Shipping Across European Borders
Europe has one of the most developed parcel delivery ecosystems in the world. Thanks to the EU single market, shipping goods between member states is largely straightforward — no customs declarations, no import duties, and no border checks for most goods. But there are still important rules, differences, and best practices to understand before you ship.
Shipping Within the EU vs. Outside the EU
The key distinction in European logistics is whether your shipment stays within the European Union or crosses into a non-EU country.
| Shipping Route | Customs Required? | VAT Applies? | Typical Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| France → Germany (EU to EU) | No | Handled at origin | Low |
| France → Spain (EU to EU) | No | Handled at origin | Low |
| France → UK (EU to non-EU) | Yes | UK VAT may apply | Medium–High |
| France → Switzerland (EU to non-EU) | Yes | Swiss VAT may apply | Medium |
| EU → USA/Canada | Yes | Import duties possible | High |
Key Countries in the Mondial Relay Network
Mondial Relay's relay point network covers several European countries, making cross-border relay-point delivery possible for:
- France (largest network, tens of thousands of relay points)
- Belgium
- Luxembourg
- Spain
- Portugal
- The Netherlands
Shipping between these countries within the relay network is treated as domestic-style shipping in terms of customs (since most are EU members), making it highly convenient for e-commerce.
Customs and Documentation for Non-EU Shipments
If you're shipping outside the EU — for example, to the UK, Switzerland, or Norway — you'll need to prepare customs documentation:
- Commercial Invoice: Lists the sender, recipient, contents, declared value, and HS (Harmonised System) commodity codes
- CN22 / CN23 form: Required for non-EU postal shipments above certain values
- EORI number: Required for businesses shipping commercially outside the EU
Failing to provide correct customs documentation is the most common cause of international parcel delays and returns.
Understanding VAT on International Shipments
Since July 2021, the EU introduced the Import One Stop Shop (IOSS) system for e-commerce. For B2C shipments valued under €150 entering the EU, VAT should be collected at point of sale by the seller. This simplifies the import process for consumers. For shipments above €150, import VAT and possible duties are assessed at the border.
Prohibited and Restricted Items
Regardless of destination, some items are universally restricted in parcel networks:
- Dangerous goods (hazmat): flammable liquids, gases, explosives
- Certain batteries and lithium products (without prior arrangement)
- Perishable food items (without refrigerated services)
- Live animals
- Currency and high-value documents
- Counterfeit or pirated goods
Always check the specific carrier's prohibited items list before shipping — restrictions can vary by route and service level.
Tips for Smooth Cross-Border Shipping
- Always declare the accurate value and contents of your parcel — under-declaring to avoid fees is illegal and voids insurance
- Use HS (Harmonised System) codes correctly for customs forms to avoid delays
- Choose a carrier with experience in your destination country
- Add shipping insurance for valuable items
- Communicate expected delivery times clearly to recipients — international shipments take longer
- Check if your recipient country has any import quantity restrictions on specific product types
The Future of European Logistics
European parcel volumes continue to grow, driven by e-commerce expansion. Networks like Mondial Relay are investing in expanding relay point coverage, improving last-mile efficiency, and reducing carbon emissions through consolidated delivery routes. For businesses and consumers alike, relay point networks represent an increasingly smart choice for cross-border European shipping.