For SMEs, startups, and artisans selling online who wish to expand their business outside Europe, the US market represents a considerable growth opportunity, thanks to a large consumer base and organized, reliable distribution networks. However, shipping a parcel to the United States can be complicated given the complexity of regulations, customs rules, and product-specific restrictions. To ensure seamless operations, knowing the documents required for import and export customs clearance is fundamental.
Despite this, the American market represents a great opportunity for those looking to sell abroad using digital tools and project their business internationally. Data provided by the European Council shows how total commercial transaction volume between the United States and Europe has doubled over the past 10 years. Furthermore, according to recent statistics from Eurostat, European Union member states exported goods to the United States worth 502 billion euros in 2023, representing 19.7% of total extra-EU exports. Trade relations between the two continents, increasingly characterized by strong interdependence, are therefore solid and profitable. For e-commerce businesses seeking to sell online abroad and capitalize on this opportunity, optimizing necessary operations to ship a parcel to the United States represents a challenge that must be approached with care and attention. Let's explore how.
Total trade transaction volume between the European Union and the US has doubled over the past decade.
The EU exported goods to the United States worth 502 billion euros in a single year (19.7% of extra-EU total).
Navigating the complex regulatory framework for international shipments requires attention, meticulousness, and specific knowledge of customs rules to prevent parcels from being held at customs, which causes financial losses and buyer dissatisfaction. But what documentation do you need exactly to ship a parcel to the United States? Here is the essential required paperwork:
It is also important to highlight that if you plan to commercialize food or beverage products—such as when managing wine shipping to the United States—facility registration and a Prior Notice confirmation code from the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) are required. But which products can be shipped without issues, and which are subject to strict restrictions? Here are key guidelines.
The United States is a key trading partner for European countries thanks to the wide array of goods that can be commercialized without special restrictions. However, those wishing to sell online in the US must strictly adhere to customs rules and regulations issued by other federal agencies: any customs hold, fine, or delay results in lost time and money. Verifying that your products are not subject to sales prohibitions is essential. Prohibited items that cannot be shipped to the US include:
Products that can be shipped to the United States but require federal licenses, certifications, or agency authorizations include:
| Document or Category | US Requirements & Restrictions |
|---|---|
| Commercial Invoice & Incoterms | Must be in English featuring HS Codes, itemized value, country of origin, and clear Incoterm (DDP/DAP) terms. |
| Food & Beverage (FDA / TTB) | Requires FDA facility registration, shipment Prior Notice filing, and licensed US importers for alcohol. |
| Consumer Goods & Textiles | Duty-free clearance up to the de minimis threshold ($800 USD) for B2C parcels, maintaining compliant labeling. |
For SMEs and e-commerce stores intending to ship products to the United States, managing these requirements internally can be daunting. Trained professionals are needed to handle regulatory frameworks and product-specific variables within required timeframes. A parcel held at customs risks becoming an unnecessary expense and creating customer dissatisfaction, damaging both finances and brand reputation. For this reason, more companies turn to specialized industry partners capable of selecting optimal logistics solutions and generating required customs documentation to ship parcels to the US smoothly.
MBE Shipping is the service that helps SMEs and artisans manage international shipping through a 360° approach backed by complete expertise in all necessary documentation and procedures. MBE Centers assist your business in simplifying procedures and scaling internationally through comprehensive support before, during, and after dispatch.
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