Country Guide:
United Kingdom
Built on Global Experience,
Now Serving From the Philippines.
Trusted expertise at every stage of your international move.
Making Your Move to the UK Simple and Seamless
Relocating to the UK is an exciting new chapter, and it's natural to feel a little daunted too, especially when you're organising it from the other side of the world. My Global Delivery has been a trusted partner for people relocating from the Philippines to the UK for over 30 years. Our British-led team understands both ends of your journey personally, so you're supported by people who genuinely understand what you're going through.
Why choose MGD for your
UK move
A trusted, dedicated Move Manager who's with you from quote to delivery, so you always know exactly who to call
Real experience relocating households between the Philippines and the UK, not just shipping boxes
Friendly, understanding guidance through the UK's Transfer of Residence process, explained simply, so paperwork never feels like a burden
Comprehensive marine insurance for extra peace of mind, because what matters to you deserves to be protected
We'll guide you through UK customs
Relocating to the UK often means you can bring your belongings in free of import duty and VAT, under what's known as Transfer of Residence relief. It can sound complicated, but our experienced team is here to explain exactly what applies to you and take care of the details, so you can focus on settling into your new home, not the paperwork.
Shipping Overview
If you're moving to the United Kingdom from the Philippines, choosing an experienced international moving company can make all the difference. Whether you're relocating for work, returning home, starting your studies, or moving with your family, your move involves much more than transporting boxes. It requires careful planning, professional packing, accurate documentation, customs expertise, and reliable international shipping.
At My Global Delivery, we provide professional international moving services to the UK for individuals, families, expats, students, and returning UK residents. As a trusted moving company from the Philippines to the UK, we help customers ship their personal belongings, household goods, furniture, excess baggage, and other non commercial items safely and efficiently through our complete door to door relocation solutions.
This guide explains everything you need to know about shipping personal belongings to the UK, including customs requirements, shipping options, packing standards, and how our experienced team supports you throughout your international move.
What Personal Belongings and Household Goods Can You Ship to the UK?
Our shipping services to the UK are designed for customers relocating overseas or sending belongings ahead of their arrival. We regularly assist customers with shipping:
Personal belongings and household goods
Furniture and home furnishings
Clothing, shoes, books, and everyday essentials
Excess baggage that exceeds airline allowances
Unaccompanied baggage
Small household shipments
Selected household appliances and other eligible used items, subject to UK import requirements
Whether you're moving belongings to the UK, relocating an entire home, or simply sending a smaller shipment, we'll recommend the most suitable shipping solution based on your timeline, budget, and shipment size.
All shipments must consist of used, non commercial goods intended for personal use. New goods, commercial merchandise, or mixed shipments may require different customs procedures and additional documentation.
UK Customs & Duty-Free Entry (Transfer of Residence)
Many personal effects shipments from the Philippines to the UK may qualify for duty-free and VAT-free entry under the UK Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief, provided eligibility criteria are met.
To qualify for ToR relief:
Goods must be owned and used prior to shipment
Items must be for personal use only
You must be moving your normal place of residence to the UK
A ToR application should be submitted and approved before shipping
UK Border Force and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) may inspect shipments upon arrival. As part of our international moving services to the UK, we provide guidance on the ToR application process, required documentation, and customs requirements to help ensure a smoother clearance experience.
International Moving and Shipping Options from the Philippines to the USA
Every international relocation is different, which is why we offer flexible shipping solutions designed around your specific requirements.
Courier Services (1–5 Boxes)
Ideal for customers sending a small number of boxes.
Suitable for one to five boxes
Fast transit times
Door to door delivery with tracking
Size and weight limits apply
Air Freight (Consolidated)
Suitable for medium-sized shipments.
Charged by weight or volume (whichever is higher)
Faster than sea freight
Customs clearance required in the UK
Sea Freight Groupage (Shared Container)
Our shared container shipping to UK offers an economical solution for customers who do not require a full shipping container.
Longer transit times than air freight
Shared container service (LCL)
Ideal for personal belongings, household goods, and furniture
Cost effective option where you only pay for the container space you use
Suitable for small to medium international moves
Full Load Containers - FCL
The preferred solution for larger household relocations.
Exclusive use of your own shipping container
Suitable for larger volumes of personal belongings, household goods, and furniture
Greater flexibility for oversized household items
Ideal for complete household moves
Longer transit times than air freight
Packing Standards for Shipments to the UK
Correct packing is essential to protect your shipment during transit and customs handling.
We recommend:
5-ply export-grade cartons
Reinforced bases and sealed seams
Adequate internal protection for fragile items
Poor packing is a leading cause of damage and customs delays. Professionally packed items are also more likely to be fully insurable.
Estimated Transit Times
(Guidance Only)
Courier:
3-7 working days
Air Freight:
7-14 working days
Sea Freight Groupage:
12-14 weeks
FCL Containers:
6–8 weeks
Transit times vary depending on customs inspections, port congestion, and seasonal demand.
Customs & Documentation Requirements (UK)
Typical documentation includes:
Passport copy
Detailed packing list
Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
UK visa or proof of residence
Approved Transfer of Residence (ToR) reference (where applicable)
Signed declaration of personal effects
Additional information may be requested by UK customs depending on visa status or shipment contents. Guidance is provided before shipment departure.
Prohibited & Restricted Items (UK)
Commonly restricted or prohibited items include:
Alcohol and tobacco (limited allowances)
Firearms and ammunition
Food products of animal origin
Plants and plant material
Hazardous or flammable materials
Restricted items must be declared in advance. Failure to declare may result in delays, fines, or seizure.
