In 2024, the European eCommerce market generated an estimated $529.8 billion USD in revenue. With a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.9%, it is expected to climb to $811.8 billion USD by 2029.
European eCommerce is, without doubt, big business. More than three quarters of all internet users in Europe ordered goods or services online. What's more, the number of online shoppers has grown by more than 17% over the last ten years.
With local markets stagnating and expansion over the borders attractive, running an online store in Europe sounds like a very attractive proposition.
Together 2025, European eCommerce shipping is a growing business as well. In 2025, cross-border EU shipping matters more than ever. In fact, there's no shortage of reasons to care about shipping across the EU, if you run an online store.
The rise of eCommerce across Europe (and the world) has brought about many benefits for businesses, consumers, and the global economy. If you want to be part of this game
EU regulations make doing European-wide business easier, that's for sure. And yet, there are some challenges you might have to overcome. Here are some of the essential ones:
Cross-border shipping in Europe often comes with complexities like differing customs processes, languages, and tax regulations. These variations can lead to delays and higher operational costs, making it challenging for businesses to maintain efficiency and customer satisfaction. Additionally, navigating these differences requires careful planning and expertise to ensure compliance with local rules.
We have a guide you can use to learn more about cross-border eCommerce in the EU, and there is also a PDF you can download if you want to learn more about the broader spectrum of eCommerce challenges European businesses have to handle.
Consumer expectations have grown over the last few years. Not only do people want to shop online (fact proven by the growh of the eCommerce industry as a whole), but they want it:
This is a big challenge.
As eCommerce continues to expand, consumer expectations are constantly evolving. A seamless, ultra-efficient shopping experience, from start to finish, is no longer reserved for luxury brands, but an expectation most consumers have.
Customer experience makes a world of difference. To meet these high expectations, businesses need to prioritize not only their online presence but also their logistics and customer service capabilities. This includes investing in reliable shipping methods and transparent tracking systems, as well as providing top-notch customer support for any inquiries or issues that may arise.
Proof? 21% of consumers value efficient shipping & delivery more than anything else when shopping online. Just to understand how big this is, think of the fact that the same study shows 29% of shoppers value pricing first, and product selection ranks second in the same top (on the same spot as shipping).
Growing your business in Europe can come with very attractive opportuntiies for revenue for your business, there's no doubt about that.
However, with great expansion comes great...cost management too. It's important to carefully plan and monitor your costs in order to maintain profitability.
Here are some tips for reducing costs:
Moving products across the border within the EU is definitely easier than what it used to be. And while European regulation does provide plenty of enablement when it comes to intra-community trade, there are still a few things to keep in mind when it comes to dealing with customs and documentation. Some essentials include:
Growing concerns for the impact of everday life on the environment has led to an increase in customer expectations too. This can include stricter rules on packaging materials, emissions control for transportation vehicles, and even limitations on certain types of products that may harm the environment.
The (somewhat) good news?
Consumers are likely to want to pay, on average, 9.7% more for sustainably produced or sourced goods. And the preference for online stores that do sustainable deliveries is on the rise, as we have shown in our guide on sustainable eCommerce as well.
The European Union has established regulations governing eCommerce shipping within its member countries. These regulations aim to ensure fair and transparent pricing, protect consumer rights, and promote sustainability in the eCommerce industry.
EU rules require online sellers to offer a delivery timeframe no longer than 30 days after purchase unless otherwise agreed, and sellers are responsible for meeting this deadline. Sellers are also responsible for any losses or damages to goods before they physically reach the customer, and must clearly inform customers about delivery conditions, including return procedures and costs, before the order is placed.
Under EU law, the seller is liable for any damage or loss of goods that occurs before the items are delivered to the customer. If goods arrive damaged, the seller must address customer complaints and work with the delivery operator to find a satisfactory solution.
EU legislation requires sellers to inform customers about return procedures and costs before purchase; if this information is not provided, the seller must bear the cost of returns. Return options should be user-friendly, such as providing return labels, parcel pick-up, or drop-off points, and sellers must comply with relevant product-specific return requirements.
If a parcel is lost during transit, it is the seller's responsibility to ensure the consumer receives a full refund. Under EU consumer laws, the seller is accountable for the goods until they are delivered to the customer. This means that the consumer should not bear the burden of the loss and is entitled to their money back if the package cannot be located or delivered.
Consumers are also entitled to compensation if the seller fails to meet a binding delivery date, such as one explicitly stated as a specific date ("by October 15th") rather than a general timeframe ("3-5 working days").
Furthermore, if the promised delivery date is missed, consumers can seek remedies, including a refund or compensation, based on the inconvenience caused. However, this entitlement only applies to situations where the delivery date was clearly agreed upon and documented at the time of purchase.
