Shipping & Customs

We can deliver from our UK warehouse to most countries around the world, and we offer a variety of shipping methods. We regularly review the couriers we use to ensure that we are offering the most efficient and cost-effective delivery options.

Delivery UK

Royal Mail Tracked (Estimated Delivery Time: 1 – 2 working days)

This service is fully trackable and normally takes 1 to 2 working days from the date of dispatch, however it does not have a guaranteed delivery time, so it can take longer. In the unlikely event that a package does not arrive, we request that customers allow up to 15 days before we can take any action.

In some instances, orders placed using this service may be sent in separate packages due to weight restrictions. This does not affect the shipping cost of the order.

Cost

The cost for this service is calculated based on the weight of the shipment. Customers can see the exact cost by adding items to their shopping basket and proceeding through the checkout process, or by using the shipping quote function on the shopping basket page.

DHL Express (Guaranteed Next Day Delivery)

This service offers guaranteed next working day delivery from the date of dispatch and provides full tracking information. Please note that the guaranteed delivery time does not account for any delays which are out of DHL’s control.

Cost

The cost for this service is fixed up to 10kg. For any orders exceeding 10kg, there will be an increased price per additional 1kg. Customers can see the exact cost by adding items to their shopping basket and proceeding through the checkout process, or by using the shipping quote function on the shopping basket page.

Delivery Europe

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING CUSTOMS CHARGES

When Great Britain ceased to be a member of the European Union in 2021, changes were made to how goods, shipped from UK to EU member countries, are paid for.

Whilst a member of the EU, any purchase for goods being shipped from the UK to another EU Member Country, included 20% UK Sales Tax (VAT) which was payable to the vendor (e.g. Ray Rose Ltd.)

Now that Britain is no longer an EU member, orders do not include UK sales tax (VAT), but customs charges will, in most instances, be requested. This means that the amount paid to us is now lower, but an additional payment will need to be made to the local customs authority before any goods can be delivered. More detailed information on these charges can be found in our dedicated ‘Customs Details’ section below.

Royal Mail Tracked Europe (Estimated Delivery Time: 5 – 7 working days)

This service, on average, takes approximately 5 to 7 working days from the date of dispatch. However, this varies depending on the destination country, and the service does not have a guaranteed delivery time, so it can take longer. In the unlikely event that a package does not arrive, customers are required to allow up to 28 days before we can take any action.

This service is fully trackable. Once the package has arrived in the destination country, it will be handed over to the local postal service for final delivery.

In some instances, orders may be sent in separate packages due to weight restrictions. This does not affect the shipping cost but may result in separate customs charges for each package.

Cost

The cost is calculated based on weight and destination. Customers can see the exact cost via the checkout or shipping quote function.

DHL Economy Europe (Guaranteed 3 - 5 Working Days)

This service offers guaranteed delivery within 5 working days from dispatch. Fully trackable. The guaranteed delivery time does not account for delays outside DHL’s control, such as customs holds.

Cost

Calculated based on weight and destination. Use the checkout or shipping quote function for exact costs.

DHL Express Europe (Guaranteed 1 - 3 Working Days)

Guaranteed delivery within 3 working days from dispatch. Fully trackable. The guaranteed delivery time does not account for delays outside DHL’s control.

Cost

Calculated based on weight and destination. Use the checkout or shipping quote function for exact costs.

‘DDP’ Shipping (Updated 15/10/2025)

Since Britain left the EU, all shipments to EU countries have been shipped ‘Delivered at Place’ (DAP), meaning customers pay local tax and customs handling fees separately. We are now trialling ‘Delivered Duties Paid’ (DDP) shipments.

How will this affect orders?

Tax at the destination country’s rate will be included in the order cost. For DHL services, a fixed €6.50 processing fee is included in shipping. Royal Mail shipments will not have a processing charge. This reduces overall cost and eliminates the need for customers to pay further charges to customs.

When will this be introduced?

We began trialling this service with Germany starting 5th November 2025. If successful, we will introduce it for other European countries.

How will this affect returns?

For DDP shipments returned for a refund, we can only refund the cost of goods – customers will be unable to reclaim the tax originally paid. Returns for exchange are unaffected.

Can orders still be shipped DAP?

Once DDP is introduced for a country, it will be the only option on our website. However, customers wishing to use DAP can email sales@rayrose.com after placing an order to request this.

Delivery USA

CUSTOMS – CHANGES MADE TO US IMPORT PROCESSES – AUGUST 29 2025 (Updated September 10 2025)

Previously shipments with a total value less than $800 were exempt from customs charges, however this exemption has been suspended by the US government as of August 29 2025. Goods will now incur standard duty fees (8.5–10% for shoes) plus a 10% reciprocal duty charge on goods of UK origin, totalling 18.5–20%.

For the first 6 months, shipments sent by post will only incur the 10% reciprocal charge, which will be calculated during checkout and included in the order cost.

Since courier shipments incur full duty (18.5–20%), we have removed DHL from US orders on our website. Customers requiring urgent DHL shipments can contact us directly.

Royal Mail Tracked USA (Estimated Delivery Time: 5 – 7 working days)

This service takes approximately 5 to 7 working days from dispatch. Fully trackable via Royal Mail, then USPS for final delivery. Allow up to 28 days if a package does not arrive.

