How to Build a Brexit-Proof Ecommerce Fulfilment Strategy

Navigating Fulfilment in a Post-Brexit World

Brexit has reshaped the way UK ecommerce businesses handle fulfilment and international shipping. Changes to customs regulations, VAT requirements, and delivery times have created new challenges for shipping to the EU and beyond. However, these challenges also present opportunities for businesses that adapt their fulfilment strategies effectively.

If your ecommerce brand relies on shipping internationally from a UK-based warehouse, you need a Brexit-proof strategy that ensures seamless deliveries, minimises customs delays, and maintains customer satisfaction. In this guide, we’ll explore how to streamline cross-border fulfilment, reduce costs, and scale internationally post-Brexit.

1. Understand the Key Brexit-Related Fulfilment Challenges

Brexit introduced several key changes that impact how UK businesses fulfil orders to the EU and other international markets:

• Customs Declarations: All UK-to-EU shipments now require customs paperwork, adding complexity and potential delays.
• VAT and Duties: EU buyers may face additional VAT charges, affecting pricing and customer experience.
• Border Delays: Increased customs checks have led to longer transit times for international deliveries.
• Returns Complexity: Returning items across UK-EU borders can be expensive and complicated due to duty and VAT reclaim processes.

The Solution? A proactive fulfilment strategy that accounts for these challenges while keeping international shipping efficient and cost-effective.

2. Optimise Your UK-Based Fulfilment Centre for International Shipping

A UK-based fulfilment centre remains a strategic advantage for ecommerce businesses—if optimised correctly for international shipping.

2.1 Work with a Fulfilment Partner Experienced in Cross-Border Shipping like E-PickPack

Choosing a 3PL (third-party logistics) provider with expertise in Brexit-related logistics can:
✅ Reduce customs paperwork errors.
✅ Speed up clearance through customs-friendly packaging and labelling.
✅ Help you secure better international shipping rates.

2.2 Automate Customs Documentation & Compliance

Manual customs declarations can lead to delays. Instead, automate the process with:

• Paperless trade systems that send customs info electronically.
• HS code (Harmonised System) classification tools to ensure smooth customs clearance.
• Automated VAT and duty calculations to avoid surprise charges for EU buyers.

2.3 Use International Carrier Partnerships for Faster Delivery

Partnering with reliable international couriers like DHL, FedEx, DPD, and Royal Mail International ensures:
🚀 Express shipping options to the EU, US, and beyond.
💡 DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping, so customers aren’t hit with unexpected customs fees.
🔄 Seamless returns processing with international reverse logistics solutions.

Example:
A UK fashion brand reduced delivery times to France by 30% after switching to offering DDP shipping and automated customs clearance.

3. Reduce International Shipping Costs Without Sacrificing Speed

International shipping costs can eat into profit margins—especially with Brexit-related surcharges. Here’s how to optimise costs while maintaining fast delivery:

3.1 Consolidate Shipments to Reduce Per-Order Costs

Instead of sending individual parcels, consider bulk shipping to EU distribution hubs.

• Group orders for the same region into a single consolidated shipment.
• Use cross-border fulfilment hubs in key EU locations (e.g., Netherlands, Germany) to shorten delivery times.

3.2 Offer Localised Delivery Options

Customers expect fast, affordable shipping. Work with carriers that offer:

• Economy tracked shipping for cost-conscious buyers.
• Express international delivery for premium customers.

3.3 Pass Savings to Customers with Free Shipping Thresholds

Encourage larger orders by setting a minimum spend for free EU or international shipping.

Example:
A UK beauty brand increased its average order value by 18% after introducing "Free EU shipping on orders over £75."

4. Simplify VAT & Duties for EU Buyers

Brexit has complicated VAT compliance for UK businesses selling to the EU. To avoid losing sales due to hidden fees, ensure:

4.1 VAT Registration in Key EU Markets

• If you exceed the €10,000 distance selling threshold, you may need to register for VAT in individual EU countries.
• Use the EU’s One-Stop-Shop (OSS) scheme to simplify VAT payments across multiple countries.

4.2 Offer DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) Shipping

• Instead of customers paying customs fees upon delivery, include VAT and duties at checkout.
• Many UK businesses use cross-border payment solutions (e.g., Avalara, TaxJar) to calculate duties upfront.

4.3 Display VAT & Duties Clearly at Checkout

Customers hate surprise charges—avoid cart abandonment by showing a breakdown of fees before checkout.

Example:
A UK electronics retailer cut EU cart abandonment rates by 26% after switching to a DDP model with upfront VAT calculation.

5. Improve Returns & Reverse Logistics for International Orders

Returns are a major pain point for international ecommerce. A Brexit-proof fulfilment strategy must streamline the returns process to reduce costs and customer frustration.

5.1 Set Up Localised Returns in Key Markets

• Use EU-based return hubs to receive and process refunds faster.
• Partner with global returns management services like ReBound or ZigZag to simplify EU returns.

5.2 Offer Digital Returns Portals

Instead of relying on manual return labels, integrate automated return systems that allow:
✅ Self-service return requests
✅ Prepaid return labels
✅ Instant store credit for faster exchanges

Example:
A UK footwear brand reduced international return processing times by 50% after setting up an EU-based return centre in Germany.

6. Expand Beyond the EU: Unlocking New International Markets

While Brexit created challenges for EU shipping, it has also driven UK businesses to explore new global markets.

6.1 Diversify Sales Channels to Reduce EU Dependence

• Sell to the US, Canada, and Australia—countries with strong ecommerce demand and fewer trade barriers.
• Expand into Asia via marketplaces like Tmall (China) and Lazada (Southeast Asia).

6.2 Use Multi-Currency & Local Payment Options

• Display prices in local currencies to increase conversions.
• Offer payment methods like Alipay, Klarna, or Afterpay for global buyers.

Example:
A UK skincare brand increased international orders by 40% after launching a dedicated US ecommerce site with localised pricing and fulfilment.

Conclusion: Future-Proof Your Fulfilment for Long-Term Growth

A Brexit-proof fulfilment strategy isn’t just about surviving post-Brexit challenges—it’s about thriving in a global ecommerce landscape.

By optimising customs, shipping, VAT compliance, and returns, UK-based businesses can expand internationally with confidence.

At E-PickPack, we specialise in helping UK ecommerce brands ship internationally with ease. From fast EU deliveries to cross-border returns solutions, we handle everything from customs clearance to multi-carrier shipping.

Ready to simplify international fulfilment?

Get in touch today and let’s build a Brexit-proof fulfilment strategy tailored to your business.

FAQs

Q: Can I still ship to the EU from the UK after Brexit?
Yes! But you’ll need customs documentation, VAT compliance, and the right international shipping partners.

Q: How do I prevent customs delays for EU orders?
Use automated customs forms, HS codes, and pre-cleared DDP shipping to speed up processing.

Q: What’s the cheapest way to ship from the UK to the EU?
Consolidated shipments and economy tracked delivery offer the best balance between cost and speed.