Useful information for sending a parcel to the USA
For customers shipping items from the UK, there are many considerations. When shipping to the United States, there are few things that you need to know in order to have your package delivered smoothly.
Main Country Facts
With its population of 308 million people, the US is an economic powerhouse. In fact, the United States has the world's strongest economy, so it's important to understand the ins and out of importing products to this nation. Luckily, the United States has a long and deep connection to the United Kingdom, both politically and economically. Until 1776, both countries recognized the United States as a British colony. By 1787, the country had its own constitution, but has continued to partner with the United Kingdom in political and economic ventures.
Today, the United States has what is known as a mixed capitalist economic system. The citizens have a high productivity rate, with almost $15 trillion USD in GDP. This number makes up almost a quarter of the trade performed worldwide. The United States does most of its trade with its immediate neighbours, Canada and Mexico. In addition, the Asian countries of China and Japan are strong trade partners. While the US does not claim the UK as a major trading partner, they also hold no animosity or prejudice; the numbers merely indicate that other countries produce more products that US citizens regularly purchase.
Many industries in the US are strong. Just over half of the economy is located in the private sector, while the other 45 per cent is distributed between both federal and local government entities. The United States has strong service and retail sectors. The nation ranks third in oil production.
Import Restrictions
While the United States has fairly open trade policies, there are some import restrictions. In most instances, importing items in restricted categories isn't entirely prohibited. Instead, regulations, limitations or warnings may apply.
Shipping alcohol, for example, may be subject to limitations depending on the state of delivery, while
shipping cultural artefacts requires a clear declaration of legal ownership.
Both military and biological shipments must have licensing from the proper US agency in order to be imported legally. Some items cannot be imported at all, including
cat and dog fur, drugs and paraphernalia, and endangered animals. There are also restrictions and prohibitions on
food items. Most prepared food can be imported easily.
Wild game meats, however, are prohibited. Fruits, vegetables and other fresh food and plants are complicated to import, as foreign insects can contaminate US crops; this category is closely monitored. For more information on the specific restrictions in all categories, see the
official United States' guidelines.
Useful Information
While the climate in the United States is mostly moderate, some areas have extremely hot summers and very cold winters. Keep this in mind if a shipment contains items that are sensitive to temperature changes. While the citizen base is largely informal, people in the US appreciate quick service and shipment times. Shipments may be subject to duties under the Harmonized Tariff System; the rules governing this are extensive. There are currently seven countries that the United States has embargoed from trade. While items shipped from the UK are usually not an issue, having products that originated in these countries may cause issues. The United States will not do business with Iran, Iraq, Libya,
Cuba, North Korea, Syria and Sudan.
