Key takeaways
- New rules, new opportunities: Despite added customs and VAT requirements after Brexit, selling from the UK to the EU still offers access to over 440 million potential customers.
- Smooth fulfillment is key: Storing inventory in EU fulfillment centers helps avoid customs delays, lower shipping costs, and improve customer satisfaction.
- Partnering for success: Working with experienced logistics providers like WAPI simplifies cross-border shipping, ensuring faster delivery and easier compliance.
In short: UK businesses can still sell to the EU's 440+ million customers after Brexit. But they now face customs declarations, VAT and duties, border checks and rules of origin. To ship faster and avoid customs delays, UK sellers can keep some stock in an EU fulfillment center and use a logistics partner such as WAPI.
The UK left the European Union in 2020. Since then, businesses based in the UK face new challenges when they distance sell their products abroad. Brexit brought uncertainty and complexity. But there are still benefits for UK businesses that keep trading in the EU or start to do so. There are many reasons why UK businesses should consider selling in EU countries, even after Brexit:
- Access to a larger market. The EU is a vast market with over 440 million potential customers.
- Reduced tariffs. Under the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement, goods that meet the UK-EU rules of origin can be exported tariff-free.
- Diversification. UK businesses can now spread their income across more markets. This can help a lot in times of economic uncertainty and for online selling.
- Cultural exchange. By trading in the EU single market, UK businesses can experience a new culture and win new customers. They can also organize their fulfillment centers well, understand their customers better and adapt their network.
This article explores the key benefits of selling from the UK to Europe after Brexit. It also gives practical tips for any ecommerce business looking to find its way in the new landscape.
What delivery problems do UK sellers face in the EU after Brexit?
After Brexit, UK sellers face customs declarations, VAT and duties, border checks, rules of origin and transport delays when they deliver to EU customers. Delivering on time to customers in Germany and France has become a serious challenge for UK retailers, and it leads to a poor customer experience. Related reading: The UK vs. the EU: Differentiating Europe's Biggest Amazon Markets.
The UK is no longer part of the European Union Customs Union or the EU VAT regime, so selling goods into the EU single market has become complicated. Retailers now have to deal with import duties, HTS and Commodity Codes, and import declarations. They also have to manage higher Value Added Tax liabilities. All this raises costs and the risk of VAT fines.
Below are the main difficulties you may come across:
- Custom declarations. UK exporters now have to complete custom declarations when they ship goods to the EU. This can take time and may need extra expertise and resources.
- VAT and duties. The UK is no longer part of the EU VAT system, so goods exported to the EU are now subject to VAT and duties. Traders need to know about these extra costs and have the correct documents. If your business is VAT registered in an EU member state, it must also be registered on the VAT Information Exchange System (VIES).
- Border checks. The UK is no longer part of the EU single market and customs union. So goods exported to EU countries now face border checks, which can cause delays and extra costs. Since Brexit, exporting into the EU requires an EU EORI number. The UK EORI number is no longer enough.
- Rules of origin. Goods exported to the EU may be subject to rules of origin. These rules decide where the goods come from and which tariffs apply. If you run an e-commerce business, make sure your goods meet the relevant rules of origin to avoid extra charges.
- Transport delays. Changes to customs procedures and border checks have caused more transport delays. These can affect delivery times and returns, and raise costs.
A customs declaration is mandatory for all goods sold into the EU from the UK. If the consignment exceeds 150 Euros, you may owe tariffs, which you must pay with the customs declaration to release the goods. Since 1 July 2026, the EU also charges a temporary flat customs duty of €3 per item on low-value parcels under €150 coming from outside the EU.
UK-based sellers must register and charge VAT in France and Germany, whatever their distance selling thresholds. They must add the correct VAT to the sale so customers don't face unexpected costs. If you don't follow these rules, you can face customs delays, a badly organized fulfillment center and fees. This leads to poor customer service.
If you don't pay attention to compliance, the customer experience will suffer. This leads to lost sales and bad word of mouth. Online retailers must take steps to offset these higher costs and keep the customer experience positive. This helps them keep customers and grow their e-commerce business.
How can UK sellers manage cross-border shipping to the EU?
The key to cross-border shipping from the UK to the EU is to keep part of your stock in a fulfillment center inside the European Union. This means your customers get their orders on time, with no customs delays or extra fees.
Cross-border shipping and fulfillment in Europe can seem daunting for online retailers. But there are ways to overcome the challenges and enjoy the benefits of selling in Europe's largest e-commerce markets.
Here are the main steps to take when you start distance selling products from the United Kingdom to Europe.
1. Determine the requirements
Check the customs requirements for the country or countries you plan to ship to, and organize your fulfillment centers. This includes any tariffs, taxes or returns that may apply to your goods and transport. For a closer look, see Trump Tariffs: How Will They Affect E-Commerce Businesses?.
2. Choose a carrier
Find a reliable carrier with a wide network and experience in cross-border shipping. Check their rates and shipping times to make sure they suit you, especially for returns.
3. Prepare your goods
Pack your goods securely for transport abroad and make sure they are labeled correctly. Include the destination address, customs information and any special handling instructions.
4. Obtain necessary documentation
Get all the documents you need for your goods and fulfillment, including invoices, export licenses and customs declarations. Make sure these documents are accurate and complete to avoid delays at customs.
5. Choose delivery options
Manage your fulfillment center and decide on delivery options, such as express or standard shipping. Choose the best option for your needs.
6. Track your shipment
Use the carrier's tracking service to follow your shipment and make sure it arrives on time.
