Smart Solutions Help Swiss Pack Navigate Post-Brexit Customs

As new French customs legislation looms, Europa Worldwide Group's innovative DDP Flow solutions are ensuring exporters such as leading packaging brand Swiss Pack can keep trade moving. From 1 January 2026, UK businesses exporting to the EU will face new regulations at the French border under Regime 42, (the post-Brexit customs process that enables goods destined for another EU country to be VAT exempt). The changes for exporters have triggered uncertainty for thousands of UK businesses, but Europa Worldwide Group has launched two new services that will simplify the process, ensuring trade with Europe can continue to thrive.

When the senior leadership team at Swiss Pack learned of regulatory changes set to come into effect in early 2026, they knew decisive action was needed. The leading global distributor of flexible packaging supplies international brands and relies heavily on smooth, reliable exports across Europe. The latest legislation represents a significant post-Brexit shift in border procedures.

From 1 January, UK exporters will face stricter requirements around Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) shipments, particularly for goods passing through France. French tax authorities have confirmed that exporters must now have either a French VAT number, or an EU-established entity must act as the importer of record. For Swiss Pack, whose shipments reach customers across Ireland, Benelux, France, Germany, Spain and Greece, the implications were significant with every consignment at risk of disruption.

The local sales branch for Swiss Pack is the Heathrow office of European road freight operator Europa Road, and they stepped in to tackle the issue. Europa, one of the UK's largest independent logistics operators, has worked with Swiss Pack for the past 18 months. Over the past two months, Europa worked closely with the customer to navigate the latest changes to trade rules.

Recognising the growing complexity of EU-UK commerce, Europa's in-house expert customs team presented a suite of tailored solutions designed to ensure business continuity. George Wrench, General Manager, Customs & Compliance at Europa Worldwide Group, said "As soon as we knew about the changes, we started looking at options to support exporters. Early on, our focus was supporting customers, like Swiss Pack, explaining the forthcoming changes and providing clarity, reassurance, and alternative options for exporters in the UK so that they can continue to navigate the complex trading environment."

The result was an extension of Europa Flow, the company's flagship DDP solution that originally launched to tackle Brexit challenges. Europa was the first logistics provider to deliver a DDP solution for road freight travelling from the UK to Europe. Europa Flow gave businesses, who were struggling under the bureaucracy around EU trade, a reliable route and leading transit times during a period of unprecedented uncertainty.

Europa Flow revolutionised UK-EU road freight by allowing exporters to sell goods DDP -- eliminating customs friction for EU buyers while maintaining control over logistics and compliance. Now, Europa has taken that innovation further with the launch of two new services DDP Flow - Importer's Signature and DDP Flow - Own French VAT Number. These integrate with both HMRC and French Customs, providing exporters with two simple alternatives to comply with the changes that come into force on 1st January 2026.

With over 100 in-house customs specialists operating across both the UK and EU, Europa has the scale and expertise to keep trade flowing. The latest in a long line of innovations to improve trade for its customers post-Brexit, Europa's services integrate seamlessly into HMRC and French Customs to ensure efficiency and control for businesses. Swiss Pack has grown into a recognised global packaging manufacturer with operations in five continents and production capabilities based in Asia.

The company provides both stock and bespoke flexible packaging, from stand-up pouches and coffee valve bags to shrink sleeves and custom labels for sectors ranging from food, beverage, healthcare, and retail. As a business exporting thousands of shipments across Europe, Swiss Pack's leadership knew early preparation was essential. Partnering with Europa allowed them not only to continue to use Regime 42 to exempt VAT charges, but also to position themselves for continued growth across the continent.

The collaboration between Swiss Pack and Europa encapsulates what's needed in today's global trading landscape: proactivity, collaboration, and a deep understanding of customs compliance. "We've engaged with Swiss Pack and hundreds of other customers to address their concerns," said Adrian Redmile, Branch Network and Sales Director at Europa. "Our expert customs professionals have been able to provide reassurance and identify the best-fit solutions for their needs."

For Swiss Pack, the partnership has delivered peace of mind ahead of a period of change. For Europa, it marks the latest evolution in its mission to simplify global trade for UK exporters. As January 2026 approaches, one thing is clear: with the right partners and forward-thinking logistics innovation, British businesses can continue to thrive in European markets -- no matter how complex the rules.

Europa Worldwide Group is one of the largest independent logistics operators in the UK and has a customs presence at key EU points of entry and exit, being the largest customs broker in Calais.

Europa controls both the transport and the clearance on behalf of its customers rather than relying on third-party support.

Transport & Logistics - Driving The Industry Forward