As global trade expands and e-commerce continues to bridge continents, the need for cost-effective shipping between India and the UK has never been more vital. If you are an exporter sending textiles and machinery or relocating or sending a parcel to family, understanding the cost of shipping from India to the UK can help you plan more effectively and save money. Moreover, book for us, and you can get amazing offers and prices for your next delivery.Â
Why Send a Courier from India to the UK?
India is one of the major exporters to the UK, supplying a range of products, including spices, electronics, garments, healthcare items, handlooms, and automobile components. Meanwhile, if you have family or friends living in the UK, you can send them gifts or homemade food during the festive season.
Standard Shipping Methods from India to the UK
Air Freight
They are fast, ideal for luxurious items and small packages, but they are expensive. Air freight charges depend on chargeable weight, which is the higher of actual or volumetric weight.
Sea freight
However, the cost to ship to the UK from India is economical for bulk shipments, but the shipping time is slower. You can ship machinery, household goods, or commercial equipment.
Courier Services
The best choice for sending parcels and small packages, like documents, e-commerce parcels, medicines, clothes, or fragile and luxurious items.
Weight | Courier services | Shipment container | Sea freight |
0.5 kg | ₹1,200 – ₹2,500 | 20 ft container | ₹1,50,000 – ₹2,60,000 |
2 kg | ₹2,500 – ₹4,000 | 40 ft container | ₹2,50,000 – ₹4,50,000 |
10 kg | ₹6,000 – ₹12,000 | LCL | ₹7,000 – ₹15,000 |
20 kg | ₹10,000+ |
Factors Affecting the Cost of Shipping from India to the UK
Weight & Volume: Heavier and bulkier packages incur higher costs, especially in air freight.
Type of Goods: Hazardous, fragile, or high-value items will incur additional charges or require special handling.
Delivery Speed: Express shipping is faster but more expensive.
Origin & Destination: When booking a courier from a metro city like Mumbai or Delhi, it is usually cheaper due to better infrastructure.
Customs and Duties: These are not included in courier or freight charges. Import duties in the UK can vary based on product category.
Packaging: Improper packaging can lead to damage and added costs. Some shippers charge for packaging if it is not compliant with their standards.
Hidden Charges are:
- Fuel Surcharge
- Security Fee
- Remote Area Delivery Charge
- Handling Fee
- Customs Clearance Fees
- Insurance
Customs Duties in the UK
Every item that enters the UK from India is first subject to customs inspections, and if approved, it is then delivered.
- Personal gifts worth less than £39 are exempt from duty.
- Commercial goods may be liable for VAT and customs duty, depending on the product classification.
- Prohibited Items include explosives, pirated media, certain food products, and animal-origin goods, which are usually denied by customs.Â
Ensure proper documentation, such as:
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
- Importer’s EORI number (for commercial shipments)
Popular Shipping Routes
From India:
- Mumbai (Nhava Sheva)
- Chennai
- Mundra
- Delhi (air freight)
To the UK:
- Felixstowe
- London Gateway
- Southampton
- Heathrow (for air)
Documents for Sending Liquids, Chemical Powder (sample)
- Packaging list.
- MSDS certificate.
- Lab reports/COA/test report.
- Non-dangerous goods confirmation.
- ID proofs of the sender.
- GST copy and PAN copy of the shipping company.Â
Different Types of Goods to Ship to the UK
We serve various industries and ensure fast, reliable, and secure global deliveries. Our international courier service from India enables businesses across multiple sectors to meet their shipping needs efficiently.
- We offer fast international shipping for e-commerce and retail, as well as warehousing, packaging, and fulfillment solutions.Â
- Our courier services provide temperature-controlled shipping for medicines and vaccines, as well as secure delivery of medical equipment and lab samples.Â
- We securely transport laptops, smartphones, and components for fragile items under anti-static and shock-resistant packaging.Â
- VS Global safely delivers confidential documents and legal papers, with signature confirmation and tracking for sensitive shipments.Â
- You can rely on us if you want to shop for clothing, accessories, and luxury goods, as well as custom packaging and branding solutions for fashion brands.
- Moreover, you can deliver luxury watches, jewelry, and art with white-glove handling. We offer premium express shipping for VIP clients.Â
- We adhere to international food safety standards, utilizing cold-chain logistics that are specifically designed for the transportation of perishable foods and beverages.Â
Why Book Courier Service from Us?
- We allow express and priority shipping options to ensure timely delivery.
- Our services span shipping routes across more than 200 countries.
- You can be stress-free, as we pick up and deliver to remote and metropolitan areas.
- Safe packaging and professional handling for fragile or high-value items.
- We offer multiple delivery options, including express, economy, and scheduled deliveries.
- VS Global provides cost-effective solutions for international shipping. It is the best choice for both personal and business deliveries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost to ship a courier to the UK?
However, the shipping cost from India to the UK depends on various factors, including the type of freight service, weight, and route. You can call our agents to learn more about the prices we offer.
Does sea freight take months to deliver to the UK?
If you choose sea freight for your bulk shipments, delivery will take approximately 20 to 25 days. You can book with us to get hassle-free delivery at the best prices.
Are there any hidden charges for courier service?
There are some additional charges that may be applied to your courier services, such as fuel surcharge, security fee, remote area delivery charge, and handling fee. However, these charges provide convenience while delivering.
In which destination in the UK is air freight available?
If you have booked air freight services from India to the UK, your courier will reach Heathrow Airport, London. And then it will be delivered to your doorstep.Â