7. Communicate with your customers
Keep your customers updated on their shipment. Share tracking details, when it reaches fulfillment centers and estimated delivery times.
8. Evaluate your shipping process
Review your shipping process regularly to find ways to improve it. This keeps your cross-border shipping efficient and effective.
Building and running your own fulfillment center abroad can be expensive and take a lot of resources. Outsourcing your order fulfillment to a third-party logistics provider can be a cost-effective solution.
You can choose warehousing, logistics and fulfillment solutions such as those from WAPI. You will then enjoy low shipping and fulfillment costs and faster delivery times. This leads to better conversion rates and happier customers. Storing your stock in a fulfillment center in an EU country can also help you avoid returns and unhappy customers.
By taking these steps to improve cross-border fulfillment, online retailers can sell successfully in Europe's largest e-commerce markets. At the same time, they avoid the usual drawbacks of cross-border shipping.
What do you need to store goods in an EU fulfillment center?
To store goods in the EU and clear customs smoothly, every e-commerce business needs an EORI number, a VAT number and an HS code. Getting these documents is a key step to optimize cross-border fulfillment.
To export goods abroad, a business must have an EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number registered with the EU Customs department. Getting this number can take up to 10 working days. It is also crucial to register for a VAT (Value Added Tax) number, which can take up to eight weeks.
The customs declaration must include the HS (Harmonised System) code. This code identifies products and is used to calculate customs charges based on the product's price and margins. The customs declaration also needs the following information:
- A commodity code that uniquely identifies the shipment
- The cargo's origin and destination
- The shipper and receiver of the freight
- The nature of the merchandise, amount, and packaging
- The transport method used to reach the fulfillment centre
- Any applicable certificates or licenses
- The country of origin of the products
What information do fulfillment centres need from UK-based merchants?
For smooth cross-border shipping after Brexit, UK-based online retailers must give their fulfillment centre the following information:
- A detailed description of the item
- The country of production
- The customs code for the item
- The monetary value of the goods
- The currency of the transaction
Also ask your UK-based fulfillment company if postage charges for international shipments may change. Some couriers change their prices without notice, but a reliable fulfillment house should tell you in advance. Otherwise, your customers' satisfaction will drop sharply.
Working with a trusted third-party fulfillment house like WAPI can help merchants feel better prepared for cross-border shipping. WAPI specializes in order fulfillment, so retailers can focus on selling their products and serving customers, wherever they are. To learn more about WAPI's fulfillment solutions and how they can help, contact their team.
We offer a range of solutions tailored to your business needs and size. The main benefits of using WAPI are:
1. Assisting you in finding suitable 3PL partners.
This includes warehousing, fulfillment, and final mile delivery providers.
2. Providing easy-to-use shipping software.
It gives you access to a wide range of local warehouses and logistics networks. This makes cross-border sales and distribution simpler.
3. Integration of your logistics network and partners into a single platform.
Whatever software you use now, we let you save 100 hours of IT work per partner.
With the uncertainty of Brexit, stock management is crucial to predict demand and manage stock well. The WAPI network connects many warehouses and fulfillment centers in EU countries and the USA. It provides a trusted warehouse management system, storage for your products, and picking, packing and shipping services. Contact our team to learn more about how we can help with your fulfillment needs.
Is selling from the UK to the EU still worth it after Brexit?
Selling from the UK to the EU can be a profitable venture for businesses that want to grow their customer base. But you need to take into account the changes Brexit brought. These include customs rules, organizing fulfillment centers, VAT and shipping requirements. If you take the steps needed to comply, you can manage cross-border shipping successfully and give your EU customers a seamless buying experience.
Working with a third-party logistics network partner, such as WAPI, can also make the process simpler and keep delivery costs down. With the right preparation and strategy, selling from the UK to the EU can open up many new opportunities for businesses.
How Taxually handles this
Taxually’s CrossTax handles VAT registration, VAT, OSS and IOSS returns and fiscal representation in the countries you sell into, and checks your sales data against 250+ validation rules before each filing. OneTax then pays every tax authority with one bulk payment in your chosen currency.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an EORI number to sell from the UK to the EU after Brexit?
Yes. Since Brexit, all UK businesses exporting goods to the EU must have an EU EORI number. The UK EORI number is no longer valid for EU customs declarations, and you’ll need both if you trade in both regions.
What are the main challenges of selling to the EU from the UK?
Post-Brexit, UK sellers face customs declarations, VAT registration, and border checks when shipping to the EU. These steps can cause extra costs and delays if not handled properly. Working with experienced logistics partners helps reduce these issues.
How can I improve cross-border shipping to the EU?
The best way to streamline cross-border shipping is to store part of your inventory in an EU fulfillment center. This avoids customs delays, lowers shipping costs, and improves delivery times for your customers.
What documents do I need for EU customs clearance?
You’ll need an EORI number, VAT number, and HS (Harmonised System) code for your goods. You must also include details such as the product description, value, country of origin, and the receiver’s information.
Should UK sellers register for VAT in EU countries?
Yes. UK businesses selling to customers in the EU must register for VAT in the countries where they sell, such as France or Germany. This ensures you can charge the correct VAT rate and avoid penalties.
Can a fulfillment partner help with EU shipping?
Absolutely. Partnering with a trusted third-party logistics provider like WAPI helps manage warehousing, shipping, and returns. It saves time, reduces costs, and ensures smooth fulfillment across EU markets.
What are the benefits of selling from the UK to the EU post-Brexit?
Despite added customs requirements, UK businesses gain access to over 440 million EU customers, can diversify revenue, and strengthen their international presence with proper VAT and logistics planning.