Orders may be sent in separate packages due to weight restrictions without affecting shipping cost.

Cost

Calculated based on weight. Use the checkout or shipping quote function for exact costs.

DHL Express USA (Guaranteed 1 - 4 Working Days) – NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE ONLINE

Guaranteed delivery within 4 working days from dispatch. Fully trackable. Email us if required.

Cost

Calculated based on weight. Contact us for pricing.

Delivery Rest of The World

CUSTOMS

Customs/duty charges may be payable to the local customs authority before any goods can be delivered. These vary by destination and are set by the local customs authority, so they are beyond our control.

Royal Mail International Tracked (Estimated Delivery Time: 7 - 9 working days)

This service takes approximately 7 to 9 working days from dispatch. It varies by destination country, and does not have a guaranteed delivery time. Allow up to 28 days if a package does not arrive.

Fully trackable. Once in the destination country, the local postal service handles final delivery.

Orders may be sent in separate packages due to weight restrictions, which may result in separate customs charges per package.

Cost

Calculated based on weight and destination. Use the checkout or shipping quote function for exact costs.

DHL Express Worldwide (Guaranteed 2 - 5 Working Days)

Guaranteed delivery within 5 working days from dispatch. Fully trackable. Delays due to customs holds are not covered by the guarantee.

Cost

Calculated based on weight and destination. Use the checkout or shipping quote function for exact costs.

Customs Details

For orders shipped outside of the UK, customs/duty charges may be applied. These are set by the local customs authority and are beyond our control. Customers are responsible for paying any customs/duty charges; failure to do so will result in the order being returned to us.

Trade agreements between the UK and various countries mean that shipments below certain values may be exempt. For example, shipments to Australia without customs charges up to $1000AUD.

EU MEMBER COUNTRIES

When Great Britain left the EU in 2021, changes were made to how goods shipped from UK to EU countries are paid for. Orders no longer include UK VAT, but customs charges will be requested in most instances.

Breakdown of charges

Ray Rose Products have ‘preferential origin’ status, meaning they are exempt from duty charges. Customs fees to EU destinations should therefore consist of:

• Local Import Tax
• A customs handling/processing fee

Both vary by country and can change without notice.

EXAMPLE

Pre-Brexit
410 Breeze – Black Suede/Black Leather (€115.00)
DHL Express shipping to SPAIN (€46.65)
20% UK Sales Tax (€32.33)
Total Cost = €193.98

Post-Brexit
410 Breeze – Black Suede/Black Leather (€115.00)
DHL Express shipping to SPAIN (€46.65)
Amount paid to Ray Rose Ltd. = €161.65
21% Spanish Import Tax (€33.95)
DHL Spain Customs Processing Fee (€10.00)
Amount payable to local customs authority = €43.95
Total cost = €205.60

The only change in cost post-Brexit is any difference in taxation rate and the addition of the handling/processing charge.

If any duty charges are requested, we advise customers to dispute this with the relevant customs authority, on the grounds that the products are of UK preferential origin and are therefore exempt.

IOSS

There is a system called IOSS (International One Stop Shop), which allows orders to EU countries valued at €150 or less to be processed as they were when the UK was in the EU. We are currently unable to offer this service but hope to implement it in the near future.

When will I get my order?

We will work quickly to ship your order as soon as possible. Once your order has shipped, you will receive an email with further information. Delivery times vary depending on your location.

Rejected Shipments

In the event that goods are returned (for example because the recipient has failed/refused to pay customs charges, or failed to accept delivery/collect a shipment), once we have received them back, a refund can be issued for the cost of the returned goods, but the original shipping costs are non-refundable and any additional additional shipping related charges will be deducted from the refundable value of the returned goods.

 

Royal Mail

Undeliverable/rejected deliveries should not incur any return shipping fees, but please note that any duty/international tax charges paid directly to us as part of the order are non-refundable.

 

DHL

For DHL Shipments, undeliverable/rejected packages will likely incur a return shipping fee which will be deducted from the refundable value of the goods. Since our import rates are not as favourable as our export rates, this is likely to be higher than the original shipping cost.

 

Please be aware that customers can no longer reject DHL shipments because they do not wish to pay customs charges, as these fees are still payable on returned shipments. Express couriers, such as DHL, ‘pre-clear’ shipments with local customs authorities in order to expedite the clearance process once shipments arrive in the destination country. This includes paying customs charges to local customs, which must then be recovered even if the goods are rejected and returned to their country of origin.

 

Refusal/failure to pay customs fees for a DHL shipment will therefore result in the shipment being returned to us, and both the customs charge and return shipping cost being deducted from the refundable value of the goods.

 

In the event that customers are unhappy with customs fees requested by DHL, it may therefore be preferable to pay the charges and accept the shipment, then return the goods to us (as new and unused, at the customer’s expense). This is likely to incur a lower return cost, and it may then be possible to reclaim the duty/tax charges paid for the returned goods, directly from the local customer authority (any customs handling/processing fees will not be recoverable). Please note that this can vary by destination and we therefore cannot guarantee it will be possible.

 

Please note that any duty/international tax charges paid directly to us as part of the order is non-refundable.

 

If any customs charges requested for either Royal Mail or DHL shipments appear to be incorrect, we recommend disputing them, and if we can assist in the dispute, we will be happy to help in any way that we can.