Brass P-trap and sink stopper, installed and aging in a European home.
Ordering handmade brass fixtures from a Marrakech workshop to a home in France, Italy, Portugal, or the UK raises a few practical questions that don't come up with a domestic US order: which plumbing standard applies, what shipping actually costs, and whether customs fees are waiting at the door. Here is the honest answer to each, plus a look at real European projects already using Insideast fixtures.
- Insideast ships to France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, the UK, and other European countries.
- Fixtures ship with the correct plumbing connection for the destination country by default; other standards are available through customer service on request.
- For US clients, customs tariffs are covered. For clients outside the US, including Europe, local customs fees may apply depending on the destination country.
- European interior designers, architects, and vacation rental owners already specify Insideast fixtures in real projects.
- A trade program exists for European designers and architects handling project-quantity orders.
- Why European designers are choosing Moroccan artisan brass
- Plumbing standards: BSP vs NPT, and how orders are handled
- Shipping to Europe: what to actually expect
- European projects using Insideast fixtures
- Trade and project orders for European designers
- How to order and what to expect
- Frequently asked questions
Why European designers are choosing Moroccan artisan brass
Unlacquered brass has a long history in European interiors already, particularly in France and Italy, so the material itself isn't a hard sell. What draws European designers to Insideast specifically is the combination of solid handmade construction and a manufacturer, rather than a reseller, standing behind every piece. For the full case on why that distinction matters, see handmade brass vs factory-made.
Plumbing standards: BSP vs NPT, and how orders are handled
The UK and most of Europe use BSP (British Standard Pipe) threading, while the US default is NPT (National Pipe Thread). The two aren't interchangeable without an adapter, which matters for anyone connecting a faucet or shower system to existing supply lines. Insideast ships fixtures with the correct fitting for the destination country by default, and confirmed with us that custom thread standards, including BSP for European and UK orders, are handled directly through customer service on request, at no extra charge.
Not interchangeable
Two threads, two regions
BSP and NPT fittings can look similar at a glance, but the thread pitch and profile differ enough that one won't seal properly in the other without an adapter.
Insideast matches the fitting to the order's destination automatically, so this is only something to think about if your installation needs a non-default standard.
The full breakdown of BSP fitting requirements for UK sink installations specifically, including drain compatibility, is already covered in the brass kitchen sink UK guide, so this section stays brief rather than repeating it. If you're unsure which standard your installation needs, email contact@insideast.com before ordering.
Shipping to Europe: what to actually expect
Lead time depends on the type of order. A fixture already in stock takes 2 to 3 business days of handling plus 5 business days of shipping. A made-to-order fixture, meaning it isn't in stock and is produced after the order is placed, takes 2 to 3 weeks. A customized fixture can take anywhere from 1 to 4 or 5 weeks depending on the specific customization.
On customs and fees: for US clients, Insideast covers customs tariffs, so there are no additional charges to expect. For clients outside the US, including everywhere in Europe, local customs fees may apply depending on the destination country's import rules. This isn't the same in every country, so if a precise estimate matters for your budget, contact contact@insideast.com before ordering.
If a shipping issue comes up after an order is placed, the same address handles it: contact@insideast.com. Full current terms are always on the shipping page.
European projects using Insideast fixtures
These aren't hypothetical use cases. Four separate European projects, in three different countries, have installed Insideast fixtures.
"What a marvel! Contemplating fine craftsmanship is like admiring a work of art, and every time we linger on this vanity basin and its bridge faucet, we fall under its spell." (Translated from French.)
France, vacation home rental. lamaisondelarche_, Instagram · View post
"Hours of scrolling Pinterest for inspiration led to the design of our vanity unit. We wanted to celebrate the French Oak by keeping the finish simple with the drawer and cupboard openings integrated in the wood. We also have a thing for unlacquered brass and we love our handmade brass taps from the wonderful @insideastdesigns. The patina is looking great."
Portugal, home renovation. ourlittleorchardhouse, Instagram · View post
Fixture: Unlacquered brass bath vanity faucet
"Casanguilla is designed around the idea of fostering a connection with nature. The Apulian countryside is at the heart of the project, with its rhythm, colour, and sound."
Italy, Casanguilla, Apulian countryside retreat. casanguilla, Instagram · View post
"Piscina privata, Parma." A private pool project by an Italian architecture and interior design studio, using an Insideast brass shower system for the poolside outdoor shower.
Italy, private residence, Parma. maria_angela_cavazzini, Instagram · View post
Fixture: Artisan Heritage brass shower system. For outdoor-specific installation guidance, see the outdoor brass and copper shower guide.
Trade and project orders for European designers
Designers, architects, and hospitality projects working across multiple units, whether that's a vacation rental portfolio, a boutique hotel, or a full home renovation, can work through the trade program rather than ordering piece by piece through the standard checkout. It covers project-quantity orders and direct communication with the workshop on specification questions. Fixtures can also be adjusted through the customization page, whether that's a spout length, a handle style, or a plumbing standard.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Plumbing standard | Correct connection for your country shipped by default; BSP or other standards on request |
| In-stock lead time | 2 to 3 days handling, 5 days shipping |
| Made-to-order lead time | 2 to 3 weeks |
| Customized order lead time | 1 to 4 or 5 weeks, depending on customization |
| Customs and duties | Covered for US clients; may apply outside the US, including Europe |
How to order and what to expect
- Browse the full collection or reach out directly if you're ordering for a project rather than a single home.
- Confirm your plumbing standard when ordering. The correct regional fitting ships by default, but flag it if your installation needs something specific.
- For customs and duty questions specific to your country, email contact@insideast.com before checkout.
- Expect handling and shipping timelines based on whether the piece is in stock, made to order, or customized.
- For multi-unit or trade projects, use the trade program rather than individual checkout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions About Ordering From Europe
Does Insideast ship to Europe?
Yes. Insideast ships to France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, the UK, and other European countries. Handling and shipping times depend on whether the piece is in stock, made to order, or customized, as outlined on the shipping page.
Do Insideast fixtures work in UK and European homes?
Yes. Fixtures ship with the correct plumbing connection for the destination country by default. If a specific thread standard or custom fitting is needed, Insideast's customer service team handles it on request before the order ships.
Are there customs fees for Insideast orders outside the US?
For US clients, Insideast covers customs tariffs, so there are no additional charges to expect. For clients outside the US, including Europe, local customs fees may apply depending on the destination country's import rules. Contact Insideast before ordering for guidance specific to your country.
What is the difference between BSP and NPT plumbing threads?
BSP (British Standard Pipe) is the thread standard used across the UK and most of Europe, while NPT (National Pipe Thread) is standard in the US. The two are not interchangeable without an adapter. Insideast ships the correct fitting for the destination country by default, and can supply the alternate standard on request.
Does Insideast offer a trade program for European designers and architects?
Yes. The trade program is open to designers, architects, and hospitality projects in Europe as well as the US and UK. It covers project-quantity orders, custom finishes, and direct communication with the workshop for specification questions.
Working on a European project and have questions specific to your country or installation? Contact us about your project, or browse the full collection.
