The Brief | Edition 8 | For Supply Chain Leaders

Every fortnight, we cut through the noise to bring you The Brief: bite-size updates across the supply chain, logistics, and transport. Quick to read, simple to act on, and designed to keep you moving while you’re on the go.

This week’s edition covers compliance shifts, market consolidation, and infrastructure changes shaping the months ahead:

Government Launches EES Awareness Campaign

The UK Government has launched a campaign to prepare travellers and operators for the EU’s upcoming Entry/Exit System (EES), set to go live on 12 October 2025. The system will require biometric registration (fingerprint and photo) for non-EU nationals, including UK citizens, on short stays. Registrations will last three years or until the passport expires, but the transition could create longer wait times at border crossings.

What this means for you:

Supply chain leaders should expect potential disruption at ports, tunnels, and Eurostar hubs, particularly during peak periods. Factoring additional time into cross-border journeys and reviewing driver training around the new processes will help minimise disruption. It’s also worth preparing proactive communications with customers and partners to manage expectations and reduce reputational risk if delays occur.

CMA Approves Evri Takeover of DHL eCommerce UK

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has approved Evri’s acquisition of DHL eCommerce UK, a merger that brings together two of the UK’s largest parcel carriers. The move is expected to reshape competition across e-commerce fulfilment, last-mile delivery pricing, and service coverage.

What this means for you:

For shippers and retailers, the merger could change pricing dynamics and service expectations in the parcel market. Reviewing contracts now, maintaining flexibility with alternative carriers, and monitoring how the combined network performs will help you stay competitive. For logistics and warehousing operators, this consolidation may also influence demand for subcontracted capacity and staffing in the peak season.

ICS2 Release 3 Fully Operational Across EU Road & Rail

From 1 September, the EU’s Import Control System 2 (ICS2) Release 3 became fully operational for road and rail (with limited temporary derogations in some Member States), alongside air and maritime. This means advance electronic data, such as Entry Summary Declarations, must be filed before shipments enter the EU, with limited derogations in some Member States.

What this means for you:

For businesses moving goods into the EU by road or rail, accurate and timely data submission is now essential. Checking that your data flows are accurate and your processes with carriers, brokers, and internal systems meet the new requirements will minimise the risk of fines or shipment delays. Building in buffer time and strengthening visibility over cross-border flows will help you navigate the early implementation period more confidently.

Maersk Europe Market Update: Key Trends Shaping Demand & Customs

In its September 2025 Europe Market Update, Maersk highlights steady demand in European air freight, ongoing ICS2 compliance pressures, and a reminder to book early ahead of China’s Golden Week. The report underlines how regulatory change and seasonal peaks are becoming decisive factors for both cost and reliability across Europe.

What this means for you:

This is a timely reminder that capacity and costs can shift quickly. If your supply chain touches EU borders or Asian trade lanes, planning earlier and building stronger visibility into customs workflows will help mitigate bottlenecks. For procurement and operations teams, this is a timely reminder to stress-test contingency plans, review lead times, and ensure customer commitments account for seasonal volatility.

Europe Ports' Power Shift After Carrier Reshuffle

Sea-Intelligence’s analysis of the 2025 carrier reshuffle shows that container capacity is being redistributed across European ports. Hamburg and Valencia are attracting greater vessel deployment, while others such as Antwerp and Tangier are seeing reductions. These changes reflect shifting strategies among carriers rather than port performance, but they are set to reshape the competitive landscape for European gateways over the months ahead.

What this means for you:

For supply chain managers, the redistribution of carrier capacity may influence service frequency, hinterland connectivity, and slot availability at key European ports. Reviewing how your flows align with these shifts could help identify where adjustments might be needed. Whether that’s diversifying gateway options, strengthening intermodal links, or renegotiating contracts tied to specific terminals. Keeping a close eye on carrier announcements and port performance over the coming months will be key to maintaining service reliability and cost efficiency.

Insights for Supply Chain Leaders

We’ll be back in two weeks with The Brief. Until then, feel free to share this with your team or reach out if there’s something you’d like us to cover next.

Till next time,

The MVP Talent Solutions Team

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