Shipping Personal Effects from the Philippines to the UK
Shipping Overview
Shipping personal effects from the Philippines to the United Kingdom requires careful planning, correct documentation, and compliance with UK customs regulations. Whether you are relocating to the UK, returning home, or sending personal belongings ahead, preparing your shipment correctly is essential to avoid delays, customs queries, or unexpected charges.
My Global Delivery specialises in international outbound shipping from the Philippines, supporting expats, returning UK residents, students, families, and individuals shipping personal effects, excess baggage, and small household shipments from the Philippines to the UK.
This guide explains how shipping to the UK works and what to expect at each stage of the process.
What Can Be Shipped from the Philippines to the UK?
We regularly ship:
Used personal effects and household goods
Clothing, books, shoes, and personal belongings
Excess baggage not suitable for airline check-in
Unaccompanied baggage
Small furniture items (subject to UK import rules)
All shipments must be used, non-commercial, and intended for personal use. New goods, commercial items, or mixed shipments require different clearance procedures.
UK Customs & Duty-Free Entry (Transfer of Residence)
Many personal effects shipments from the Philippines to the UK may qualify for duty-free and VAT-free entry under the UK Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief, provided eligibility criteria are met.
To qualify for ToR relief:
Goods must be owned and used prior to shipment
Items must be for personal use only
You must be moving your normal place of residence to the UK
A ToR application should be submitted and approved before shipping
UK Border Force and HMRC may inspect shipments at their discretion. We provide guidance on the ToR process and required documentation before shipment departure.
Shipping Methods from the Philippines to the UK
Courier Services (1–5 Boxes)
Best suited for small, time-sensitive shipments.
Faster transit times
Door-to-door tracking
Size and weight limits apply
Air Freight (Consolidated)
Suitable for medium-sized shipments.
Charged by weight or volume (whichever is higher)
Faster than sea freight
Customs clearance required in the UK
Sea Freight Groupage (Shared Container)
Most cost-effective option for larger shipments.
Longer transit times
Shared container (LCL)
Suitable for household goods and larger personal effects
Packing Standards for Shipments to the UK
Correct packing is essential to protect your shipment during transit and customs handling.
We recommend:
5-ply export-grade cartons
Reinforced bases and sealed seams
Adequate internal protection for fragile items
Poor packing is a leading cause of damage and customs delays. Professionally packed items are also more likely to be fully insurable.
Estimated Transit Times
(Guidance Only)
Courier:
3-7 working days
Air Freight:
7-14 working days
Sea Freight Groupage:
6–10 weeks
Transit times vary depending on customs inspections, port congestion, and seasonal demand.
Customs & Documentation Requirements (UK)
Typical documentation includes:
Passport copy
Detailed packing list
Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
UK visa or proof of residence
Approved Transfer of Residence (ToR) reference (where applicable)
Signed declaration of personal effects
Additional information may be requested by UK customs depending on visa status or shipment contents. Guidance is provided before shipment departure.
Prohibited & Restricted Items (UK)
Commonly restricted or prohibited items include:
Alcohol and tobacco (limited allowances)
Firearms and ammunition
Food products of animal origin
Plants and plant material
Hazardous or flammable materials
Restricted items must be declared in advance. Failure to declare may result in delays, fines, or seizure.
Why Choose MGD
When you ship with My Global Delivery, you’ll feel informed, supported, and confident.
You’ll know what to expect at every stage and avoid unnecessary stress or cost.
International moving done the way it should be.
What Our Customers Say
Don't just take our word for it - hear from our satisfied customers
Shipping my household goods from the Philippines to Australia was smooth from start to finish. MGD handled customs and kept me updated the whole way.
Great service for personal effects shipping. The team guided me through documentation and made a complex process feel simple.
I liked how transparent the pricing and delivery updates were. My boxes arrived with no surprises, on time and in good condition.
As an expat moving back home, I needed reliable help. MGD took care of packing advice, freight choices, and customs so I could focus on settling in.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to apply for anything before I ship my belongings to the UK?
If you'd like to claim relief from import duty and VAT, yes, approval should normally be in place before your shipment is packed. Don't worry, we'll talk you through this as part of your quote.
How long does a shipment from the Philippines to the UK take?
It depends on the shipping method you choose and current schedules. Your Move Manager will confirm expected timelines as part of your personalised quotation.
Can I ship just a few boxes rather than a full household?
Of course. We offer shared container and air freight options suited to smaller relocations as well as full households.
Take the Next Step Towards Your Move
Planning an international move is easier with the right team by your side. Whether you're relocating for work, family, retirement, or a new opportunity, we'll help you choose the most suitable moving solution and guide you through every stage, from planning and professional packing to shipping, customs, and final delivery.
Tell us about your move by completing the form below, and we'll prepare a free personalised moving quotation tailored to your shipment and destination.
Ready to Move What Matters?
If you are planning to ship personal effects from the Philippines to the UK, request a quotation today.
Our team will assess your shipment and recommend the most suitable shipping solution.
Ready to Move What Matters?
If you're planning a move to the UK, we're here to help make the process simpler.
Whether you're shipping personal belongings, household goods, furniture, or excess baggage, our experienced Move Managers will assess your requirements and recommend the most suitable international moving solution for your shipment.
Request your personalised, free quotation today and let us help you plan a smooth, well organised move to the UK.
My Global Delivery
Moving What Matters Worldwide.
We make it easy, clear, and manageable, from start to finish.
Contact Us
+63 (0)9458721868
M1 Tower Big, 141 H.V. Dela Costa, Salcedo Village Makati City, 1277, Metro Manila, Philippines
Connect With Us
Moving What Matters Worldwide.
We make it easy, clear, and manageable, from start to finish.
Contact Us
M1 Tower Big, 141 H.V. Dela Costa, Salcedo Village Makati City, 1277, Metro Manila, Philippines