Shipping to the USA, without the hassle
Compare top carriers in one overview, have your customs paperwork done automatically and ship at our negotiated rates. If you get stuck, our people help you out.
10% welcome discount on all your bookings for the first 4 weeks · for businessesFor individuals and businesses in the Netherlands and Belgium.
FedEx EconomyCheapest option See rate FedEx PriorityFastest option See rate 
UPS SaverExpress See rate 
DHL WorldwideExpress See rate You can compare and book without an account, also as an individual.
Calculate your shipping costs to the USA
Enter your shipment, compare the carriers side by side and have it picked up today.
Welcome discount · businesses only
10% off all your bookings for the first 4 weeks
No credit card, minimum volume or contract
What are you sending to the USA?
From documents to pallets. For each type of shipment you see the carriers that fit, with their delivery time.
Contracts, invoices and other papers. Sent express, with the delivery time the carrier gives for the USA.
Rate for documents →Choose between economy and express and see the expected delivery day for each carrier.
Rate for parcels →Heavier and larger freight to the USA, including the export documents.
Rate for pallets →How to send a parcel to the USA
Four steps, no account needed to compare.
Enter your shipment
Address, dimensions and weight. You don't need an account to see rates.
Compare and choose
All carriers side by side, with price, delivery time and terms.
Paperwork done for you
The label and customs invoice are created and sent digitally.
Your chosen carrier picks up
Pick-up at the address you choose. Track your shipment in your account.
What you need for a shipment to the USA
The USA is outside the EU, so your shipment needs customs papers. On our platform you create them in the same flow as your booking.
Shipping advice for the USA
The USA is outside the EU, so your shipment goes through customs. These four points help you avoid delays and unexpected charges.
Expect import duties and clearance costs
A shipment to the USA can be charged import duties and clearance costs. When you create your customs invoice, you always see an estimate of those costs, so you won't be surprised afterwards. Read more about import duties in the USA.
Calculate it now ↓
Describe your goods precisely
Use a detailed English description and the right HS code for each item. Words like ‘sample’ or ‘spare part’ are the most common cause of delays at customs.
Decide who pays the import costs
You choose whether you pay the import costs (DDP) or the recipient does (DAP). Agree this with your recipient in the USA beforehand. It prevents refused parcels and return costs.
Enter dimensions and weight accurately
Carriers measure again when they collect. If the dimensions or weight differ, you get an additional charge. Measure the box including packaging and round up.
Booking checklist
Got everything to hand? Then you can book in two minutes
- ✓The recipient's full address and phone number
- ✓Dimensions and weight of each box
- ✓English description, value and HS code for each item
- ✓VAT or EORI number for business shipments
You book parcels to the USA directly online. Customs papers are created automatically and sent digitally to customs.
Good to know when you book
Art to the US? Make an Art Statement
With an Art Statement you can benefit from low import duties on art. You need the tracking number for it, which you get after booking.
Watch with FedEx? Add a Watch Worksheet
If you send a watch to the US with FedEx, it needs a Watch Worksheet. Without it, the shipment may be delayed at customs. You need the tracking number for it, which you get after booking.
Over €2,500 with FedEx? The recipient fills in a 5106
If the value is over €2,500, the recipient has to fill in a form 5106, unless they have done so before. FedEx USA contacts the recipient about it.
Wine or beer needs extra paperwork
Alcohol to the US needs extra paperwork. If it cannot be given to US customs, the shipment is returned at your cost or destroyed.
Contact lenses: include the prescription and manufacturer
For contact lenses, US customs may ask for a prescription and the manufacturer's details. Without them the shipment is not cleared and may be returned.
What can you send to the USA?
The USA has its own rules on what may enter the country, and carriers have their own restrictions. This overview shows what usually goes fine, what needs extra papers and what is not allowed.
- Documents and contracts
- Parts, machines and tools
- Art and antiques, with the right form
- Clothing and textiles
- Samples for customers and distributors
- Electronics and computers
- Medicines, medical devices and cosmetics (FDA rules)
- Shelf-stable food, such as tinned food
- Alcohol
- Animal products and pet food
- Wildlife products, such as fur, eggs, feathers and honey
- Seeds and agricultural products
- Chemicals, including fertilisers and pesticides
- Electronic products
Show all 14
- Textiles, wool and fur
- Motor vehicles, boats and their parts
- Cultural heritage, such as pre-Columbian sculptures
- Viruses, serums and toxins
- Nuclear and radioactive material
- Hemp seed (must be sterilised)
- Prescription medicines for personal use, unless approved by the FDA
- Hemp products containing THC, such as cosmetics, clothing and food
- Pipes and other drug paraphernalia
- Items made with dog or cat fur
- Kinder Surprise eggs
- Switchblades, butterfly knives and gravity knives
- Ivory, rhino horn and products of protected species
- Goods from countries under US embargo or sanctions
Show all 12
- Goods made with forced labour
- Obscene items, such as films, images and texts
- Petroleum products from Syria
- Matches containing white phosphorus
Calculate your import duties ↓
- ArtShipping art? Create an Art Statement (guide in Dutch) after booking. It lets you benefit from low import duties.
- WatchesFor watches, US customs asks for a Watch Worksheet (guide in Dutch). Without it, your shipment may be delayed.
- Wine and beerAlcohol to the US needs extra paperwork. Without it, the shipment is returned or destroyed at your cost. We don't take spirits.
- Value over €2,500The recipient then has to fill in a FedEx 5106 form once. FedEx USA contacts the recipient about it.
