Cross-border parcel flows from Poland to the United Kingdom show that return rates remain operationally manageable, reaching an average of 2.8% across analysed shipments in 2025. The analysis is based on shipment and return data from 502 exporters, structured using HS (Harmonized System) codes assigned at customs clearance. This allows for detailed tracking of product flows, return frequency and category-level performance across the Poland–UK corridor. What are the biggest logistical challenges in the area of returns?
From a logistics perspective, the data indicates that cross-border shipping to the UK is no longer treated as an unstable or experimental route. Instead, it operates as a predictable flow with measurable return ratios and defined cost structures.
Shipment structure reflects diversified parcel flows
The structure of shipments is distributed across multiple product categories:
Home & Interior – 24.10%
Beauty – 15.14%
Garden – 12.52%
Supplements & Vitamins – 7.82%
Clothing – 5.85%
Toys & Sports – 5.54%
Footwear – 5.09%
The distribution shows that parcel flows are not concentrated in high-return segments such as fashion. A significant share comes from categories typically associated with lower reverse logistics pressure and more predictable fulfilment processes.
Returns are not a barrier to entering the UK market
“There is still a persistent myth surrounding sales to the UK, particularly in the fashion segment, that return risk is high. Our data shows something different. Even in clothing and footwear, we are not talking about levels that could destabilise a business. It is not a barrier to entry. It is a parameter of the category that should be built into the business model.” says Paweł Zakielarz, CEO of Global24 & Shopreturns.
“Even in clothing and footwear we are not seeing levels that could destabilise a business. Returns are not a barrier to entry, they are simply a parameter of the category that should be incorporated into the business model.”
Zakielarz notes that the perception of the UK market has evolved in recent years:
“After Brexit, many sellers paused expansion plans. Today we see a clear shift. Cross-border has become part of long-term international strategy rather than a test market. The relatively low return rate suggests that sellers increasingly understand both customs requirements and the expectations of British consumers.”
Marketplace ecosystems raise the bar
International expansion increasingly takes place within marketplace ecosystems, where return rates influence seller performance indicators. In such environments, returns are not only a logistics cost but also a factor affecting offer visibility and sales performance. Lower return levels may indicate better product-market alignment and more accurate product communication.
Industry observers note that cross-border expansion is no longer limited to large enterprises. Specialised brands in sectors such as home, beauty and supplements are increasingly building international presence through selected marketplaces.
What are the biggest logistical challenges in the area of returns?
Returns in cross-border logistics are among the most operationally complex processes in the entire supply chain. They require coordination of multiple elements simultaneously – from organising reverse transport and handling customs clearance, to managing costs and delivery times, as well as efficient processing of returned goods in warehouses. An additional challenge is the unpredictability of volumes and regulatory differences between markets, which can impact both the time and cost of return handling. As a result, effective reverse logistics management is no longer just an operational issue, but a key factor influencing the profitability of international sales.
In the traditional returns model, the process remains costly, time-consuming, and difficult to control. Returns are often handled via expensive international shipments paid for by the customer, without full tracking capabilities or real-time status verification. There is also a lack of effective quantity and quality control mechanisms, which complicates further inventory management. An additional challenge is the inability to meet the requirements of marketplaces such as Amazon, Zalando, or eBay, where return handling standards are becoming increasingly stringent. Moreover, each individual return generates high CO₂ emissions due to the need for international transportation.
“The Shopreturns model changes this perspective by shifting return handling to the local level. Returns are processed by local couriers, with full tracking and scanning within 24 hours, significantly reducing operational time. Thanks to local return centres, costs are lower and the process becomes more predictable. Each return can undergo quantity and quality control, supported by photo documentation, enabling faster decision-making and improved process control. The solution has been designed in line with the requirements of major marketplaces, facilitating international sales. At the same time, localising returns reduces the need for long-distance transport, resulting in a significant reduction in CO₂ emissions,” adds Zakielarz.
From a logistics industry perspective, the growing importance of returns management indicates a clear shift in the role of operators within the supply chain. Reverse logistics is no longer a supplementary service but is becoming an integral element of cross-border process design – on par with first-mile delivery. Companies that are able to optimise return handling at the local level gain not only a cost advantage, but also greater operational control and compliance with marketplace requirements. In practice, this means that the efficiency of returns logistics is increasingly determining the scalability of the entire international sales model.
