At the moment, Mercari does not offer direct shipping to the UK from its main marketplace in the United States. The platform is designed primarily for domestic use, and sellers are not required — or even allowed — to ship internationally through the standard checkout system. If you're based in the UK and trying to buy something from Mercari US, you’ll find that shipping options are restricted to US addresses only.
There are workarounds, but they involve additional steps such as using parcel forwarding services or relying on third-party resellers who are willing to ship internationally.
What Is Mercari?
Mercari is a peer-to-peer online marketplace, originally launched in Japan and later expanded to the US. It allows users to list and sell secondhand or new items directly to other users. Think of it as a cross between eBay and Vinted, but with a more app-focused experience and simplified listings.
The platform is best known for affordable fashion, beauty products, tech gadgets, trading cards, vintage items, and collectibles — often at prices lower than other resale platforms. It’s especially popular among buyers and sellers of anime merch, cosmetics, K-pop goods, and niche pop culture items.
Can You Order From Mercari to the UK?
Technically, no — you can’t place an order on Mercari US with a UK shipping address. The platform restricts orders to buyers with a valid US address, so even if a seller is willing to ship internationally, the system won’t allow a non-US address during checkout.
That said, UK buyers can still get Mercari items by using a parcel forwarding service. These companies give you a US address to use when checking out, receive your package, and then forward it to your UK address for an additional shipping fee. Some of the most popular forwarding services for Mercari buyers include Stackry, Shipito, and MyUS.
How to Buy From Mercari in the UK Using a Forwarder
To shop Mercari from the UK using a forwarding service:
- Create an account with a parcel forwarding company based in the US.
- Get your assigned US shipping address.
- Set up a Mercari account and use your forwarding address as your delivery location.
- Find an item and check with the seller if they’re willing to ship to your US forwarding address.
- Complete the purchase, and once it arrives at the forwarder, arrange international shipping to the UK.
Note that not all Mercari sellers will agree to ship to a forwarding address, so it’s worth messaging them first to confirm they’re happy with it. Some sellers may cancel if they suspect the address is linked to a third-party service.
Is There a UK Version of Mercari?
No — there is no Mercari UK site or app at this time. Mercari UK did briefly launch a version of its platform several years ago, but it was discontinued and never returned. Currently, only the US and Japan versions of the marketplace are active. Mercari Japan is a separate ecosystem, and shopping there usually requires a Japanese shopping proxy such as Buyee or ZenMarket.
What About Customs and VAT?
If you use a forwarding service to buy from Mercari US, you’ll be responsible for import VAT, customs duties, and possibly a courier handling fee when the parcel arrives in the UK. These fees are usually based on the declared value of the goods and collected before delivery. Budget accordingly, especially for higher-value items.
Are There Any Mercari Alternatives for UK Buyers?
If you’re looking for similar secondhand marketplaces that work natively in the UK, there are a few strong alternatives:
- Vinted – Ideal for fashion, beauty, accessories, and small electronics
- eBay UK – Broader category range with both auctions and Buy It Now
- Depop – Popular for vintage and curated fashion
- Facebook Marketplace – Local pickup and secondhand deals
While Mercari has a unique selection of US-based listings, many of the same types of items can often be found on these UK-friendly platforms — often with less hassle and no customs charges.
Why Doesn’t Mercari Ship to the UK?
Mercari's model is designed to be domestic-first, both in the US and Japan. It keeps transactions simple by avoiding international shipping logistics, which means no customs declarations, no international returns, and fewer fraud or delivery disputes. In short, Mercari avoids shipping to the UK (and other countries) to keep costs low and operations streamlined for sellers who are mostly casual, non-professional users.
Are Forwarding Services Allowed on Mercari?
Technically, using a parcel forwarding address on Mercari violates their terms of service, which state that shipping addresses must be genuine US residential addresses. That said, many buyers still use forwarding services without issue — especially when sellers are informed ahead of time and willing to fulfil the order. But it's important to understand that Mercari can restrict or cancel accounts if they believe you're abusing the system.
So if you’re going this route, keep a low profile, ensure your account details look legitimate, and always check with the seller before purchasing.
Can UK Buyers Use Mercari Japan?
Yes — Mercari Japan is open to international shoppers, but only through shopping proxies like Buyee or ZenMarket. These platforms allow you to browse, translate listings, place orders, and have them shipped internationally. It’s a separate experience from Mercari US but offers unique access to Japanese products, anime merch, designer items, and secondhand fashion that are often hard to find in Europe.
If your interest is in Japanese goods rather than American ones, Mercari Japan may be the better (and more structured) option.
Watch Out for Restricted Items
If you’re using a parcel forwarding service, note that some items are restricted from international shipping, even if a seller ships them domestically. This includes:
- Perfume, nail polish, or anything flammable
- Batteries or devices with lithium batteries
- Aerosols or pressurised products
- Food, supplements, or medicines
- Branded goods that could be flagged as counterfeit
Some forwarders will reject or destroy these parcels if they can’t be shipped legally, and you may not get a refund. Always check the forwarder’s restricted items list before placing a Mercari order.
Be Prepared for Delayed Communication
Because Mercari is designed for quick, local trades, some sellers are unfamiliar with parcel forwarders and may hesitate or ask questions about why your address looks unusual. Others may not ship at all if it looks like a warehouse or logistics hub. To avoid cancellations, message sellers beforehand, explain clearly that you’re using a forwarding service, and that the address is a safe US location — no customs forms required.
Keep Expectations Realistic
Mercari is full of amazing deals — but the platform is also informal. Most sellers are individuals, not businesses. That means:
- Shipping may take longer than expected
- Packaging may be casual
- Returns or cancellations are hard once a deal is done
- Customer service is more limited for international workarounds
It’s best to use Mercari for low-risk purchases, like collectables, toys, or clothing — and avoid expensive electronics, fragile goods, or anything you can’t afford to lose.
Summary
Mercari does not ship directly to the UK, and there is no local version of the site for British shoppers. However, if you're willing to use a US parcel forwarding service, you can still access the Mercari US marketplace and arrange shipping to the UK. Keep in mind that this method adds cost, effort, and risk, especially around customs and seller willingness to ship. For hassle-free shopping, UK buyers may want to consider local resale platforms — but for rare or niche items only sold in the US, Mercari remains a tempting option with the right setup.