of Origin (when applicable): To qualify for zero tariffs under the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, exporters may need to provide documentation proving the goods meet the agreement’s rules of origin.

UK Export Compliance Issues

It’s important to understand the regulations covering exports to the UK. You must be concerned with complying with export regulations no matter where you ship, but, fortunately, understanding regulations is easier to do than, say, if you were exporting to China.

This doesn’t mean you can take export compliance lightly. You need to understand what is required of you and what you risk if you don’t do your job in complying with those regulations.

Product Classification for Export Controls

The first step in ensuring export compliance is determining who has jurisdiction over your goods: is it the U.S. Department of Commerce under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) or the State Department's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC)?

If your goods fall under the jurisdiction of the Commerce Department, which most products do, you must determine if your export requires authorization from the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS, part of the Commerce Department). To do so you need to answer the following questions:

• What is the Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) of the item?
• Where is it going?
• Who is the end user?
• What is the end use?

There are three ways to classify your products for export controls: You can self-classify your products, submit a SNAP-R request for a ruling, or rely on the product vendor to provide the information. If you’re self-classifying, Shipping Solutions Product Classification Software makes the process easier than manually searching through codes and regulations. You can give it a try for free here.

By classifying your product correctly, you’ll be protecting yourself from potential fines, penalties and even jail time.

Export License Determination

Next, companies must use the ECCN codes and reasons for control described above to determine whether or not there are any restrictions for exporting their products to specific countries. Once they know why their products are controlled, exporters should refer to the Commerce Country Chart in the EAR to determine if a license is required.

Although a relatively small percentage of all U.S. exports and reexports require a BIS license, virtually all exports and many reexports to embargoed destinations and countries designated as supporting terrorist activities require a license. Countries fitting that bill are Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan and Syria. Part 746 of the EAR describes embargoed destinations and refers to certain additional controls imposed by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the Treasury Department.

The Shipping Solutions Professional export documentation and compliance software includes an Export Compliance Module that uses the ECCN code for your product(s) and the destination country to tell you if an export license is required. If indicated, you must apply to BIS for an export license through the online Simplified Network Application Process Redesign (SNAP-R) before you can export your products.

There are export license exceptions, like low-value or temporary exports, that allow you to export or reexport, under stated conditions, items subject to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) that would otherwise require a license. These license exceptions cover items that fall under the jurisdiction of the Department of Commerce, not items controlled by the State Department or some other agency.

Deemed Exports

Surprise! You may be an exporter without even knowing it! Deemed exports, or the disclosure of information or services rather than an actual product, is an important issue to pay attention to when exporting. A deemed export occurs when technology or source code (except encryption and object source code, which is separately addressed in the EAR under 734.2(b)(9)), is released to a foreign national within the United States.

Sharing technology, reviewing blueprints, conducting tours of facilities, and other information disclosures are considered potential exports under the deemed export rule and should be handled accordingly. You can learn how to apply this principle here.

Restricted Party Screenings

Restricted party lists (also called denied party lists) are lists of organizations, companies or individuals that various U.S. agencies—and other foreign governments—have identified as parties that one can’t do business with.

There are several reasons why a person or company may be added to a restricted party list. For example, they may be a terrorist organization or affiliated with such an organization; they may have a history of corrupt business practices; or they may otherwise pose a threat to national security.

Restricted party screening (or denied party screening) refers to the process in which a company checks a potential customer or business partner against one or more restricted party lists to ensure they are not doing business with a restricted party.

The primary restricted party lists in the United States are published by the Department of Commerce, Department of State and Department of Treasury. However, several other agencies produce lists as well. These agencies recommend that companies perform restricted party screening periodically and repeatedly throughout the movement of goods in the supply chain.

When exporting to the UK, it’s imperative you check every restricted party list every time you export. If not, you could face the following penalties:

• Fines for export violations can reach up to $1 million per violation in criminal cases (Bureau of Industry and Security).
• Administrative cases can result in a penalty amounting to $250,000 or twice the value of the transaction, whichever is greater.
• Criminal violators may be sentenced to prison for up to 20 years, and administrative penalties may include denial of export privileges.

Shipping Solutions Restricted Party Screening Software makes it fast and easy to check hundreds of lists at once, and it provides detailed information about potential matches, so you can make an informed decision about what to do next. Give it a try for free.

Export Documentation and Compliance Software

If you’re considering exporting to the UK, Shipping Solutions export documentation software can help you quickly create the necessary documents and stay compliant with export regulations. Register for a free demo of the Shipping Solutions software to see how it can revolutionize the way you’re currently creating your export paperwork.

UK Import VAT and Duties Explained

Goods imported into the United Kingdom are typically subject to import VAT and possibly customs duties depending on the product classification and value.

Key points exporters need to understand:

• Import VAT is generally charged on goods entering the UK based on their customs value.
• The importer usually pays the VAT unless the seller ships under Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) terms.
• Exported goods are usually zero-rated for UK VAT, provided the exporter maintains proper proof of export.
• The duty rate depends on the product’s commodity code and applicable trade agreements.

By understanding VAT obligations, exporters can avoid unexpected costs or delays at the border. This is one of the primary functions of GLOBAL GATEWAY by Shipping Solutions—we it is your all-in-one export management service, combining discounted international shipping rates with expert logistics and compliance support. As a specialized extension of your logistics department, we manage everything from export documents to delivery and VAT compliance, so you don’t have to.

Key Takeaways for Exporting to the UK

Businesses exporting to the United Kingdom should prepare for customs clearance by ensuring shipments include accurate documentation, HS classification codes, and correct product values. While tariffs are often eliminated for goods that qualify under trade agreements, import VAT and customs procedures still apply.

Companies that understand UK customs requirements and prepare documentation in advance can reduce delays, avoid penalties, and ensure shipments move smoothly through the border.

Shipping to the EU, UK, Canada or other global markets involves more than simply moving products from point A to point B. Exporters must navigate complex regulations, documentation requirements and tax systems—often with little margin for error.

GLOBAL GATEWAY by Shipping Solutions brings everything together in one place. This all-in-one export management service combines expert compliance support, integrated export documentation and discounted international shipping in a single streamlined solution.

Whether you’re just beginning to export or already shipping worldwide, Global Gateway works like an extension of your logistics team—without the added overhead.

You don’t need to master every detail of international trade to succeed globally. You just need the right partner.

Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to learn how we can support your exports.

This is one in a series of articles exploring exporting to specific countries across the globe—we previously featured ASEAN countries, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, the EU, France, Germany, India, Israel, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, Russia, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan.

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