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No drama – business as usual for DDP shipments in January, says Europa

[ September 30, 2025   //   ]

Dartford-based forwarder Europa Worldwide Group has announced two new services to address changes to the rules for Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) shipments from 1 January.

From that date, the French tax authorities have confirmed that UK companies exporting goods through France under DDP arrangements will need to have their own French VAT number or have an importer of record established in the EU.

In the wake of Brexit, Europa became the first logistics provider to deliver a DDP solution for road freight travelling from the UK to Europe, Europa Flow.

However, it says that other forwarders have “dramatized” the fiscal regulation changes, causing confusion for businesses. Europa says it will provide two simple, compliant alternatives that ensure UK businesses can continue to use DDP and Regime 42 in 2026 with minimal impact.

DDP Flow – Importer’s Signature will provide a simplified option in which the EU consignee signs a limited fiscal agreement, allowing Europa to act as indirect representative to exempt VAT. All duties and charges remain billed back to the exporter, ensuring consignments move seamlessly across borders while preserving the DDP customer experience.

Alternatively, DDP Flow – Own French VAT Number will enable exporters to remain importer of record while Europa arranges and manages administration of a French VAT number and associated reporting on its shipments free of charge.

Chief executive, Andrew Baxter, explained: “We have moved decisively to counter incorrect claims by several operators suggesting that British exporters using DDP will lose access to Regime 42 in January 2026 when transporting goods through France. This has caused concern and eroded confidence for British exporters. Our focus at Europa has been to provide clarity, reassurance and simple choices for exporters in the UK so that they can continue to navigate what is an increasingly complex trading environment.

“We have been aware of the impending French legislative changes for some time and can confirm that our new DDP Flow customs products will ensure exporters can trade seamlessly post 1 January 2026.

“We transport more than 100,000 DDP consignments a year for businesses across the UK, so now that the French tax authorities have confirmed the situation, we have the services and robust infrastructure in place to keep these goods moving”

He added: “When we were made aware of the confusion circulating across the industry, it was our priority to actively reach out to customers and address the situation as best we could. Initially, there was a good deal of confusion and we have engaged with hundreds of customers to address their concerns. I’m pleased to say that our expert customs professionals were able to offer the necessary reassurance to restore this confidence.”

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