EU parcel volumes to UK plunge 51% after Brexit

According to research by shipping platform Sendcloud, since Brexit , new shipping requirements and additional VAT costs have greatly reduced express deliveries from the EU to the UK . Compared with the fourth quarter of 2020 , the volume of e-commerce express deliveries from the EU to the UK in the first quarter of 2021 fell by more than 50%.

Coincidentally , in March this year, the UK government's National Statistics Office publicly announced that the total value of goods imported by the UK from the EU has fallen by 6.6 billion pounds since January 2021 , which is the largest monthly drop since records began in January 1997.

It is reported that since Brexit, sellers in the EU have been required to register for VAT in the UK. The regulations show that goods manufactured entirely within the EU will not be charged to customers when imported into the UK , but goods manufactured outside the EU are not eligible for tax exemption.

At the same time, consumers ’ willingness to shop overseas has also been greatly reduced . According to a survey conducted by Sendcloud , 51% of respondents said that they postponed their orders due to high shipping costs, 32 % of British people were worried about longer delivery times, and nearly 40% were worried about increased tariffs.

Delivery delays caused by VAT charges and border controls also mean that some customers will choose to shop locally. Therefore, British retailers must simplify their international shipping steps to maintain smooth trade with European neighbors , prevent impact on daily operations , minimize losses as much as possible, and regain consumer confidence.

“Brexit should not be a barrier to sourcing goods from abroad, but it is clear from these survey results that many retailers are struggling to overcome the delivery challenges that will arise post-Brexit,” Rob van den Heuvel, founder and CEO of Sendcloud, said in a statement.

In addition, he added: When transporting goods between the UK and the EU, remember to have an EORI number and add a commercial invoice, as well as CN22 or CN23, depending on the carrier selected. In addition, merchants must also understand the many local VAT and tariff policies, because many merchants and consumers have reported that additional fees have been charged.

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