Looking to expand into the EU

[Smart Air UK]

Does anyone have experience in appointing a 3rd party logistics company in the EU (thinking Belgium or Netherlands)?

We are looking to expand into the EU with our larger products. Currently, we offer B2C with our smaller range via Royal Mail with the customer paying EU tax at landing. We don't currently ship our larger products as the prices can be astronomical. However we are getting an increasing demand for these from B2B customers that are likely to order in bulk. I have been looking into potential 3PL that can offer:

- VAT deferment
- Fiscal representation
- Pick, pack, and ship services for both B2C and B2B.
- Integration with e-commerce platform for real-time order processing.
- OSS services

We have found it challenging to even get responses from organisations we are contacting and those that do, can't handle the larger items. Any recommendations here are gratefully appreciated

 

[Smart Air UK]

Sadly I didn't get a reply but for anyone else in the same position, I tried the Department for Business & Trade (only one warehouse fit our needs and they didn't respond) and Invest in Wallonia. Out of the two, Invest in Wallonia emailed me a list of 8 warehouses that may be able to help. Only one responded but we are happy to go with them.

 

[apricot]

I dont work with them but when I was searching HUBOO gave me the best pricing couple years ago - give them a call and see what you get.

 

[Ritesh1973]

Does anyone have experience in appointing a 3rd party logistics company in the EU (thinking Belgium or Netherlands)?

We are looking to expand into the EU with our larger products. Currently, we offer B2C with our smaller range via Royal Mail with the customer paying EU tax at landing. We don't currently ship our larger products as the prices can be astronomical. However we are getting an increasing demand for these from B2B customers that are likely to order in bulk. I have been looking into potential 3PL that can offer:

- VAT deferment
- Fiscal representation
- Pick, pack, and ship services for both B2C and B2B.
- Integration with e-commerce platform for real-time order processing.
- OSS services

We have found it challenging to even get responses from organisations we are contacting and those that do, can't handle the larger items. Any recommendations here are gratefully appreciated

hi there, what kind of products are we talking about here? we are a UK Co with a branch in NL with full local registration in the EU to import/sell locally in the EU. maybe, we could help?

 

[Smart Air UK]

hi there, what kind of products are we talking about here? we are a UK Co with a branch in NL with full local registration in the EU to import/sell locally in the EU. maybe, we could help?

Thank you but we have now found a warehouse

 

[Smart Air UK]

Send me an email at [email protected]. we are international expansion partners of all goods and we assist with all of your above needs

Thank you but we have now found a warehouse

 

[Invergold]

Does anyone have experience in appointing a 3rd party logistics company in the EU (thinking Belgium or Netherlands)?

We are looking to expand into the EU with our larger products. Currently, we offer B2C with our smaller range via Royal Mail with the customer paying EU tax at landing. We don't currently ship our larger products as the prices can be astronomical. However we are getting an increasing demand for these from B2B customers that are likely to order in bulk. I have been looking into potential 3PL that can offer:

- VAT deferment
- Fiscal representation
- Pick, pack, and ship services for both B2C and B2B.
- Integration with e-commerce platform for real-time order processing.
- OSS services

We have found it challenging to even get responses from organisations we are contacting and those that do, can't handle the larger items. Any recommendations here are gratefully appreciated

Great question – and a challenging one. The Benelux region (Belgium/Netherlands) is absolutely the right place to look for EU expansion. Rotterdam and Antwerp are Europe's largest ports with excellent infrastructure .

On the VAT and fiscal side – there are some important changes coming. From 1 January 2026, UK businesses can no longer use limited fiscal representatives in France under Regime 42. For Belgium and the Netherlands, you can still appoint a general fiscal representative to obtain a local VAT number and benefit from VAT deferment (Article 23 in the Netherlands, ET 14000 in Belgium) .

*For 3PLs that handle larger items, look for providers with AEO status (Authorised Economic Operator) – this smoothes border crossings within the EU. The Benelux region has many such providers due to its world-class port infrastructure .*

*Specific 3PLs to consider: GXO operates in the Netherlands (30,000+ sq meters, handles big & bulky) , and KTL Benelux offers 3PL/4PL services from Rotterdam and Antwerp with customs clearance and transport across Europe .*

Also, VAT compliance is the defining challenge here. Storing inventory in any EU member state triggers VAT registration there. The One-Stop Shop (OSS) simplifies cross-border reporting but doesn't eliminate local obligations .

Hope this helps point you in the right direction. Good luck with the expansion.

 

[apricot]

Thank you but we have now found a warehouse

Can i ask who you work with now?

 

[Karol B]

Does anyone have experience in appointing a 3rd party logistics company in the EU (thinking Belgium or Netherlands)?

We are looking to expand into the EU with our larger products. Currently, we offer B2C with our smaller range via Royal Mail with the customer paying EU tax at landing. We don't currently ship our larger products as the prices can be astronomical. However we are getting an increasing demand for these from B2B customers that are likely to order in bulk. I have been looking into potential 3PL that can offer:

- VAT deferment
- Fiscal representation
- Pick, pack, and ship services for both B2C and B2B.
- Integration with e-commerce platform for real-time order processing.
- OSS services

We have found it challenging to even get responses from organisations we are contacting and those that do, can't handle the larger items. Any recommendations here are gratefully appreciated

Why not Poland?

 

[Newchodge]

Why not Poland?

Perhaps you could suggest why Poland would be a good fit for the OP's needs?

 

[Karol B]

Perhaps you could suggest why Poland would be a good fit for the OP's needs?

Fair point! Poland is often overlooked, but for larger, bulky products and B2B bulk shipping, it offers a few distinct advantages over traditional hubs like the Netherlands or Belgium:

• Cost-Efficiency for Large Items: Warehousing footprint and labor costs for handling, picking, and packing oversized or heavy goods are significantly more competitive in Poland. This keeps storage and fulfillment margins much healthier for bulk items.
• Strategic Logistics Infrastructure: Poland has become one of Europe’s primary logistics engines, featuring modern fulfillment hubs with direct, fast transport links right into Germany and the rest of the EU.
• Full Compliance Framework: Established Polish 3PLs routinely handle fiscal representation, VAT deferment, and OSS integration for non-EU businesses looking to clear customs efficiently upon entry.

The challenge the original post mentioned of struggling to get responses from overseas providers when dealing with non-standard or larger freight, is quite common. Logistics companies often prioritise standard, high-volume pallet shapes unless you have a local connection to open the door. Having a hands-on partner to handle the initial business verification and partner search can save weeks of unanswered emails.

If you decide to look into the Polish route and want some practical help sourcing or vetting reliable 3PL providers who genuinely have the capacity for larger items, feel free to take a look at pol-expo.com. We specialise in bridging that UK–Poland business gap and setting up these kinds of commercial connections directly.