Europe fulfillment center
in the Netherlands

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a Europe fulfillment center?

  A Europe fulfillment center is a warehouse facility based within the European Union where businesses store inventory and fulfil orders for European customers. Rather than shipping every order internationally from the US, Asia or Australia (which is slow, expensive and increasingly complex due to EU customs requirements) businesses ship bulk inventory to a central Europe fulfillment center and distribute individual orders from there. Orders are picked, packed and shipped using local carriers, typically delivering within one to three days across most of Europe.

• Which country in Europe is best for a fulfillment center?

  The Netherlands is the most widely used location for a Europe fulfillment center among non-EU businesses. The combination of the Port of Rotterdam (Europe’s largest container port), Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Article 23 VAT deferment and central road access to Germany, France, Belgium and beyond makes it the most practical and cost-efficient base for international businesses entering the European market. Most major European markets are reachable within one to two working days from Dutch fulfillment locations.

• What should I look for in a European fulfillment center partner?

  The most important factors when choosing a European fulfillment center partner are location, technology, integration capabilities and compliance expertise. Look for a partner with strategic warehouse locations close to major transport hubs, a proven Warehouse Management System with real-time inventory visibility, direct integrations with your e-commerce platforms and ERP, and in-house customs and VAT expertise. For non-EU businesses, the ability to handle fiscal representation and Article 23 VAT deferment is a significant advantage. This removes the need for a local legal entity and simplifies EU entry considerably.

• What is the difference between a 3PL and a Europe fulfillment center?

   A third-party logistics provider (3PL) is a company that manages logistics operations on your behalf, including warehousing, fulfillment, freight and customs. A Europe fulfillment center is the physical facility where inventory is stored and orders are fulfilled. In practice, most businesses use both terms interchangeably. The distinction matters when evaluating providers: some fulfillment centers offer storage and shipping only, while full-service 3PLs like Seabourne cover the entire supply chain. From freight and customs on arrival to last-mile delivery across Europe.

• Why use EU fulfillment services instead of shipping direct?

  Shipping direct from outside the EU means every order goes through international customs, takes longer and costs more per shipment. EU fulfillment services let you import in bulk once, store locally and deliver at domestic speeds and rates. It also significantly improves the customer experience. No unexpected customs fees at delivery, faster shipping and simpler returns. For businesses shipping regular volume to European customers, EU fulfillment services are consistently more cost-effective and scalable than direct international shipping.

• What does a Europe fulfillment center cost?

  Costs vary depending on storage volume, order frequency, product type and the services required. Most Europe fulfillment center providers charge a combination of inbound handling fees, storage fees per pallet or m², pick and pack fees per order and outbound shipping costs. Additional services such as kitting, labelling, returns management and platform integrations may be charged separately. At Seabourne, we provide tailored quotes based on your specific operation. Contact our team for a no-obligation proposal.

• How do I get started with e-commerce fulfillment services in Europe?

  Setting up e-commerce fulfillment services in Europe typically involves four steps. First, you select a fulfillment partner and agree on the scope of services (storage, pick and pack, distribution and any value-added services). Second, your inventory is shipped in bulk to the Europe fulfillment center, where it is received, checked and stored. Third, your e-commerce platforms are integrated via API so orders flow automatically to the fulfillment center.

   

  Finally, you go live. Orders are processed, picked, packed and shipped from within the EU. For non-EU businesses, your fulfillment partner should also handle customs clearance and fiscal representation as part of the onboarding process.

• Can Seabourne handle both B2B and B2C fulfillment?

  Yes. Our Europe fulfillment center operations cover both B2B and B2C distribution. B2C fulfillment focuses on individual consumer orders. Fast, accurate picking, carrier selection based on delivery preference and automated tracking updates. B2B fulfillment handles larger orders to retail partners, distributors or business customers, often with specific labelling, packing and documentation requirements. Both are managed through the same integrated platform, giving you full visibility across all channels in real time.

• Do I need a legal entity in the Netherlands to use a Europe fulfillment center?

  No. Through fiscal representation, Seabourne acts as your VAT and customs representative in the Netherlands, allowing you to import and operate EU fulfillment services without establishing a Dutch company. Under Article 23 of Dutch tax regulations, import VAT is reported in your periodic VAT return rather than paid upfront at the border, improving cash flow and simplifying EU entry. This is the standard approach for non-EU businesses entering the European market.

• Does Seabourne integrate with our e-commerce platform?

  Yes. Our Manhattan WMS connects directly with Shopify, WooCommerce and other leading e-commerce platforms via API. Orders, inventory levels and tracking are synced in real time, with automated order processing and Power BI reporting dashboards giving you full visibility at all times. For businesses running their own ERP or OMS, custom API integrations are available to ensure a seamless connection between your systems and our Europe fulfillment center operations.