{"id":11620,"date":"2026-04-23T09:29:12","date_gmt":"2026-04-23T09:29:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vanderhelmlogistics.com\/laatste-nieuws\/april-update-druk-op-luchtvracht-veranderingen-in-e-commerce-en-belangrijke-douane-deadline\/"},"modified":"2026-04-23T10:14:57","modified_gmt":"2026-04-23T10:14:57","slug":"april-update-druk-op-luchtvracht-veranderingen-in-e-commerce-en-belangrijke-douane-deadline","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vanderhelmlogistics.com\/en\/laatste-nieuws\/april-update-druk-op-luchtvracht-veranderingen-in-e-commerce-en-belangrijke-douane-deadline\/","title":{"rendered":"April update: Ongoing pressure on air freight, changes in e-commerce, and important customs deadline"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>April clearly shows how quickly the logistics landscape can change. From geopolitical developments to shifting consumer behavior and new regulations, the impact on supply chains is significant. Below, we outline the key developments for you.  <\/p>\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Air freight under pressure due to fuel shortages<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<p>The availability of jet fuel in Europe is currently under pressure. Disruptions in supply via the Strait of Hormuz and damage to refineries in the Middle East are causing uncertainty towards the end of April. <\/p>\n\n<p>For shipments via Schiphol (AMS), this means:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Increasing air freight rates<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Limited capacity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Longer transit times<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>For companies relying on fast air freight, this is the moment to plan ahead and consider alternatives.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Not sure how this impacts your air freight shipments or want to explore alternatives? <a href=\"https:\/\/vanderhelmlogistics.com\/en\/contact-us\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"1033\">Get in touch <\/a>with our team, we\u2019ll review your situation with you directly. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-fe9cc265 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>E-commerce shift: increasing pressure on fulfilment<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In Germany in particular, we are seeing a clear shift in the retail landscape. Major online players such as Zalando and About You are putting pressure on physical stores, leading to closures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The impact on logistics:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>More small orders instead of bulk shipments<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Higher pick frequency in warehouses<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Increasing pressure on margins<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This requires smarter fulfilment processes and greater flexibility in warehousing. Efficiency is becoming more important than ever. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/vanderhelmlogistics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/260224-Van-Der-Helm-Logistics-x-DMVD-6-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Person organizing boxes in warehouse.\" class=\"wp-image-11626\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:cover;width:335px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vanderhelmlogistics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/260224-Van-Der-Helm-Logistics-x-DMVD-6-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/vanderhelmlogistics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/260224-Van-Der-Helm-Logistics-x-DMVD-6-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/vanderhelmlogistics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/260224-Van-Der-Helm-Logistics-x-DMVD-6-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/vanderhelmlogistics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/260224-Van-Der-Helm-Logistics-x-DMVD-6-1024x1536.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Rising costs and regulatory changes<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<p>In addition to market developments, costs and legislation also play a role:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Rising fuel prices<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Changes to the minimum wage law effective July 1, 2026<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>These factors directly impact logistics costs and require transparency and timely alignment.<\/p>\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Important customs update: IOSS deadline approaching<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<p>As of <strong>July 1, 2026<\/strong>, something fundamental will change in e-commerce imports.<\/p>\n\n<p>The \u20ac150 exemption for import duties will expire for non-IOSS shipments.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>What does this mean?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Non-IOSS:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Full import duties<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Additional customs clearance fees (\u20ac15\u2013\u20ac30 per shipment)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Higher risk of delays<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p><strong>IOSS:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fixed import rate of \u20ac3<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Faster clearance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Predictable costs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>Within Van der Helm\u2019s e-commerce solutions, we ensure efficient and compliant processing of these flows, supported by digital systems and processes.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Not sure if your shipments are already IOSS-proof? <\/strong>Let us check it for you. This way, you avoid extra costs and delays after July 1. <strong>Schedule a demo via <a href=\"https:\/\/vanderhelmlogistics.com\/en\/qa-prepare-for-the-eus-new-handling-fee\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"9612\">this link<\/a><\/strong>. <br\/><\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/vanderhelmlogistics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ChatGPT-Image-23-apr-2026-11_46_54-1024x768.png\" alt=\"Two hands exchanging a letter.\" class=\"wp-image-11622\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vanderhelmlogistics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ChatGPT-Image-23-apr-2026-11_46_54-1024x768.png 1024w, https:\/\/vanderhelmlogistics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ChatGPT-Image-23-apr-2026-11_46_54-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/vanderhelmlogistics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ChatGPT-Image-23-apr-2026-11_46_54-768x576.png 768w, https:\/\/vanderhelmlogistics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ChatGPT-Image-23-apr-2026-11_46_54.png 1448w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Developments in customs processes<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<p>In the Port of Rotterdam, a new inspection and planning system for veterinary checks is being developed. This is expected to improve throughput, but may temporarily impact planning and lead times during the transition phase. <\/p>\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Public holidays: keep planning in mind<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<p>Our offices will be closed on <strong>King&#8217;s Day (April 27)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<p>In addition, the following will follow later:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ascension Day &#8211; May 14, 2026<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Whit Monday &#8211; May 24, 2026<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>There are no additional bridging days, but timely planning remains important.<\/p>\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Maintaining control of your supply chain together<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<p>The logistics world is constantly evolving. In this dynamic environment, it is essential to stay ahead and adapt quickly. <\/p>\n\n<p>Van der Helm Logistics supports you with an integrated approach, from forwarding and transport to warehousing and customs, fully supported by digital processes and real-time visibility.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Would you like to know what these developments mean specifically for your organization? We would be happy to think along with you. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>April clearly shows how quickly the logistics landscape can change. From geopolitical developments to shifting consumer behavior and new regulations, the impact on supply chains is significant. Below, we outline the key developments for you.  <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":11630,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[143],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-11620","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vanderhelmlogistics.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11620","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vanderhelmlogistics.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vanderhelmlogistics.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vanderhelmlogistics.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vanderhelmlogistics.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11620"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/vanderhelmlogistics.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11620\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11648,"href":"https:\/\/vanderhelmlogistics.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11620\/revisions\/11648"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vanderhelmlogistics.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11630"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vanderhelmlogistics.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11620"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vanderhelmlogistics.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11620"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vanderhelmlogistics.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11620"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}