Did you know that Hungary is among the fastest growing economies in the European Union (EU)?
In addition to this, Hungary is also strategically located allowing easy access to other European Union (EU) markets.
Moreover, the country boasts a highly skilled and educated workforce.
It is no wonder that many multinational companies have manufacturing and service facilities here.
This is likely to sound promising to an ecommerce business looking to add new Hungarian customers to its fold and establish itself further in the European market.
If you’re a business operating out of the UK and you want to serve customers in Hungary, this guide will help develop an international shipping strategy to meet customer expectations.
Cost & delivery speeds for shipping to the Hungary from the UK
The courier you choose to facilitate shipping can greatly affect the experience you have when sending goods internationally.
Things that are important to consider before picking a suitable delivery company may include cost-effectiveness, delivery timelines, customs support, package weight allowance, etc.
Royal Mail, FedEx, UPS, Evri (The new Hermes), DPD, and Parcelforce Worldwide are among the top companies that can courier your shipment from the UK to Hungary.
To give you an indication of the different shipping solutions offered by these couriers we have below a table comparing these services.
The table includes cost and tentative delivery timelines. The rates shown here were calculated using a uniform sample of a 2 kg package in September 2022. The parcel value was declared as 50 GBP wherever requested. Actual prices and delivery timelines may differ.
Note: These are general options for consumers’ shipping orders directly from a courier’s store. To know what ShipBob offers when shipping to other countries like Hungary, please request a quote here.
ShipBob’s exact rates for customers will vary as we charge an all-in ‘total fulfilment cost’ that includes picking, packing, and shipping, among other factors.
| Service | Price | Delivery Time | |
| Royal Mail | International Standard | £12.20 | 3-5 business days |
| Royal Mail | International Tracked | £13.05 | 3-5 business days |
| Royal Mail | International Economy | £14.25 | 15 business days |
| Royal Mail | International Tracked and Signed | £14.95 | 3-5 business day |
| UPS | Express Saver | £20.83 | 2 business days |
| UPS | Standard | £13.45 | 5 business days |
| FedEx | International Economy | £133.75 | 5 business day |
| FedEx | International Priority | £144.76 | 2 business days |
| Evri | Evri Courier | £13.40 | 3-7 business days |
| Parcelforce Worldwide | globalpriority | £17.35 | 3+ business days |
| Parcelforce Worldwide | globalexpress | £116.58 | 1+ business days |
| Parcelforce Worldwide | globalvalue | £55.50 | 5+ business days |
| DPD local | Air Express | £71.27 | 2-4 business days |
| DPD local | Air Classic | £44.55 | 3-5 business days |
| DPD local | Air Express | £65.03 | 2-4 business days |
Parcelforce Worldwide, Evri, and DPD local prices in the table are for pickup options.
The parcel size entered to calculate the prices for Evri, Parcelforce Worldwide, and DPD local is 45cm X 35cm X 16cm (L X W X H). FedEx, UPS, and Royal Mail options do not presently attract additional charges for collection options.
How to choose a shipping courier
Since choosing the right shipping courier is among the most important steps in international shipping, it is a good idea to weigh the merits and demerits of the major delivery companies.
To assist you in making a decision find below a table with the pros and cons of top couriers that offer shipping services to send goods from the UK to Hungary.
Couriers | Pros | Cons |
| Royal Mail |
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| FedEx |
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| UPS |
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| DPD |
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| Evri |
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| Parcelforce |
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Shipping to Hungary from the UK with Royal Mail
Royal Mail is a trusted name in the world of logistics. The company has been delivering mail for more than 500+ years.
It can send parcels to over 230 countries and territories worldwide with its network of delivery partners.
When to use Royal Mail to ship from the UK to Hungary
If you are sending documents or lightweight goods of up to 2 kg and require affordable solutions, Royal Mail is the answer. Reasonable delivery timelines and options with trackability are other reasons to choose the courier.
Royal Mail also offers special solutions for businesses such as an account manager, the option to integrate your Royal Mail account with online ecommerce platforms, competitive pricing, etc.
Shipping to Hungary from the UK with UPS
UPS has a renowned name in the global shipping space.
You can trust it to get your package delivered to over 220 countries and territories worldwide.
UPS has been present in Europe for over 45 years and has established itself as a strong choice in the logistics domain.
When to use UPS to ship from the UK to Hungary
If you are sending heavy packages of up to 70 kg each, and want them to reach promptly and cost-effectively, UPS could be a suitable courier for you.
