Brexit and the new reality

Since Brexit, British online stores and retailers have found that doing business with EU customers has become more complicated. Customs formalities, VAT handling, and longer delivery times cause frustration for both businesses and consumers. Where goods used to move freely, every shipment is now subject to checks and documentation.

This has led many British online stores to decide to move their logistics (partially) to the European mainland – and the Netherlands is a popular choice in this regard.

Why the Netherlands?

The Netherlands is one of Europe’s most important logistics hubs. With the Port of Rotterdam and Schiphol Airport as gateways, goods can be quickly imported and distributed throughout the EU.

In addition, the Netherlands offers excellent infrastructure, reliable IT systems, and extensive experience in international trade. For British online stores, this means they can serve their European customers faster, more affordably, and more reliably.

The growth of container volumes in Rotterdam underlines the significant role of the Netherlands as a logistics gateway.

The role of a logistics partner

A logistics partner in the Netherlands acts as the hub for British online stores. Goods are brought in bulk from the UK or other production locations to the Netherlands and stored in a central warehouse. From there, orders are shipped directly to EU customers.

With a 3PL partner, you benefit from scalable warehousing, fast fulfillment, and reliable distribution throughout Europe.

Want to know more about inventory management? Also discover smart inventory management in the warehouse.

Customs and compliance: stumbling block or advantage?

A major advantage of working with a Dutch partner is their expertise in customs clearance. While many British companies struggle with complicated documentation, an AEO-certified partner takes this process completely off your hands.

This means faster clearance, less risk of inspections, and a lower chance of delays.

Want to know more? Read also what a customs broker does.

Scaling up quickly and flexibly

E-commerce is dynamic. During peak periods such as Black Friday or Christmas, demand can double overnight. A fulfillment partner in the Netherlands has the capacity and experience to scale up quickly without compromising delivery times or quality.

Read how companies scale up smartly without loss of quality.

Safety and innovation

The Netherlands is at the forefront of digitalization and supply chain security. Innovations such as the ‘Vertrouwensketen’ (Trust Chain) in container logistics show how processes are being made safer and more transparent. This gives British online stores extra security when entering the EU market.

In addition, solutions such as parcel management provide control over the final part of the chain, from carrier selection to final delivery.

Conclusion: The Netherlands as a springboard to Europe

For British online stores looking to retain or expand their customer base in the EU, a logistics partner in the Netherlands is the logical choice. With central storage, fast distribution, and reliable customs clearance, they gain access to a market of more than 400 million consumers.

At Van der Helm, we combine warehousing, transport, and customs expertise to give British companies fast and smooth access to the European market.