ILG, a leading 3PL partner, has flagged a major update for UK beauty brands: from 1 July 2026, the European Union will remove the €150 duty exemption on imported goods. Low-value shipments will no longer enter the EU duty-free – a change that could significantly impact costs, margins, and cross-border fulfilment strategies.
The new system is expected to introduce a €3 duty per item. Crucially, this applies per product, not per order. For beauty brands shipping multiple items in a single order – think cleanser, serum and moisturiser – that cost could quickly add up.
For UK businesses fulfilling orders directly from the UK, this change may mean higher costs, added customs complexity and potential pressure on margins or pricing.
As a result, many brands are reconsidering how they fulfil European orders.
One increasingly popular approach is moving inventory into the EU and fulfilling orders locally. By shipping stock into the region in bulk, businesses can consolidate customs procedures and avoid paying duties on every individual parcel sent to customers.
For example, ILG operates an EU fulfilment centre in Wrocław, Poland, providing access to major European markets while maintaining the same service standards as its UK facilities. A well-equipped 3PL partner can support this transition, helping brands position inventory within the EU and bypass the growing friction of routine cross-border shipping from the UK.
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