It also offers a money-back guarantee on Express services for shipments to Europe.
Shipping to Hungary from the UK with FedEx
With FedEx you can ship your parcel to over 220 countries and territories worldwide and expect it to reach reliably.
FedEx has been connecting Europe for over 35 years now and can ship packages from the UK to Hungary.
When to use FedEx to ship from the UK to Hungary
If speed and reliability are what you are after, FedEx could be your courier of choice. It also offers its users a high individual package weight limit of up to 68 kg.
Do note that FedEx solutions come at a premium. However, FedEx account holders can enjoy discounts of up to 40%.
Shipping to Hungary from the UK with DPD UK
DPD prides itself on being able to provide seamless service to its users because of access to technology and information systems.
The company has a network to deliver shipments to over 230 countries and territories worldwide.
When to use DPD UK to ship from the UK to Hungary
Fully tracked service, multilingual customer service agents, option to purchase a high additional parcel protection cover of up to £5,000, a sizable weight allowance of up to 30 kg per individual parcel collected, etc. are among the many reasons to choose DPD.
For shippers that want the convenience of a large enough drop-off point network and are looking for a range of services, DPD could be an appropriate choice.
Shipping to Hungary from the UK with Evri
Evri is a logistics company that is trusted by its customers and retailers.
With Evri you can send your parcel to over 190 countries and territories worldwide.
When to use Evri to ship from the UK to Hungary
If you need cost-effective solutions, want the convenience of a large drop-off points network, are sending packages of up to 15 kg per individual parcel, and are flexible on pickup and delivery timelines, Evri would be fit for you.
It is good to note that deliveries in Europe are expected within 3-7 business days but are not guaranteed.
Shipping to Hungary from the UK with Parcelforce
Over 25 years ago the Royal Mail Group created a parcel delivery function that formed the basis of present-day Parcelforce Worldwide.
It offers delivery services that can reach 99% of the world’s population.
When to use Parcelforce to ship from the UK to Hungary
Whether it be delivery speeds or the amount of compensation cover available, Parcelforce Worldwide has a host of solutions on offer. If you are someone with changing requirements, the variety offered by Parcelforce Worldwide may fit your needs.
Additionally, a vast drop-off point network within the UK is a huge pull for those who seek convenience.
Duties & taxes when shipping to Hungary from the UK
Since Brexit, the European Union (EU) treats postal items from the UK as it treated non-EU items before. This means, if you are sending items from the UK to Hungary, necessary import taxes and customs rules will apply.
Goods must be declared to customs authorities at the first port of entry into the EU. Customs procedures and tariff evaluation is done here.
However, once goods reach Hungary, a Value Added Tax (VAT) is levied on most goods. The general rate of VAT on goods in Hungary is 27%. Some goods may attract a different reduced rate of VAT of 18% (baking products, commercial accommodation, and internet services), 5% (raw meat such as pork, poultry, fish, and veal as well as fresh dairy products), or even 0%.
Detailed customs tariff information such as duty rates and levies on imports, information on protective measures, formalities, and other non-tariff requirements can be found on the Integrated Tariff (TARIC) portal of the EU.
It can also be used to determine whether a particular product may require a license for import.
Hungary customs information
Goods must be declared to the European Union’s (EU) customs authority once they enter the EU.
For the written declaration to customs, the Single Administrative Document (SAD) is the official model.
A Summary Declaration is to be filed once the items are brought to the customs officials. Commercial invoices or official documents can also be allowed to identify the goods.
The SAD is the EU importer’s declaration. It comprises both customs duties and VAT and is valid in all EU member states. The responsibility of filing the declaration lies on the person clearing the goods, mostly the importer or the agent on record.More information on Hungarian customs can be found on the official website.
Prohibited items when shipping to Hungary
To safeguard its citizens and protect the national economy, every country follows a list of items it prohibits from import.
The shipper must review these lists before transport.
Delivery companies also tend to have a list of items that they do not carry. Some items are restricted and are only permitted to cross borders if necessary certificates and licenses are presented.
To save yourself from undue hassles, it is best to check the updated lists and follow protocol.
You can find below some items that are prohibited when shipping to Hungary from the UK.
Items you can’t ship to Hungary from the UK |
| Animal skins and animal products |
| Radioactives |
| Credit card blanks |
| Drugs, prescription and non-prescription |
| Alcoholic beverages |
| Precious metals and stones |
| Graphite products |
Since these lists are subject to revisions, it is advised to review the country’s official customs website before shipping.
