European FBA dedicated line logistics: European market overview and FBA transportation guide

The European cross-border e-commerce market has attracted much attention due to its large consumer base and growing online shopping rate. As the revenue of the European B2C e-commerce market exceeds 500 billion euros, the revenue of the e-commerce markets in various countries is showing double-digit growth. Especially in the UK, 81% of consumers prefer online shopping. At the same time, the overall scale of European e-commerce continues to expand, with e-commerce sales increasing by 18.4% year-on-year in 2014 and 18.6% in 2015. In this context, cross-border e-commerce logistics has become a key factor in promoting trade development.

European FBA shipping strategy

1. The importance of declaration and VAT tax number

For goods with a declared value of less than 135 pounds, express delivery is usually chosen to European FBA warehouses, such as DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT or other dedicated channels. However, if the seller fails to provide a local VAT tax number, he may face higher risks, especially when the sale of goods generates post-sales VAT and cannot be levied. In addition, if customs suspects tax evasion, Amazon may be required to provide seller transaction records. Therefore, it is recommended that sellers declare according to the actual sales price to avoid fines or goods detention due to low declared value.

Import duties are payable on goods with a declared value exceeding £135. At this time, it is particularly important to provide the local VAT tax number, especially in the case of German FBA warehouses. In order to operate legally, sellers should ensure that they use the correct VAT number for customs clearance.

2. Logistics selection and customs clearance process

The Amazon FBA warehouse requires that the goods have completed customs clearance before they can be entered into the warehouse. Although Amazon’s FBA warehouse does not specify a specific logistics provider, UPS has an independent operating area in its warehouse, so it is often chosen by freight forwarding companies. In addition, Amazon FBA warehouse accepts delivery on standard pallets, but the pallets cannot be removed after delivery, which may increase logistics costs.

3. Packaging requirements

Each Amazon warehouse has its own specific packaging requirements, and sellers need to read the relevant guidelines carefully to ensure that the goods meet the standards.

4. Huodou WEA European FBA line

As a new star in China’s cross-border logistics field, Huodou has won the favor of many small and medium-sized cross-border e-commerce companies with its efficient and convenient services. Through cooperation with European Airlines, Huodou launched the WEA European FBA line, providing direct services from Hong Kong, China to the Czech Republic, covering five countries: the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain. This special line not only provides charter flights, tax and customs clearance services, but also promises not to queue up warehouses during peak seasons, providing great convenience to sellers.

5. ZTO FBA-European dedicated line

ZTO FBA-Europe Special Line is also committed to providing a stable and fast logistics experience for cross-border e-commerce. This dedicated line covers the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, the Czech Republic and other places. Sign fixed flights with airlines and adopt the air-plus dispatch mode to ensure that the goods arrive at the destination within 4-7 days. It is particularly noteworthy that this channel supports goods with built-in batteries, further broadening the range of products that can be sent.

To sum up, whether through Huodou WEA dedicated line or ZTO FBA-Europe dedicated line, cross-border e-commerce sellers can enjoy efficient, convenient and safe logistics services, helping them expand into the European market.