The final months of 2026 bring significant changes for international supply chains. New European import regulations, rising sea freight rates, and upcoming obligations are forcing companies to re-examine their logistical processes and costs. <\/p>\n\n
In this Supply Chain Insights update, we discuss five current developments and what they mean for your organization.<\/p>\n\n
Starting November 1, 2026, a European handling fee of \u20ac2 per declaration line<\/strong> will be introduced for e-commerce shipments received by consumers directly from countries outside the EU.<\/p>\n\n The fee applies regardless of the shipment’s value. For e-commerce goods with a value up to \u20ac150, this is in addition to the import rate of \u20ac3 per declaration line that has been applicable since July 1, 2026. <\/p>\n\n It is important to note that the fee is not calculated per package, but per declaration line. A package containing multiple product categories can therefore lead to multiple charges. <\/p>\n\n What does this mean for your organization?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n For webshops, marketplaces, and logistics service providers, this may have consequences for total import costs, price calculations, and administrative processes. Insight into the number of declaration lines is therefore at least as important as insight into the number of packages. <\/p>\n\n Read more about the new European handling fee \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n\n In addition to the new handling fee, the information that must be provided with certain e-commerce import declarations is also changing.<\/p>\n\n From November 1, 2026, Product Identifiers (PIDs) are mandatory for the relevant e-commerce shipments. These product identifications allow customs authorities to recognize and track products more accurately. <\/p>\n\n Depending on the situation, this may involve identification data such as an EAN, GTIN, ISBN, model number, or product reference from the seller or manufacturer.<\/p>\n\n What does this mean for your organization?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n A correct customs declaration begins with reliable product information. It is therefore important that product data from webshops, supplier systems, and customs processes are consistently available. <\/p>\n\n Missing or incorrect information can lead to additional inspections, delays, or rejection of declarations.<\/p>\n\n Read more about the new PID obligations \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n\n After a period of declining rates, the international sea freight market is once again showing price increases.<\/p>\n\n According to Drewry’s World Container Index, container rates from Shanghai to Rotterdam rose by 3% on October 22 compared to the previous week, reaching $3,632 per 40ft container.<\/p>\n\n At the same time, shipping lines are restricting available capacity on certain routes by canceling sailings (blank sailings<\/em>). This can affect rates, booking options, and the reliability of schedules. <\/p>\n\n What does this mean for your organization?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n For importers and supply chain managers, it remains important to secure transport capacity in a timely manner and to account for potential changes in sailing schedules.<\/p>\n\n In addition to the freight price, transit reliability, flexibility, and the connection to hinterland transport also deserve attention.<\/p>\n\n View the current sea freight market via Drewry \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n\n Discover our sea freight solutions \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n\n Requirements regarding sustainability and product origin are also becoming stricter.<\/p>\n\n From December 30, 2026, the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) will become applicable to, among others, large and medium-sized operators. For most small and micro-enterprises, June 30, 2027, is the effective date, with some exceptions. <\/p>\n\n The regulation applies to certain raw materials and derived products, including wood, cocoa, coffee, soy, rubber, palm oil, and cattle.<\/p>\n\n Companies subject to these obligations must be able to demonstrate that their products are deforestation-free and legally produced. Origin data, traceability, and the required due diligence procedures play a key role in this. <\/p>\n\n What does this mean for your organization?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n The EUDR requires good coordination between procurement, suppliers, compliance, and logistics. Check in a timely manner which products fall under the regulation and what information must be available to meet the obligations. <\/p>\n\n Read more about the EUDR and how to prepare \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n\n The European Union is working on a major reform of the customs system through the new Union Customs Code (nUCC).<\/p>\n\n A key component is the development of the EU Customs Data Hub: a central digital platform that allows customs data within Europe to be shared and processed more efficiently.<\/p>\n\n According to current planning, this Data Hub will be mandatory for e-commerce from July 1, 2028. For other companies, implementation will follow in later phases. <\/p>\n\n What does this mean for your organization?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n Reliable product data, correct commodity codes, and well-established digital processes are becoming increasingly important.<\/p>\n\n Companies that already invest in data quality and collaboration between their logistical, financial, and customs systems are laying a better foundation for future changes.<\/p>\n\n Read what the new Customs Code means for your organization \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n\n The developments in October show that international logistics is increasingly influenced by regulation, available transport capacity, and the quality of product data.<\/p>\n\n For companies, this means that a well-functioning supply chain goes beyond just organizing transport. Customs compliance, cost control, digitalization, and timely preparation are also becoming increasingly important. <\/p>\n\n At Van der Helm Logistics, we follow these developments closely. With our expertise in customs clearance<\/a>, forwarding<\/a>, and international logistics, we support companies in keeping their supply chains manageable. <\/p>\n\n2. Product Identifiers mandatory from November 1, 2026<\/h2>\n\n
3. Sea freight: rates to Europe are rising again<\/h2>\n\n
4. EUDR: prepare your supply chain for December 30, 2026<\/h2>\n\n
5. New Union Customs Code: digitalization is changing customs processes<\/h2>\n\n
Looking ahead: what does this require from your supply chain?<\/h2>\n\n