Customs after Brexit: sending things between the UK and Lithuania

What changed with Brexit

Before 2021, a parcel from London to Kaunas was simply moving within the EU single market. Since the end of the Brexit transition period, Great Britain and the European Union are separate customs territories. Goods moving between them are treated as exports from one side and imports into the other, and customs formalities can apply even to private parcels.

In practice, that means information about what is inside a shipment, its value and its purpose may need to be declared, and in some cases import VAT or customs duty may be charged. What applies depends on the details of the shipment, so there is no single answer that fits every parcel.

The factors that matter

Customs treatment generally depends on a few key questions:

• What the goods are: food, clothes, electronics and vehicle parts can be treated differently
• Their value, and whether they are new or used
• The purpose: a gift between private individuals, personal belongings, or goods for sale
• Where the goods were made, which can affect duty under trade rules
• Whether the goods are restricted, for example certain animal products or plants

Gifts and personal parcels

Both the UK and the EU have special arrangements for occasional gifts sent between private individuals, which may reduce or remove import charges within certain value limits. The limits, and what counts as a gift, are set by each side and can change, so check the current official guidance before sending something of significant value. A gift should be a genuine, occasional present, not goods paid for by the recipient.

Describe the contents honestly and specifically. Clothes, children's toys, books, sweets is far more useful than a single word such as gifts or personal items. Accurate descriptions help avoid delays.

Moving home: personal belongings

When people move their normal place of residence, both the UK and the EU have reliefs that may allow personal belongings to be brought in without import duty and VAT, provided certain conditions are met. Conditions typically relate to how long you lived abroad, how long you have owned and used the items, and the timing of the move. Applications or supporting documents may be required.

If you are moving from the UK to Lithuania or the other way, tell us early. We advise on the information that is usually needed, help you put together a list of belongings, and explain the process so your removal is not held up.

Food, plants and animal products

Animal products such as meat and dairy face strict rules when crossing between Great Britain and the EU, and these rules have been tightened at times because of animal disease outbreaks. Plants and some plant products can also be restricted. Before sending homemade sausage, cheese or garden plants, check the current rules on the official government websites. Shelf-stable packaged food is generally simpler, but the specific rules still apply.

Business goods

Goods sent for sale or for business use are commercial shipments and follow different procedures from private parcels. Businesses usually need customs registration numbers, commercial invoices and correct commodity codes. Our business team works with companies trading between the UK and Lithuania and helps coordinate the information required for each load.

How Siuntų Bitė helps

You do not need to become a customs expert to send a parcel home. When you book, we ask what you are sending. For removals, freight and larger shipments, we consult you on what documents may be needed and help prepare them, so that the process runs as smoothly as possible.

Please note that under our terms the sender remains responsible for the contents and customs status of the shipment, and we are not responsible for goods held or confiscated because of prohibited or undeclared contents. Honest, detailed descriptions are the best protection.