- Contact lensesThese need extra documents, such as a prescription and the manufacturer's details. Otherwise the shipment can't be cleared.
- DescriptionDescriptions like ‘Parts’, ‘Gifts’, ‘Samples’ or ‘See invoice’ aren't specific enough. Describe in English what it is.
- GiftA gift can also be charged import duties. ‘Gift’ on the customs invoice doesn't guarantee an exemption.
- PO boxDelivery to a PO box isn't possible. Give a street address.
Sources: FedEx International Connect, Country/Region-Specific Prohibited and Restricted Items (as of 1 July 2023). That is FedEx's economy service; express often allows more. The checks at booking come from our own platform. ParcelParcel: prohibited and dangerous goods (in Dutch). Rules change; if in doubt, ask us before you book. More about import duties in the USA.
All about the USA
Compare carriers, rates and delivery times to the USA.
Have a shipment collected in the USA and sent to the Netherlands.
Read more →Import dutiesImport duties USAWhat the recipient pays in import duties and clearance costs.
Read more →CustomsCustoms information USA (in Dutch)Rules, prohibited goods and the documents you need.
Read more →What shippers to the USA say
Frequently asked questions about shipping to the USA
How much does it cost to ship a parcel to the USA?+
The price of a parcel to the USA depends on weight, size, destination and the carrier you choose. The calculator shows all options side by side with the exact price for your shipment.
How long does delivery to the USA take?+
With an express service from UPS, FedEx or DHL, a parcel to the USA usually arrives within 1 to 3 working days, and on the East Coast (such as New York) often in 1 to 2. With an economy service, allow a few extra working days. If US customs inspects your shipment, it can take a bit longer. The calculator shows the expected delivery day per carrier.
Which customs documents do I need?+
For the USA you need a customs invoice with an English description, the value and the HS code of each item. You create it on our platform; we send it digitally to the carrier and customs.
Who pays the import duties?+
You choose when you book: you as the sender (DDP) or the recipient (DAP). The USA charges no VAT on imports, but it does charge import duties and clearance costs. When you create your customs invoice, you see an estimate of those costs. Read more under import duties USA.
Will my shipment be picked up from me?+
Yes, your shipment is picked up at your own address. If you book before the carrier's cut-off, the courier usually comes the same working day.
Is my shipment insured?+
Every shipment is covered by the carrier's standard liability. If you want the full value covered, choose our transport guarantee when you book.
Can I send a parcel to the USA as a private person?+
Yes. You don't need an account: enter your shipment, compare the carriers and book straight away. As a private person you also need a customs invoice with an English description and the value of what you send. You create it while booking. Sending a present to family or friends? Choose ‘gift’ as the reason and enter the real value.
Is there import duty on a small parcel to the USA?+
Yes. Since 29 August 2025 the US exemption for shipments up to $800 no longer applies. Every parcel with goods goes through customs, and even a low-value parcel can be charged import duties and clearance costs. This does not apply to documents. Agree with your recipient beforehand who pays, so the parcel isn't refused.
What is the cheapest way to ship a parcel to the USA?+
Choose an economy service instead of express and pack your items as compactly as possible: for a large, light box carriers charge by volumetric weight. In the calculator you sort the options by price, so you see straight away which carrier is cheapest for your weight and size.
How do I send a parcel to the USA?+
Enter the address, weight and size, compare the carriers and pick one. Then create the customs invoice with an English description, the value and the HS code of each item. Print the label, stick it on the box and the carrier collects the parcel from you.
Send your first shipment to the USA with a 10% welcome discount
Register your business account and use the discount on all your bookings for four weeks. No credit card, minimum volume or contract.
- ✓10% discount on all your bookings
- ✓For four weeks, from the day you register
- ✓No credit card, minimum volume or contract
Shipping as an individual? You can compare and book without an account.
Shipping a parcel to the USA: what you need to know
ParcelParcel gives individuals and businesses in the Netherlands and Belgium sharp rates. Thanks to our partnerships with international couriers such as FedEx, DHL, UPS and DPD, you ship your parcel to the US with up to 70% off the regular prices. Want to import from the USA? We can help with that too.
US import duties and tariffs in 2026
The US used to exempt parcels worth less than $800 (de minimis) from import duties. That exemption has been suspended since 29 August 2025: every parcel with goods now goes through customs, whatever its value. The import duty depends on the product category.
Only genuine gifts between private people worth up to $100, and documents, are still exempt. Agree with your recipient beforehand who pays the import costs, and see import duties USA for the details.
Customs and import duties in the USA
When you send a parcel to the United States, customs rules apply. US customs uses the CIF value (Cost, Insurance & Freight) to decide whether import duties are due. So always give a clear description of the contents and the value of the parcel on the customs documents.
ParcelParcel creates the customs documents automatically while you book. Want to know more about required documents such as the customs invoice, TSCA or FCC? Read our full customs information page for the USA (in Dutch).
Tip: our import duties guide helps you get an idea of the costs.
What can't you send to the USA?
Strict rules apply to some products. Not allowed are, among others:
- Food or drink containing alcohol
- Batteries and power banks (depending on the courier)
- Medicines without a prescription
- Weapons, ammunition or sharp objects
- Drugs and narcotics
- Dangerous substances and fireworks
Not sure? See the full list of prohibited goods for the USA (in Dutch) or contact us. We're happy to help.
Up to date with current rules and shipping tips
Rules for shipping to the USA can change: new duty rates, import restrictions or new document requirements. We update this article regularly. 07-2026
ParcelParcel helps you ship with confidence and without surprises. Our customer service is always there for you.