What ecommerce businesses need to know about shipping to Hungary
Hungary is located in the heart of Europe with a motivated workforce, is a high-growth business hub.
The Hungarian ecommerce market grew by 23% in the year 2021.
For a UK-based ecommerce business, this Central European country with a modern and liberalized business environment presents many opportunities.
To help you in your quest for the Hungarian market we have listed some insightful points below.
1. Doorway to European expansion
Hungary is centrally placed in the European Union and is considered a gateway to Central and Southeast Europe.
The Hungarian government also emphasizes innovative and knowledge-based technologies.
The geographical ease of access, well-educated and skilled workforce, and sound infrastructure are among the key reasons that many multinational companies such as Coca-Cola, GE, etc. have set up their manufacturing and service facilities in the country.
For a growing cross-border business, Hungary might therefore serve to be a good starting point for expansion.
2. Capitalise on the strategic location
The Hungarian economy has been liberalized through privatization, foreign direct investment, and by way of comprehensive commercial laws. The country also has a strong legal system.
Hungary’s increasingly westernized culture bears similarities with the UK.
English is spoken widely and the use of the language is increasing rapidly. However, if you are working with smaller businesses, you may encounter language barriers.
The ease of doing business owing to market similarities can be a draw for a cross-border business looking to capture this new territory.
3. Local engagement is important to win
To succeed in the Hungarian market, you will need a local representative or partner. Personal meetings are valued here.
While English is widely spoken, it is advised to have marketing material translated professionally to the local language.
Even labelling of products should be in Hungarian. Adequate checks must be made with relevant certifying bodies on whether labelling needs to comply with prevalent legislation on advertising and health and safety.
It might be a good idea to have a translator in business meetings as well.
Expand your global presence with ShipBob
ShipBob is a global omnichannel fulfilment partner that makes selling internationally accessible and affordable.
Selling internationally can be challenging, time-consuming, and costly. But with ShipBob, you’re given everything you need to serve customers across the globe while saving time on logistics, including access to shipping courier,DDP shipping solutions, a network of global fulfilment centres, and much more.
We not only take care of picking, packing, and shipping your orders to Hungary with a fulfilment centre in the UK and other locations across the world, we also offer upfront fulfilment costs that include customs, duties, and additional taxes.
By partnering with ShipBob, you eliminate the need to manage retail fulfilment, logistics operations, and hire labour.
“As we grow our business, we know we have the support from ShipBob to grow beyond the UK. Since Brexit, like many small UK businesses, we’ve struggled with the challenges to maintain our international sales. With new time back to focus on growth and ShipBob’s international footprint, we look forward to doubling down our international efforts.”
Sara Moradi & Amir Nizancevic, Co-Founders of iVYVERDURE
Ready to start shipping to Hungary from the UK? Get started with ShipBob.
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Shipping to Hungary FAQs
You can find below answers to some of the most common questions asked when shipping to Hungary from the UK
What’s the cheapest way to ship to Hungary from the UK?
Royal Mail’s International Standard service is among the cheapest ways to ship to Hungary from the UK. Delivery aim is set at 3-5 business days. Individual package weight limit is capped at 2 kg per parcel.
What’s the cheapest way to ship large packages to Hungary from the UK?
For an individual package of 30 kg, Parcelforce Worldwide offers some of the cheapest solutions to ship from the UK to Hungary. Whereas for packages of 70 kg, UPS would be among the options that offer the most economic solutions.
What’s the fastest way to ship a package to Hungary from the UK?
UPS’s Express Saver and FedEx’s International Priority are both among the fastest options to ship to Hungary from the UK. With either of these services, you can expect your parcel to reach your Hungarian customers or friends in 2 business days.
Do I have to pay customs duties and fees when shipping to Hungary from the UK?
Goods coming from the UK into the European Union (EU) are now subject to applicable duties and taxes. Customs are assessed in the EU at the first port of entry. However, VAT is paid up in Hungary. Customs are calculated as per the EU’s Integrated Tariff (TARIC).
Goods generally attract a Value Added Tax (VAT) of 27% in Hungary. Some goods may attract a reduced rate of VAT at 18%, 5%, and 0%.
What’s the easiest way to ship something to Hungary from the UK?
Royal Mail has a large footprint of drop-off points domestically. It also offers 24/7 parcel post boxes. Additionally, collection options are also offered.
Given the array of choices available to shippers which bring increased convenience, Royal Mail is certainly among the easiest ways to ship items to Hungary from the UK.
