Europa Road has confirmed that UK exporters have transitioned smoothly to its new Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) services following the abolishment of one-off tax representation in France for non-EU businesses which came into force on 1 January.
Leading provider of acoustic solutions, Allaway Acoustics, is a prime example of a UK-based business that would have been severely impacted by the new French legislative requirements. Allaway provides materials for data centres across the EU – with bespoke acoustic solutions to control noise emissions from power generation and cooling equipment. A third of Allaway’s business is with European markets, including large projects in Germany, Netherlands and France, so any delays could have a significant financial impact.
The new rules require UK exporters shipping goods into the EU (via France) under DDP terms to hold a French VAT number. Alternatively, the EU importer can appoint Europa to zero-rate the import VAT on their behalf.
At the end of 2025, confusion around these new French regulations was rife and threatened to undermine British exporters’ confidence in European trade. While the changes generated widespread concern in the run-up to their launch, Europa’s customers have continued trading with minimal disruption.
Faced with the challenges of these new French regulations, Europa offered early intervention to all its customers, including Allaway, and outlined the options available to ensure its EU customers didn’t face disruption or delays.
Drawing on its experience with 100 in-house customs specialists working across the EU and UK, Europa expanded its DDP Flow services to offer a choice between: ‘DDP Flow – Importer’s Signature’ and ‘DDP Flow – Own French VAT Number’. It’s early days, but to date the company reports equal numbers of its customers choosing each option, reflecting their differing operational and commercial needs.
Allaway considered both DDP Flow options and, with Europa’s support and guidance, opted for ‘DDP Flow – Own French VAT Number’. This option reduced the impact on Allaway’s customers and, with Europa’s support, the company was able to secure their French VAT number in time to send its first shipments in the New Year.
Sam Giles, Head of Logistics at Allaway Acoustics, commented: “The news of Regime 42 was widespread, which made it all feel daunting. However, Europa supported us every step of the way, clearly outlining the options available and how this would all affect our customers. On paper, the ‘DDP Flow - Importer’s Signature’ option seemed like the best solution for us, but with further advice we found the ‘DDP Flow - Own VAT Number’ would ensure ‘business as usual’ for our customers.
“Initially, I struggled to know our best option but with the hands-on approach the Europa team provided, it made our options clear and ensured I fully understood each process from start to finish. Europa supports our largest projects, which meant we really had to get this right. As we support fast paced and high-profile building projects in the EU with our bespoke acoustic solutions, timing is everything.”
Andrew Baxter, Chief Executive Officer at Europa said “Early on there was a great deal of confusion in the market including incorrect claims that British exporters would lose access to Regime 42. Our focus was to provide clarity and choice so customers could continue trading with confidence. Though some customers were more prepared that others, our branch teams across the county have worked hard to minimise any challenges they faced, ensuring we provide the fastest and best value for customers.”
“We’re pleased to be able to support major UK exporters, such as Allaway and help them navigate the best solution to keep goods flowing. The fact that exporters have adopted both solutions shows the importance of flexibility. What matters is that goods are continuing to move seamlessly across borders.”
Europa Road is the dedicated European road freight division of leading logistics provider, Europa Worldwide Group.
With more than half of its groupage exports moving under DDP incoterms Europa has firmly established itself as a market leader in European road logistics. As the largest customs broker in Calais, Europa controls both transport and clearance through its integrated customs and logistics infrastructure, rather than relying on third parties. As the first company to create a DDP solution for customers post-Brexit, it works closely with tax authorities in the UK and EU and now moves more than 100,000 DDP consignments each year.
The New Flow options in detail: ‘DDP Flow – Importer’s Signature’ is a simplified option in which the EU consignee signs a fiscal representation agreement, allowing Europa to act as indirect representative to exempt VAT. VAT remains zero-rated and all duties and fees remain the responsibility of the exporter, achieving the same market leading service customers experienced in 2025.
Alternatively, ‘DDP Flow – Own French VAT Number’ enables exporters to remain importer of record and mitigates the need for a signature from the importer, while Europa manages the administration for a French VAT number and associated reporting on its shipments free of charge.
