Shipping from England (UK) to Ukraine

The UK plays a significant role in global logistics, but shipping to and from England, which recently exited the EU, differs considerably from common European standards.

Terms for Shipping from England to Ukraine

Shipping between England and Ukraine can be done through various methods depending on weight, volume, urgency and other shipping requirements:

1. Sea Transport. Container shipping is one of the most common methods for large shipments. Goods are loaded onto container ships in ports like London or Liverpool and sent to Ukrainian ports such as Odesa or Chornomorsk. This can take from a few days to several weeks.
2. Air Transport. Air freight is used for fast delivery, departing from airports like Heathrow or Manchester. However, flights to Ukraine are unavailable during wartime.
3. Road Transport. Cargo can be transported by road from any city in England and arrive in Ukrainian cities through cross-border points.
4. Rail Transport. Suitable for medium-sized cargo, rail freight can connect through Europe, with a ferry transfer to England.

Advantages of Working with ETS

• Personalized Client Support. Each client has a dedicated manager who considers the cargo’s specifics and route.
• Comprehensive Service. ETS offers door-to-door service, including documentation and tracking at every stage of transport.
• Extensive Experience. Since 2011, ETS has successfully completed thousands of international shipping contracts.
• Versatile Transport Options. Our fleet includes tarp-covered and metal vehicles, refrigerated and isothermal containers and specialized transport vehicles.

Specifics of Ukraine–England Shipping

Shipping to England requires adherence to multiple procedures and preparation of the necessary documents. Key points include:

Each transport method uses a specific document:

• Air Waybill — for air freight.
• Bill of Lading — for sea freight.
• CMR Waybill — for road transport.

Some products, such as multi-priced re-imports, are illegal throughout the UK. For most industrial goods, an import license is not required, but certain items need licenses issued by the Import Licensing Branch (ILB) of the Department for Business and Trade (DBT). This branch also issues Certificates of Free Sale (CFS), required for products that come into contact with human skin, such as cosmetics.

Other departments issuing CFS include:

• Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs — for animal-related products.
• Department of Health — for pharmaceuticals.
• Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) — for medical devices.
• Health and Safety Executive (HSE) — for biocides.
• Rural Payments Agency (RPA) — for food, beverages or supplements.

New import requirements will come into effect in January 2024, requiring export sanitary and phytosanitary certificates for animal products, plants and medium-risk plant products imported into the UK.

Geography of Shipping from England to Ukraine

Sea transport is essential for trade to and from England, with ports in London, Liverpool, Southampton and Felixstowe serving as key international hubs. 

London is central to international logistics, while northern and western cities focus on domestic logistics. England’s unique geography, with mountains, rivers and lakes, often requires specialized equipment and increased focus on safety, leading to higher time and resource demands for shipping.

Types of Freight Transport Between England and Ukraine

Consolidated Shipments 

We gather items from multiple clients to form a single shipment, with costs shared among all participants, allowing significant savings. We offer consolidated shipping from various regions in the UK, including London, Manchester and Liverpool.

Oversized Cargo 

Requires special customs and legal permits, as well as specialized oversight, especially in the UK. ETS professionals are well-versed in these processes.

Customs Clearance for Cargo from England

Customs duties are calculated based on the customs rate, depending on the product’s classification in the UK customs tariff. Rates can be ad valorem (percentage-based on item value), specific (based on weight, volume or quantity) or combined. Additional fees may apply, such as excise duties on specific products (e.g., alcohol, tobacco), environmental taxes and other charges.

Accurate customs fee and tax calculations are essential before importing goods, as the total can be significant.

Cost of Shipping from England to Ukraine

Shipping costs depend on distance, cargo type, delivery time and route demand, with prices updated weekly based on transport queues, demand and external factors. Rate changes and the availability of drivers for international routes also impact pricing.