Ordering Custom Tissue Paper From a UK Printer for International Brands

Big Tissue now delivers custom printed tissue paper worldwide. That means brands in Ireland, Europe, the USA and beyond can order the same low-minimum printed tissue as UK businesses.

Ordering packaging from another country is straightforward, but it has a few extra steps. This guide covers what to check so your stock arrives on time and without surprise costs.

Why order tissue from a UK printer?

The usual reasons international brands give us:

Low minimums. Our minimum order is 250 sheets. Many overseas printers start much higher.
Clear pricing. The builder shows a live price as you design.
One supplier for several markets. Brands with UK and overseas customers can use one consistent tissue everywhere.
Proofs before print. Every order gets a digital proof to approve first.

Plan your lead time end to end

Production is the same wherever you are: 7 working days after proof approval, or 5 days on our urgent option. Delivery time is added on top and depends on destination and courier service.

When planning, count from the day you approve the proof to the day stock is usable in your warehouse:

Proof approval.
Production.
International transit.
Customs clearance in your country.
Delivery and goods-in.

Customs clearance is the one most people forget. It's usually quick, but it can add days if paperwork is incomplete or the courier needs to contact you. Build in a buffer, especially before peak season. Our reorder planning guide shows how to include lead time in your reorder point.

Import duties and taxes

When goods cross a border, the receiving country may charge import VAT or sales tax, duty and courier handling fees. These depend on your country's rules, the value of the order and how the goods are classified.

What to do:

Check your country's import rules for paper packaging before ordering, especially for large runs.
Ask how duties are handled when you request a quote, so you know whether anything is payable on delivery.
Have your business details ready. If you're VAT or tax registered, your courier may ask for registration numbers.

We can't give tax advice for every country, so for anything complex speak to your accountant or customs broker. For EU businesses since Brexit, UK goods are imports – treat them that way in your planning.

Weight and delivery cost

Tissue is light per sheet but adds up in bulk. Larger runs travel as heavier parcels, so delivery cost rises with quantity and distance. If you're comparing quotes, compare the total delivered price, not just the print price.

Artwork across markets

If you sell in several countries, keep the tissue language-neutral. A logo or pattern works everywhere; a slogan in one language may not. If you do include words, check spelling and meaning with someone local.

Colour can also vary between printers. If you already use tissue from another supplier, send us a printed sample or Pantone reference. Our colour matching guide explains what tissue can and can't match.

Choose the paper before you order

It's harder to swap stock when you're overseas, so decide on the paper early:

17gsm – light, soft, economical and the most common choice.
30gsm – thicker and more opaque, for fuller artwork and a more premium feel.

A sample pack of both weights, taken from previous print runs, costs £20. It's worth it before a first international order.

Reorders from abroad

Once your first order is approved, reorders are simpler: the artwork and proof already exist. Keep a note of your order reference, weight, colours and size, and reorder early enough to cover transit and customs. Brands with several stores can use the method in our multi-store guide to keep stock even.

International order checklist

Delivery address and contact phone for the courier.
Business and tax registration details, if relevant.
Logo file, ink colours and Pantone references.
Tissue weight, colour and size.
Quantity and the date stock must be on your shelf.
Your understanding of import charges in your country.

Ready to start? Design in the builder for a live price, or request a quote and tell us your country – we'll confirm delivery options before you commit.