International growth starts with good preparation. Because selling outside the European Union is more than just creating a shipping label. Think about customs regulations, VAT handling, delivery terms, and customer expectations that differ from country to country.

At Van der Helm, we help e-commerce entrepreneurs make cross-border sales easy, compliant and scalable. In this blog, we explain what you need to get your webshop ready for successful international shipping outside the EU.

Understand the impact of customs and VAT

Once you start shipping to countries outside the EU, you have to deal with import duties, VAT payments, and customs documentation. Without proper handling, your package will not arrive on time. Or worse: the customer incurs unexpected costs upon delivery.

Van der Helm supports web shops at:

– Proper preparation of commercial invoices
– Assigning the correct HS codes
– VAT processing through IOSS or fiscal representation
– Customs declarations and control for e-commerce packages
– Guidance on customs regulations by country

Digitize your logistics processes

As a webshop, you want speed, overview and scalability. That is why we offer digital solutions that allow you to easily link customs data to your fulfillment or e-commerce system. Think of:

– Real-time status updates of shipments and customs declarations
– Automatic batch processing of IOSS shipments
– Instant error notifications for missing or incorrect data
– Access to a digital customer portal with all your customs files

This way you avoid mistakes and keep a grip on your international logistics.

Provide transparency towards the customer

One of the biggest annoyances with international shipping is being surprised by customs fees or delays. Customers want to know what to expect. So clarify in advance:

– Delivery times including customs time
– All additional costs such as VAT and import duties
– Who the responsible for customs clearance (Incoterms)

With the right settings and guidance, you can fully automate this process. At Van der Helm, we think proactively with you about this.

Choose the right logistics partner

International e-commerce requires more than just transportation. You need a partner who knows how to get products through the border quickly and compliantly. With Van der Helm, you choose:

– End-to-end handling of your international shipments
– Support with customs formalities and tax issues
– Access to an e-hub with fast processing capacity at Schiphol
– Integration with your systems and fulfillment partners
– Personalized advice and support for growth

Ready to grow your webshop worldwide?

Want to professionally prepare your webshop for international shipping outside the EU? Contact our e-commerce specialists. We ensure your logistics grows with your ambitions, without worries about customs or delays. Discover more about our approach on our customs handling page.