Post-Brexit Trade Enters a New Phase
Following the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union, international trade between the British market and EU countries underwent major changes. One of the clearest examples is the logistics connection between Italy and the United Kingdom, which is now gradually adapting to new economic realities.
According to a study by 360Pay based on an analysis of five thousand corporate clients, the post-Brexit trade model can no longer operate according to the old principles of the single European market. Customs digitalization, integration of logistics processes, and accuracy in documentation management have now become key priorities.
While cargo movement between the United Kingdom and EU countries previously took place almost entirely without internal customs barriers, international transportation today requires a much higher level of coordination and preparation.
Customs Procedures Have Become the Main Challenge
One of the most serious problems for businesses after Brexit has been customs formalities. According to expert estimates, around 150,000 British companies encountered the need for full customs documentation procedures for the first time.
For logistics operators, freight forwarders, and transportation companies, this meant not only the introduction of new administrative requirements but also reduced predictability in supply chains. The initial transition period proved especially difficult, as market participants had to rebuild international trade processes from the ground up.
Early forecasts suggested that Brexit would result in approximately 200 million additional customs declarations both in the United Kingdom and across the European Union. In reality, the figures turned out to be lower than expected: the UK currently processes around 40 million new customs declarations related to trade with the EU, while the number of active operators stands at roughly four thousand companies.
However, even the reduced volume of documentation has not eliminated the structural problem. Trade between Italy and the United Kingdom has become far more dependent on document accuracy, approval timelines, and the proper handling of customs procedures.
The United Kingdom Continues to Tighten Controls
The post-Brexit transition period still cannot be considered fully complete. The United Kingdom continues to gradually introduce new procedures and control mechanisms while attempting to minimize negative impacts on trade and logistics.
According to 360Pay analysts, further strengthening of customs inspections, expanded formalities, and additional control procedures are expected in the coming months. This will particularly affect companies dealing with goods requiring sanitary certification, temperature-controlled transportation, or veterinary inspections.
Despite these challenges, Italy continues to play an important role in the British market. The country remains the United Kingdom’s eighth-largest import partner and one of the leading export destinations for British businesses.
After the initial decline in trade volumes that affected many European countries following Brexit, shipments between Italy and the United Kingdom have once again begun demonstrating stable growth. Demand remains especially strong for Italian food products and consumer goods.
Logistics Has Adapted to the New Conditions
During the early stages following Brexit, many European carriers reduced the number of routes to the United Kingdom, prioritizing transportation within the European Union instead. The primary reasons were unpredictable border crossing times and increased administrative burdens.
Over time, however, the market began adapting to the new environment. Companies started actively developing intermodal transportation solutions and increasingly using unaccompanied trailers, helping reduce costs and minimize the risks associated with border delays.
Experts note that a significant portion of the initial difficulties stemmed not only from Brexit regulations themselves but also from the lack of experience with customs procedures. For decades, trade between the United Kingdom and the European Union had not required full customs clearance, forcing operators to relearn long-forgotten international trade mechanisms.
For smaller and less structured companies, the transition proved especially painful. Documentation errors, insufficient staff qualifications, and lack of operational experience led to supply disruptions and increased operating costs.
Cargo Consolidation Is Reshaping Supply Chains
One of the most noticeable post-Brexit changes has been the increase in the average size of groupage shipments. Before the United Kingdom left the EU, the average weight of a consolidated shipment from Italy was approximately 700 kilograms, whereas today it often reaches three tonnes.
This shift is largely linked to businesses attempting to offset rising administrative expenses. Many customs charges and brokerage fees are calculated per shipment rather than by cargo volume. As a result, companies benefit from consolidating larger quantities of goods into fewer shipments.
However, larger shipment sizes significantly impact supply chain organization. Less frequent but larger deliveries require more accurate inventory planning, closer coordination between warehouses, carriers, and recipients, as well as stricter control over documentation preparation timelines.
Under current conditions, even minor errors in declarations or certificates can result in delays, financial losses, and disruptions to delivery schedules.
The Food Industry Faces the Greatest Challenges
The new regulations have had an especially strong impact on food and beverage manufacturers. Products of animal origin are subject to additional veterinary and sanitary inspections, significantly complicating export operations.
For certain product categories, including cheeses and dairy products, requirements related to certificates, sanitary declarations, and veterinary documentation have changed. This directly affects transportation costs and overall business profitability.
The situation is further complicated by the nature of perishable goods. During the transportation of fresh and frozen products, even minor border delays can disrupt the cold chain, lead to financial losses, and negatively affect product quality.
For this reason, customs clearance can no longer be viewed separately from logistics operations. It has become a fully integrated part of shipment planning, route selection, delivery scheduling, and warehouse inventory management.
The Future of Trade Depends on Digitalization
According to 360Pay analysts, the future competitiveness of trade relations between Italy and the United Kingdom will largely depend on the level of digitalization and integration within logistics operations.
Companies are increasingly investing in automated document management systems, digital customs clearance platforms, and international transportation management solutions. The primary goal is to make customs procedures as predictable and seamlessly integrated into the supply chain as possible.
Experts believe that in the coming years, the ability to quickly adapt to new regulations, reduce administrative risks, and efficiently manage international logistics will become a key competitive advantage for both European and British operators.
