Shipping from the United States to Europe: EU and Non-EU Freight Guide

European destinations require a named importing jurisdiction and customs arrangement. The EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and other non-EU destinations should not be treated as one clearance process. Identify the importer of record, entry point, final destination and whether the proposed movement continues across a customs border.

Define the route and the delivery scope

For EU deliveries, establish the responsible importer and where the goods will enter the customs territory. Ask the broker to confirm classification, valuation and the product requirements for the intended market. For Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Gibraltar, request a separate destination assessment and include the next border crossing if goods travel through another country.

Destinations covered by this planning guide

• Belgium
• France
• Switzerland
• Italy
• Ireland
• Spain
• Poland
• Russia
• Norway
• Sweden
• Denmark
• Austria
• Czechia
• Hungary
• Portugal
• Greece
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Romania
• Croatia
• Gibraltar
• Slovakia
• Iceland
• Slovenia

Questions to resolve for this region

Russia appears in the supplied route list. It is included here only as a compliance-led enquiry: do not request a booking or supplier collection until the exporter, carrier and competent advisers have established whether the exact goods, parties, end use, route and payment are permitted. Routing through a third country does not resolve an export restriction.

Choose a transport method using the actual cargo

Air freight may suit time-sensitive, compact shipments when carrier acceptance and landed costs support it. Shared-container sea freight can suit smaller commercial lots; a full container may suit a larger or dedicated load. Oversize equipment, vehicles and hazardous goods require a distinct assessment. Ask for the proposed route, transhipments, estimated service window and what could change it.

Give the packed dimensions and gross weight of each unit, the number of units, stackability, handling constraints and cargo value. Include batteries, liquids, chemicals, perishables or other special characteristics in the initial brief. Describe the commodity accurately rather than presenting a mixed consignment as general goods.

Read the quotation beyond the headline rate

Identify collection, export preparation, origin terminal fees, main carriage, destination handling, customs work, duties, storage and final delivery. State who will pay each charge and who arranges insurance. Ask about quote validity, free time where relevant, and the consequences of a missed document or collection deadline. Estimated transit is not a guaranteed customs-release or delivery date.

Prepare the documents and the importer

Coordinate the invoice, packing information, product identity and consignee details with the appointed exporter and importer. Ask which declarations, licences, certificates and destination registrations apply to this exact transaction. Resolve product eligibility and any party, end-use or sanctions concern before cargo is collected.

Start with the US commercial shipping guide and US product directory. For Nigeria, see the dedicated US-to-Nigeria guide.

Reviewed 1 November 2026. Routes and acceptance are confirmed for each enquiry; gallery images are illustrative.