Yes, we ship flood barriers outside the UK, and it happens more often than people expect. A recent order for a home in Ibiza is a good example of what the process actually looks like, from the first enquiry to the barrier landing on the client’s doorstep, and what to think about if you are planning to order protection for a property abroad.
Why a client in Ibiza contacted a UK flood barrier supplier
The enquiry came in early September, from a homeowner in Ibiza who wanted to protect their property before the autumn storms. This is not unusual. The Balearic Islands go through a wet, stormy stretch from late September into early winter, and it catches people out if they have only known the islands as a summer destination.
That timing pressure shaped the whole job. The client wanted the barrier installed before the start of October, which meant every step, from the quote to production to shipping, had to move quickly and without mistakes.
Getting the details right before anything is made
Once the enquiry came in, the next step was a quote form with photos and dimensions of the doorway. This is the part people sometimes want to skip, but it is the part that determines whether the barrier actually works.
Face fix or reveal fix
There are two common ways to fit a flood barrier to a doorway, and which one suits a property depends on what is already there.
Reveal fix sits within the door reveal. In this case the property had tiled flooring, and reveal fix would have meant the barrier sitting on top of the tiles. The join lines between tiles can let water seep through underneath, and because it is not always possible to know exactly how the tiles were laid, water could get under them and behind the barrier anyway.
Face fix mounts onto the existing floor rather than into it. Here that meant fixing onto the concrete floor, which made the installation simpler and reduced the risk of water finding a way round the barrier.
After talking through the options, the client chose face fix, with powder coated wall rails finished to match the white walls of the property, along with a ground strip for extra protection at the threshold.
Colour has to be decided at the point of order, because powder coating happens during manufacture rather than afterwards.
From order to production
Once the invoice was paid, the order went to the factory. The barrier was ready in five working days. FPS barriers are usually ready in two to four weeks, but on this occasion we were able to accommodate the client’s quick turnaround.
This is worth planning around if you are ordering a barrier for a specific property. Custom sizing means nothing gets made until dimensions and fixing details are confirmed, so the clock only starts once that is sorted.
Shipping a flood barrier overseas
Getting a barrier out of the UK and onto an island in the Mediterranean is not the same as a domestic delivery, and there are a few extra steps.
- A commercial invoice has to be prepared for any shipment leaving the UK, since this is what customs uses to process the goods. Exports are zero rated for UK VAT, so the barrier is invoiced without it.
- Import VAT and any clearance charges are payable in the destination country and are the client’s responsibility rather than ours. In Spain the standard rate is 21 per cent, so it is worth budgeting for.
- Shipping and insurance are quoted alongside the barrier itself, so there are no surprises later if something needs to be covered in transit.
- Courier choice matters. This order went out on a priority service with a three day estimated transit, which gave enough of a buffer to still land before the start of October. Island destinations often add a day on top.
The barrier was collected from the factory and, on the estimated transit time, was due to reach the client by the end of September, ahead of the deadline they had asked for.
Why ordering ahead of storm season makes a real difference
Autumn in the Balearic Islands is one of the wetter parts of the year, on a par with winter for rainfall, and some years bring much more than that.
On 30 September 2025, AEMET issued a red warning for Ibiza and Formentera, an event we wrote about at the time. Ibiza recorded around 200mm of rain in roughly two hours, the highest total ever recorded on the island. Roads and garages flooded, the airport terminal took water, schools were evacuated and Spain’s military emergency unit was deployed. Almost a year later, on 17 September 2026, an orange warning brought an ES-Alert to mobile phones across both islands and afternoon classes were cancelled.
None of that is predictable months in advance. What it does show is why ordering before the season starts, rather than once the forecast turns, gives you the most room if production or shipping takes a day or two longer than planned.
What this means if you are ordering from outside the UK
If you are considering a flood barrier for a property outside the UK, a few things are worth knowing upfront:
- Send accurate dimensions and clear photos of the doorway or opening as early as possible. This is what decides the fixing method, not preference alone.
- Ask about face fix versus reveal fix specifically if you have tiled, uneven or unknown flooring underneath the threshold.
- Mention if the property is coastal, because the powder coating specification for salt spray is different and it is easier to get right at manufacture.
- Factor in production time plus international transit time, not just one or the other.
- Confirm whether a commercial invoice and insurance are included in your shipping quote, and who is covering import VAT at the other end.
Key takeaways
- International orders are straightforward, but they need more lead time than a UK delivery because of production and customs. Barriers are usually ready in two to four weeks before shipping is added.
- The right fixing method, face fix or reveal fix, depends on your floor and door surround, not just personal preference.
- A commercial invoice is required for any flood barrier leaving the UK, and shipping insurance is worth including.
- Import VAT in the destination country is the client’s responsibility, so budget for it alongside the barrier and shipping.
- Ordering ahead of storm season, rather than during it, gives you far more room if anything runs late.
Frequently asked questions
Do you ship flood barriers outside the UK?
Yes. We supply made to measure aluminium barriers to properties outside the UK, with shipping and insurance quoted alongside the barrier.
How long does an international order take?
Barriers are usually ready in two to four weeks, plus international transit. A priority service to Western Europe is around three days, and island destinations often add a day. The clock starts once dimensions, fixing method and payment are confirmed. Faster turnarounds can sometimes be accommodated, so tell us your deadline when you enquire.
What is the difference between face fix and reveal fix?
Reveal fix sits within the door reveal. Face fix mounts onto the floor in front of the threshold. Face fix is usually the better answer where the floor inside the reveal is tiled or of unknown construction, because water can travel under tiles and come up behind the barrier.
Will I pay UK VAT?
No. Goods exported from the UK are zero rated. You may pay import VAT in your own country on arrival, at your country’s rate.
Who pays import charges?
The receiver. Import VAT and any clearance charges in the destination country are the client’s responsibility, which is set out in our terms and conditions.
What measurements do you need?
The width and height of the opening, plus the barrier height you want. Measure the width at the top, middle and bottom and give all three if they differ. If you are not sure what height you need, a flood survey will establish it.
Can I install it myself?
Barriers come with installation instructions and many overseas clients use a local contractor. Rails need accurate setting out and fixing into sound masonry, so use someone competent. Our guide to installing a flood barrier covers what is involved.
When should I order?
Ahead of the season you are protecting against. Once a warning is issued, production and transit time mean a new order will not arrive for that event.
Next step
Shipping a flood barrier internationally is not complicated, but it does depend on getting the groundwork right early: accurate measurements, the correct fixing method for the property, and enough lead time for production and transit before the weather turns. For the Ibiza client, that meant a barrier ordered in early September was ready before the first serious storms of the season arrived.
Flood Protection Solutions has been surveying, specifying and supplying property flood protection since 2012, and ships made to measure barriers to properties outside the UK. Get in touch or send us your dimensions and photos and we will quote the barrier, shipping and insurance together.