ViaEurope eases flow of cross-border parcels
European e-logistics technology start-up, ViaEurope has opened a new e-Hub in Liège (LGG/Belgium), dedicated to cross-border e-commerce.
This is ViaEurope’s second e-hub, the company also has one in Amsterdam Schiphol which disrupted the logistics industry using big data and the latest available technology for Customs clearance and parcel handling.
BJ Streefland, ViaEurope CEO explains: “Cross border e-commerce is growing rapidly, with millions of parcels entering the EU from China and the United States every day. To create, from this tsunami of parcels, a seamless cross border experience for the consumer, technology will be key. Operating smart e-Hubs will be even more crucial in the e-commerce logistics supply chain considering the up-coming EU regulation whereby the VAT thresholds (de minimis) will be removed and each B2C parcel will have to be Customs cleared.”
Cargo & Logistics Manager at Liege Airport, Bert Selis comments: “Liège Airport offers a great environment for an innovative company such as ViaEurope. Their decision to land here comes with the recognition that our airport is highly favourable to a fast-growing e-commerce sector.”
ViaEurope intends to create and maximise synergies between the two e-Hubs in order to ease the flow for both B2C and B2B2C parcels. “Liege plays a key role in this strategy. Just like AMS, LGG managed to create a very e-commerce friendly climate. With BeGate, similar to the VENUE in The Netherlands (which stands for simplified declaration e-commerce), B2C parcels can be pre-cleared in bulk ensuring flawless processing. Also, the favourable fiscal climate make of the two hubs a great entry point for parcels coming from China and the US,” explains Streefland.
Having two e-hubs at e-commerce friendly airports makes of ViaEurope a unique partner for any international e-commerce player looking for the perfect gateway to Europe. “Especially in a hard Brexit scenario where the UK will be out of the European Customs Union” underlines the CEO. “Trying to get e-commerce freight through our borders will then become a massive administrative nightmare for whoever is using London as a hub today,” he concludes.