The EU provides tools to help businesses and consumers compare cross-border parcel delivery services and prices, aiming to increase transparency and competition. Companies can choose from various operators—including national postal services, global integrators, couriers, and parcel brokers—to find the most suitable and cost-effective delivery solution for cross-border shipments.
If you are looking for European shipping options, the good news is you have options, in every category. Navigating them might feel daunting at first, but the key is focusing on your business goals and specific needs.
Here are some of the main types of European shipping solutions you should know about:
Carrier partnerships involve collaborating directly with well-established shipping companies to handle your deliveries. These carriers often provide reliable and efficient services, along with tracking tools to ensure transparency throughout the entire shipping process. By building a relationship with a carrier, your business can often negotiate better rates and tailor shipping solutions to fit their specific requirements.
However, relying only on carrier partnerships may not always be the best approach for every business. Consider diversifying your shipping options by utilizing third-party logistics providers (3PLs). These companies specialize in managing the logistics process and can often offer competitive rates and additional services such as warehousing, inventory management, and order fulfillment.
To choose the right carriers to work with, consider the following points:
Choosing the right shipping carrier is critical for ensuring smooth and efficient operations in international shipping. By evaluating factors such as your shipping volume, target destinations, and budget, you can identify carriers that align with your business needs. Features like real-time tracking and reliable customer support should also play a key role in your decision-making process.
Once you've selected suitable carriers, integrating them into a multi-carrier shipping platform can help streamline your logistics. These platforms provide a centralized solution for managing multiple carriers, optimizing costs, and improving delivery efficiency. (potentially by using an eCommerce delivery management platform). The key is to choose the right platform for your business operations and goals.
Here are some criteria to consider
Third-party logistics (3PL) providers play a crucial role in helping businesses manage their supply chain operations efficiently. These providers offer services such as warehousing, inventory management, and order fulfillment, allowing businesses to focus on their core activities while ensuring smooth delivery processes. Partnering with a reliable 3PL can significantly enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs associated with logistics.
Here are key factors to consider when choosing a 3PL provider:
Cross-border shipping software simplifies international logistics by automating key processes such as customs documentation, duties calculation, and tracking shipments. This software ensures compliance with varying regulations across countries, reducing the risk of delays and errors that can disrupt global operations. By integrating with other systems like inventory management and order processing, businesses can streamline their entire supply chain.
For companies engaging in international shipping, adopting the right software can be a game-changer. It not only enhances operational efficiency but also improves customer satisfaction by enabling faster and more transparent deliveries. However, selecting the ideal cross-border shipping solution requires careful consideration.
Here's what to keep in mind when selecting your cross-border shipping software
Last-mile delivery software focuses on optimizing the final stage of the supply chain, where goods are transported from a hub to the customer's doorstep. This stage plays a pivotal role in customer satisfaction and can significantly impact a company's reputation and efficiency. Leveraging advanced tools like route and delivery optimization, real-time tracking, and delivery notifications ensures faster, more reliable deliveries.
Choosing the right last-mile delivery software requires businesses to evaluate their unique needs and the scalability of the solution. A well-implemented system not only drives operational efficiency but also creates a seamless delivery experience that meets customer expectations.
To help you choose the best last-mile delivery software, consider the following tips:
Sustainable delivery options are key for businesses looking to reduce their environmental impact. Practices like using electric vehicles, optimizing routes, and consolidating orders help lower carbon emissions.
You should definitely ask your last-mile delivery service provider if they can make things more eco-friendly. These efforts not only support a healthier planet but also attract eco-conscious customers (which, as mentioned before, are a growing segment).
Efficient returns management tools are essential for streamlining the reverse logistics process. These tools often include features like tracking, automated communication, and data analytics to provide insights into return patterns.
Returns management tools help businesses handle refunds, exchanges, and restocking in a way that is both customer-friendly and cost-effective. By simplifying these processes, companies can improve customer satisfaction while reducing operational inefficiencies.
Consider the following tips when selecting the ideal solution for your business:
European eCommerce is booming -- and European eCommerce shipping is an integral part of this growth. If you want to sell products across the EU, you're in a prime position: cross-border eCommerce, albeit still challenging in parts, is more than doable. However, you should definitely make sure your shipping game is on point.
Because if there's anything keeping Europeans buying from online shops within the community, is the fear of delivery being:
If you can crack the code on building a successful eCommerce delivery strategy, cross-border, within the EU, and making customers feel secure about the aforementioned fears, you have won the race.
Postis can help you provide cross-country shoppers with transparency, reliability, and affordability for their delivery needs. Our platform offers:
…And more. So much more (contact us to learn about it!)
