In the news

The new €3 customs duty on low-value imports is changing the economics of cross-border ecommerce. Combined with complex return procedures, it could expose online retailers to double customs charges unless they review their logistics and customs compliance strategy.

International returns are often discussed as an operational issue. In cross-border e-commerce, they increasingly influence pricing structure, liquidity planning and marketplace compliance.

By 19 June 2026, online retailers across the European Union will be required to ensure that consumers can withdraw from a purchase contract as easily as they can enter it. In practice, this means a fully digital, frictionless withdrawal process.

Industry estimates suggest that in fashion marketplace environments, return rates may range between 30% and 80%. At the same time, platform policies define how returns are processed, how quickly sellers must respond and under what circumstances refunds may be issued automatically.

Cross-border parcel flows from Poland to the United Kingdom show that return rates remain operationally manageable, reaching an average of 2.8% across analysed shipments in 2025.