We’re pleased to welcome you to the new AICES website. This refreshed platform has been designed to better reflect the role of AICES as the voice of the UK’s international and domestic express parcel sector. It provides a clearer, more accessible space to share our work, support our members, and engage with stakeholders across government, industry, and the wider express logistics community. You’ll find updated information on our policy activity, publications, and industry ins

Dear Members, This year has been an interesting one with so many developments across the Express Parcel sector, but it is now coming to a close, and we wanted to say a quick thank you for being part of this journey. Should you need any urgent assistance during this time, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the team at either samuel.harris@aices.org (Aviation, Roads, Sustainability) OR robert.pryce@aices.org (Customs, Borders, Low Value). We look forward to getting b

The EU Council has announced a fixed customs duty rate of 3 euros for low-value parcels to be introduced as a temporary measure from July 2026. This measure is distinct from the handling fee, which Member States such as France are also considering introducing from January 2026.

View the Full Breakdown via the PDF below: AICES has reviewed this week's Budget 2025, and there are several important developments for the UK express sector. AICES understands the UK Government’s decision to respond to global trends and end the duty de minimis for low value parcels by March 2029. We welcome the Government’s decision to prioritise minimising administrative costs and maintaining flows across the border of these significant low value imports for UK businesses a

AICES, Chief Executive Officer, Amanda Francis, said; "AICES members understand the UK Government’s decision to respond to global trends and end the duty de minimis for low value parcels by March 2029.  We welcome the Government’s decision to prioritise minimising administrative costs and maintaining flows across the border of these significant low value imports for UK businesses and consumers.  In particular, AICES supports the decision to collect any duties and any potentia

AICES' Amanda   and Rob Pryce visited DX Belfast International Operations, meeting with General Manager Paul Hoy, along with Neil Parsons and Gareth Chapman. The visit to Northern Ireland focused on discussing parcel movements with HMRC and key business organisations.

AICES was pleased to join fellow members of the Alliance of Logistics Trade Associations (ALTA) at a recent meeting in London. The coalition discussed shared priorities for the UK freight and logistics sector, including skills, trade and borders, infrastructure, and sustainability. Read the full press release here: https://bifa.org/2025/09/15/industry-leaders-address-major-challenges-facing-the-uk-freight-and-logistics-sector/

The Government’s Depot Charging Scheme is open for applications, providing up to 75% of the costs of installing charging infrastructure for electric HGVs, vans and coaches. Applications close on 28 November 2025 (or sooner if funding is exhausted). Eligible applicants include public and private fleets, local authorities, and non-profits. Funding is capped at £1m per organisation across all sites, with works to be completed by 31 March 2026. AICES members planning to electrify

The Rt Hon Lord Murphy of Torfaen has presented his independent review of the Windsor Framework to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. AICES contributed evidence to the review, and we welcome the following key findings: The need for clearer guidance to reduce confusion, particularly for SMEs. Recognition of the increased administrative burden on smaller businesses. Calls for improvements to the Duty Reimbursement Scheme, which is causing serious cash-flow challenges.

AICES was pleased to join Lilian Greenwood MP, the Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom Minister for Future of Roads, at DPD UK’s SuperHub 4 & International Gateway in Hinckley. The visit underlined the scale, speed, and sophistication of #express operations and the vital role the express sector plays in UK #trade and connectivity. We welcomed the chance to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing our sector with the Minister, from customs & borders to the on

A major release of CDS will take place on 14 June with a wide range of declaration validation changes and fixes taking place. See the HMRC trader guidance below for technical details. Release 4.8.0 Guidance for traders 250523 HMRC has advised of a planned outage of CDS from 2130 on 14 June until 0600 on 15 June to make these changes. On 28 June the  CDS Automatic Licence Verification Service (ALVS) for Northern Ireland declarations will move to CERTEX. This will impact declar

Great to see our AICES membership and HM Revenue & Customs coming together on Monday for an important discussion on the importance of de minimis and BIRDs for facilitating quick and efficient international trade at the UK border. Benefitting the UK Express sector and the millions of consumers and businesses it supports every year. A massive thank you to all who contributed their valuable insights and expertise.

Using an express carrier, including an explainer about door-to-door services and the information required to start ecommerce exports.   What is an express operator? An express operator offers time definite delivery services for both domestic and international shipments of goods. Most offer time and day definite global delivery services such as same day, next day and international 2–5-day services as well as economy and bulk shipping options. Many express operators specialise

The UK Government has confirmed a new agreement with the European Union covering a broad range of sectors, from trade and climate policy to justice cooperation and youth mobility. Concluded on 19 May 2025, the agreement follows six months of negotiations and builds on the Withdrawal Agreement and the Trade and Cooperation Agreement. Key provisions include a new Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement that will significantly reduce the need for certification and checks on a

We were pleased to have our CEO, Amanda Francis, speak on the panel at yesterday’s #AFS25 conference, highlighting some of the most pressing issues facing the UK air cargo sector. Amanda Francis spoke about the importance of a clear and coordinated strategy for air freight, one that recognises the value of night flights, addresses infrastructure and tackles key issues for the sector including the need for removal of TDR, a supportive regulatory environment, and a strategic a

Great to see our AICES SME members and UK Border Force coming together last month for an important discussion on enhancing the movement of legitimate goods while tackling illicit trade. This vital conversation focused on: Strengthening compliance to support seamless trade Improving customs processes for greater efficiency Ensuring a secure and resilient supply chain for all A big thank you to everyone who contributed their insights and expertise; collaboration like this is ke

In early 2021, Airlines UK, working with a number of industry partners including AICES, commissioned York Aviation to undertake an assessment of the economic impact of night flying in the UK. The primary purpose of this report is to update, refresh and extend previous research undertaken in this area to provide a strong evidence base as to the economic benefits associated with night flying that will assist policy makers and other stakeholders in making informed  judgements a