The OCS Export Academy – Breaking down the latest customs regulations

Cross-border eCommerce rules shift constantly, so every Monday the OCS Export Academy are breaking down exactly what UK retailers need to know from the previous week, to keep international shipments moving.

The EU’s IOSS is the Definitive Standard

The European Commission just reported a 17% year-on-year jump in IOSS and OSS collections, topping €38 billion in 2025. Over 193,000 businesses are now registered. If you export to the EU, IOSS is no longer an experimental regime – it is the established model. Ensure your systems can seamlessly reconcile customs declarations with your VAT records at the product level.

EU Product Identifiers (PID) Deadline Looms

Mandatory PID submission for distance-sale goods imported into the EU begins on 1 November 2026. With fewer than two months to go, merchant and manufacturer identifiers must be mapped at the product level. PIDs supplement your commodity codes; they do not replace them. If you haven’t finalised your data specifications, your IT and compliance teams must move into active testing as soon as possible.

US Customs Fee Increases

Revised CBP customs user fees take effect on 1 October 2026. We’re working with our US brokers this week to confirm the revised statutory fees and ensure your customer-facing landed-cost calculations are updated before the deadline.

Canada Reclassifies E-Cycle Batteries

If you ship e-bikes, electric scooters, or replacement lithium-ion batteries to Canada, tariff item 8507.60.20 has been amended. Check your advance tariff rulings to ensure your classifications remain valid. Remember, tariff classification does not bypass dangerous-goods packaging and carrier-acceptance rules.

Which upcoming regulatory deadline is currently requiring the most attention from your operations team?

Should you have any questions about your international eCommerce shipping and how the upcoming regulations will affect you, please speak to your dedicated OCS Account Manager.