The European e-commerce market is one of the largest globally, valued at over $600 billion and expanding rapidly. Online shopping is exceptionally popular in Western Europe, with countries like the UK, Germany, and France leading the charge in retail sales. For North American retailers, Zone Jumping is the ultimate strategy to scale sales into this lucrative market.
Mastering parcel logistics is the foundation of European sales growth. In this comprehensive guide, we review the precise shipping logistics and customs processes required for successfully zone jumping your e-commerce consignments to Europe.
Zone jumping means bypassing traditional postal networks by flying consolidated orders directly into a target region and injecting them into a local delivery network. By taking this leap, you can drastically reduce transit times, increase revenue, and build wealth. Jet Worldwide has provided international shipping solutions for over 40 years, helping businesses seamlessly reach customers across borders.
Effective July 1, 2026, the interim flat rate customs duty of €3 for small parcels will change. The fee will no longer be applied to the box as a whole. Instead, it will be multiplied by each distinct product category (identified by official tariff sub-headings) contained within the parcel.
Example Calculation:
This upcoming change strengthens the business case for bulk consolidation and direct injection over shipping individual low-value consignments.
Most parcel shipments to Europe under 150 Euros can clear customs without duty, though Value Added Tax (VAT) still applies. This low-value threshold is known as the de minimis value. The core challenge when selling lower-value consumer goods is maintaining low logistics costs while ensuring fast delivery speeds.
Many international parcels containing product samples and small parts qualify for this exemption. However, infrequent shippers often overvalue their shipments by casually guessing the price, which triggers unnecessary customs fees. Always use the precise commercial value.
Useful Information on Correct Value Declarations
Download our Accompanying Guide (PDF)
The optimal logistics solution depends on your average shipment size, weight, and total monthly volume. For low volumes, traditional postal services may suffice. However, as volume grows, the most profitable option is to consolidate shipments and send them via direct air freight from major hubs like YUL, YYZ, or YVR. Zone jumping into the UK and EU guarantees fast, reliable delivery to the end consumer.
While Canada Post is a common starting point for retailers, limiting your logistics to traditional postal networks will eventually bottleneck your growth. Their international packet option is restricted to items under four pounds, and even with high-volume discounts, it remains cost-prohibitive for scaling.
Shippers can maximize profits by consolidating orders and utilizing direct air freight. Contact our logistics team for a custom supply chain consultation.
North American companies sending goods to Europe often declare only the product price. They frequently fail to realize that European customs authorities calculate duty and VAT based on the CIF Value.
CIF stands for Cost, Insurance, and Freight. This means the dutiable value is the cost of the item plus the cost of shipping and any insurance. We advise all our partners to clearly state the CIF value on commercial invoices to prevent unexpected clearance delays.
When sending high-volume parcel flows to Europe, understanding who handles the import fees is critical for customer satisfaction.
The absolute best way to protect your buyers from surprise fees is through direct import processes. Sellers should collect VAT at the time of checkout on their website. From there, you prepay the VAT via direct import or the IOSS system. Read more about DDP shipping here.
Most online orders under €150 can not enter Europe duty-free. However, goods originating in Canada can benefit from additional duty-free privileges under the Canadian European Free Trade Agreement (CETA).
The excellent news for Canadian e-commerce shippers is that CETA rules do not require complex, formal certificates to claim tariff benefits. A specific country of origin declaration typed directly onto your commercial invoice is generally sufficient. Always verify the latest wording regulations before dispatching your freight.
If you are managing your own customs procedures as a business importing into the European Union, you will need an EORI number (Economic Operators Registration and Identification). This single identification number is valid across all member states.
The EORI number consists of two parts:
All e-commerce orders entering the EU are subject to VAT, regardless of value. However, shipments valued under EUR 150 can be processed via the Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS). This streamlined system allows online platforms (like Shopify) and marketplaces to charge VAT at the point of sale, remitting it smoothly during import.
While IOSS is incredibly helpful, it is not strictly mandatory. If your strategy focuses on shipping direct to only one specific country, standard direct import prepayments might be a better operational fit. Contact the Jet Worldwide team to discuss your IOSS registration options.
If you are looking to expand your digital footprint beyond your own website, consider integrating with these dominant European marketplaces:
Although goods travel freely within the EU once cleared, initial shipments sent from North America must clear customs in the first port of entry country. We streamline this entire process.
Jet Worldwide has provided best-in-class cross-border parcel shipping for over four decades. We utilize a powerful local carrier network, including DPD, Chronopost, and Seur. Offering a recognized local delivery truck at your customer's doorstep engenders massive trust and brand loyalty.