CCL highlights the importance of dependable cross-border logistics to meet this year’s Christmas trading rush
According to the Office for National Statistics, UK online spending values for December 2025 rose by 11.1% compared to December 2024, with the proportion of total retail sales made online increasing to 28.3%.
With online Christmas shopping figures on an upwards trend, eCommerce businesses are preparing for another bumper year for 2026.
As suggested by the global logistics and customs brokerage provider, Customs Clearance Limited (CCL), international eCommerce businesses looking to make the most of this bumper Christmas will require additional logistics preparation.
“The busiest sales period of the year is fast approaching and international businesses looking to sell products online to UK and EU customers need to get ready. They will not only need to organise their stock, but also their cross-border logistics, ensuring arrangements for freight forwarding, customs compliance and last-mile delivery are in place” says Stuart Campey, CEO at CCL.
When exporting products to the UK and EU, eCommerce businesses need to decide their freight forwarding strategy, choosing between the different delivery methods: sea, air, road or rail.
The seller will also need to complete all the relevant customs procedures. Failing to provide the correct customs documentation or pay the relevant duties and taxes can result in delays, additional costs and a poor customer experience.
Once goods have cleared customs, businesses also need reliable last-mile logistics in place to ensure packages are delivered to customers on time.
These processes can face additional pressure in the lead-up to Christmas, with reduced availability across air and maritime services, increased freight rates, greater congestion at ports and warehouses and potentially longer transit times.
CCL highlights the importance of a dependable supply chain to navigate these challenges and gain a competitive edge.
“An efficient and streamlined cross-border logistics strategy is essential during the Christmas trading period. When a shopper browses your eCommerce site, it’s not only a sales opportunity, but also an opportunity to demonstrate your customer service. Having logistics in place that ensures their gifts are delivered quickly, reliably and at a competitive cost can make a real difference to the customer experience – especially for those last-minute shoppers!” adds Stuart.
Since 1999, CCL have provided a comprehensive solution for eCommerce retailers and delivery providers seeking to simplify and expedite their shipments into and out of the UK and Eurozones.
With integrated services, global connections and a strategically located ETSF (External Temporary Storage Facility) warehouse, CCL can provide bespoke logistics solutions for businesses transporting goods around the world.
“It’s not too late to improve your supply chain - by partnering with trusted customs compliance and logistics providers, eCommerce businesses can make the most of the Christmas sales season – making sure products are exported just in time for the festivities” concludes Stuart.
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