International Trade News June 2026

EU Customs Changes July 2026

From 1st July 2026, new European Union customs rules will come into effect for goods arriving from outside the EU.

The EU is positioning the €3 as a temporary transitional regime before the fuller Customs Reform/Data Hub model arrives in 2028.

Market Spotlight: Why Japan should be on your expansion radar

As brands look beyond traditional international markets, Japan continues to stand out as one of the most attractive opportunities for cross-border growth.

Projected to exceed $200 billion in eCommerce sales by 2026, Japan remains one of the world’s largest online retail markets. For UK retailers, particularly those operating in premium fashion, luxury, beauty and lifestyle sectors, the opportunity is significant.

Japanese consumers are known for valuing quality, authenticity and exceptional customer service. British brands often benefit from strong perceptions of craftsmanship, heritage and premium product quality.

Key advantages of selling into Japan include:

• A large and affluent consumer base
• Strong demand for international brands
• High levels of online shopping adoption
• Sophisticated logistics infrastructure
• Growing appetite for premium overseas products

However, success requires more than simply making products available internationally. Localisation, delivery experience, payment preferences and customer communications all play an important role in building trust and driving conversions.

For retailers looking to diversify international revenues in 2026, Japan deserves serious consideration.

Cross-Border Marketplaces Continue to Drive International Growth

For many retailers, marketplaces remain one of the quickest and most effective ways to enter new international markets.

Rather than investing immediately in localised websites and marketing campaigns, brands can leverage established marketplace platforms to access large audiences and test demand with reduced risk.

Major marketplaces continue to expand their cross-border capabilities, helping retailers reach consumers around the world through trusted shopping environments.

Popular platforms include:

Europe
Amazon | Zalando | Bol | ManoMano

Japan
Rakuten | Amazon Japan | Yahoo! Shopping

North America
Amazon | Walmart Marketplace | eBay

Asia-Pacific
Shopee | Lazada | Tmall Global

Many successful international retailers now adopt a marketplace-first strategy, using marketplaces to understand customer demand, optimise pricing and gather valuable market intelligence before making larger investments in local operations.

However, marketplace success still depends heavily on delivery performance. Fast, reliable delivery, transparent tracking and clear customs communications remain critical factors in customer satisfaction and repeat purchase behaviour.

Israel Reduces Import VAT Exemption Threshold

Retailers shipping to Israel should be aware of an important regulatory update that came into effect on 1st June 2026.

The VAT exemption threshold for personal imports has been reduced from USD 130 back to USD 75 following a decision by Israeli authorities to revoke the temporary regulation that had increased the threshold.

In addition, the customs computer processing fee for shipments valued above USD 100 has been reinstated.

As a result:

• Imports valued above USD 75 may now be subject to VAT
• Shipments exceeding USD 100 may incur additional processing charges
• Customers could experience unexpected charges if these changes are not clearly communicated at checkout

Retailers shipping regularly to Israel should review their customer communications and landed cost calculations to minimise surprises and maintain a positive delivery experience.

We will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as further information becomes available.

New Resource Alert! Out-of-Home Delivery Around the World

Out-of-home delivery continues to gain momentum globally as consumers increasingly seek greater flexibility and convenience when receiving online orders.

While home delivery remains important, parcel lockers, Click and Collect locations and parcel shops are becoming a preferred option in many international markets.

Understanding local delivery preferences is increasingly important for retailers looking to improve conversion rates and customer satisfaction in international markets.

Looking Ahead

International eCommerce continues to evolve at pace. Regulatory changes, shifting consumer expectations and growing cross-border opportunities mean retailers must remain agile to stay competitive.

Whether you’re navigating new EU customs requirements, exploring opportunities in Japan, selling through international marketplaces or adapting to changing import regulations, having the right delivery and logistics strategy in place remains critical to success.

If you’d like to discuss your international delivery strategy or explore opportunities in new markets, our team is here to help.