British Food Customs and Duties to the USA Explained

One of the most common questions from US customers ordering British food online is: will I have to pay customs or import duties? It's a fair question, and the answer has changed significantly in recent months. US import rules are currently in a period of change, and what was true about duty-free thresholds a year ago may no longer apply. Here's an honest explanation of the current situation so you know exactly what to expect before you order.

The De Minimis Threshold Has Been Suspended

The United States previously operated a de minimis exemption that allowed low-value shipments (historically set at $800 per shipment) to enter the country without import duties or formal customs entry. That exemption has been suspended by the US government. As of 2025, low-value imports from many countries, including the UK, are no longer automatically duty-free regardless of the shipment value.

This is a significant policy change and means that import duties may now apply to orders that previously would have cleared customs without any charge. The specific duty rates, how they are applied, and any exemptions that remain in place are subject to ongoing changes in US trade policy. We strongly recommend checking the current US Customs and Border Protection website for the most up-to-date rules before placing your order.

What This Means for Your BritishGram Order

Import duties on food products from the UK vary by product category and are assessed by US Customs at the point of entry. If duties are assessed on your shipment, the carrier will typically contact you to arrange payment before delivery is completed. The duty amount depends on the declared value of the shipment and the applicable duty rate for each product category.

BritishGram monitors changes to US import rules as they relate to our product range. We aim to be transparent about all costs at checkout, and we recommend factoring in the possibility of import duties when calculating the total cost of your order.

Are All British Food Products Allowed into the USA?

Most shelf-stable British food products, including confectionery, crisps, biscuits, soft drinks, tea and packaged grocery items, are permissible imports into the USA. However, there are some restrictions to be aware of:

• Meat and meat products fresh, frozen or cured meat products from the UK are subject to strict USDA import restrictions and are generally not permitted for personal import into the USA. BritishGram does not ship meat products internationally.
• Dairy products some dairy-based products may be subject to restrictions depending on processing and origin. BritishGram ships only shelf-stable products that comply with US import requirements.
• Plant-based foods and seeds fresh produce, seeds and some plant materials may require phytosanitary certificates. BritishGram does not ship fresh produce.
• All other shelf-stable packaged foods the confectionery, crisps, biscuits, soft drinks, sauces and grocery items stocked by BritishGram are generally permissible imports and are regularly shipped to US customers without issue.

US Import Charges on UK Goods

US import charges can include customs duties and carrier handling fees; the amount depends on the products and the rules in force when they enter the USA. These rates and rules are subject to change based on trade policy, and BritishGram monitors applicable changes as they relate to our product range. We aim to be transparent about all costs at checkout.

Will I Be Charged Duties at the Door?

Possibly, yes. Following the suspension of the de minimis duty-free exemption, import duties may be assessed on shipments from the UK to the USA. If your shipment is assessed for duties, the carrier will contact you to arrange payment before delivery. The amount depends on the declared value of the goods and the applicable duty rates at the time of import.

We recommend checking the current US Customs and Border Protection website for the latest duty rates and rules, and factoring potential duty costs into your order decision, particularly for larger orders.

Tips for Ordering British Food to the USA

• Order in bulk cases spreading the shipping cost across more items significantly reduces the cost per unit and makes each order better value overall
• Keep orders for personal use US Customs treats personal-use food imports differently from commercial imports. Ordering quantities consistent with personal consumption avoids additional scrutiny
• Check current rules before ordering US import rules are changing. Check the current US Customs and Border Protection website for the most up-to-date information on duty rates and applicable exemptions
• Factor in shipping and duty costs upfront international shipping from the UK to the USA is the main cost consideration for most orders, and duty charges may now also apply. BritishGram displays all shipping costs at checkout before you confirm your order

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay customs on British food ordered to the USA?

Import duties may now apply to food orders from the UK to the USA. The US government suspended the de minimis duty-free exemption that previously allowed low-value shipments to enter without duty. The specific rates and rules are subject to ongoing change. Check the US Customs and Border Protection website for current guidance before placing your order.

What happened to the $800 duty-free threshold?

The US de minimis threshold, which historically allowed shipments valued under $800 to enter duty-free, has been suspended by the US government. Low-value imports from the UK are no longer automatically exempt from import duties. This is a significant policy change and we recommend checking current US Customs rules before ordering.

Can I import British food into the USA legally?

Yes. Shelf-stable packaged British food products including chocolate, crisps, biscuits, soft drinks, sauces and tea are legal to import into the USA for personal use. Fresh meat, fresh dairy and fresh produce are subject to stricter restrictions. All products sold by BritishGram are shelf-stable and comply with US import requirements.

Will I be charged US import tariffs on British food?

Import charges on UK food products vary by category and are subject to change based on US trade policy. BritishGram monitors applicable charges and aims to be transparent about all costs at checkout. For the most current information, the US Customs and Border Protection website is the authoritative source.

How long does British food take to clear US customs?

Most shipments clear US Customs within one to three business days of arrival in the USA. In some cases, Customs may hold a shipment for additional inspection, which can add time to delivery. BritishGram orders typically arrive within 5 to 14 business days of dispatch.

Ready to Order British Food to the USA?

Now you know what to expect, browse the full range at BritishGram.com and stock up on your favourite British food, drinks and grocery staples, delivered straight from the UK to your door anywhere in the United States.