DDP despite Brexit: How CCS-Express pioneered excellent IOR solutions for smooth EU imports
Initial situation
After Brexit, numerous international companies faced a serious logistical problem: a significant portion of the flow of goods into the EU had previously been handled via the United Kingdom. However, with the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union, the UK officially became a non-EU country. This change had a profound impact on cross-border goods traffic – especially for deliveries under DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) conditions.
Challenge
International traders, especially those from Asia and North America, used the United Kingdom as a central import hub for the European domestic market. The previously uncomplicated redistribution within the EU was made much more difficult by new customs requirements. Those who wanted to continue delivering under DDP terms now had to designate an Importer of Record (IOR) within the EU – a legally and customs-responsible entity that handles all import formalities.
Without such an IOR, legally compliant customs clearance was no longer guaranteed, which could lead to delivery delays, returns, or even tax violations. The requirements – from correct customs declaration and determination of customs value to complete documentation – presented an almost insurmountable challenge for many companies.
Solution by CCS-Express
CCS-Express GmbH, based in Munich, established itself during this phase as the leading solution provider for indirect representation for EU imports. As one of the few – and ultimately the only – service providers able to establish a fully functional system for legally compliant DDP imports into the EU, CCS-Express enabled international companies to continue their cross-border supply chains to Europe.
The complete service package from CCS-Express included:
Provision of a legally compliant Importer of Record (IOR)
Customs declaration and processing in accordance with EU regulations
Assumption of all import duties
Documentation in accordance with the requirements of the customs authorities
Development of a system for the correct determination of the customs value based on sales prices – including currency conversion, deduction calculations, and data-based plausibility checks
Result
The method developed by CCS-Express for determining customs value based on actual sales data was classified as “exemplary” by the responsible German customs authority and has since been considered the benchmark for similar constellations in the e-commerce environment.
Thanks to their collaboration with CCS-Express, numerous international retailers have been able to secure and expand their supply chains and continue to successfully deliver to the EU market despite stricter regulatory conditions – with scalable, legally compliant, and efficient DDP solutions.
Maxi Ebert, Managing Director of CCS-Express GmbH, also shares:
“What mattered most to us after Brexit was that we could provide a real solution to a problem that many businesses simply couldn’t solve on their own. The real breakthrough was that we were able to support many new clients who suddenly faced a big challenge and needed a trustworthy partner in the EU. Because we had a working solution in place, these companies could keep their business alive and moving forward. That was the most rewarding part: turning a complex challenge into something simple and possible, and in doing so, giving people the confidence to carry on their business in the EU.”
Additional logistics services
In addition to specialised IOR/EOR solutions, CCS-Express offers other high-quality logistics services:
• White Glove Services: Premium handling for particularly sensitive, high-value, or complex products – including individual delivery, packaging, and personal handover to the end customer. Ideal for luxury products, electronics, or medical devices.
• E-commerce fulfilment: Comprehensive fulfilment services for online retailers – from warehousing and pick & pack to shipping management. CCS-Express also supports complex multi-channel strategies and offers Europe-wide shipping solutions from a single source.
Conclusion
The Brexit-related shift in trade flows confronted many online retailers with existential challenges. CCS-Express demonstrated innovation, speed, and a deep understanding of the EU customs system during this phase. The company not only set new standards in the area of indirect representation, but also enabled international sellers to access the European single market under DDP conditions – quickly, securely, and in compliance with the law. Complemented by specialised white glove services and scalable e-commerce fulfillment, CCS-Express is now a full-service partner for global online retailers who want to successfully serve the European market.
About CCS-Express:
CCS-Express GmbH is a specialised full-service logistics service provider focusing on tailor-made solutions in the areas of IOR/EOR, customs clearance, time-critical transport by land, air, and sea, fulfilment, and white-glove delivery. Headquartered in Munich and with locations at the most important German transport hubs, CCS-Express has been serving national and international customers from a wide range of industries for more than 35 years.
