This new route enables publishers to produce high-quality print in the Netherlands while benefiting from domestic UK delivery prices and standards.

Following Brexit, distribution to the UK from the EU has become more complex with increased costs, longer delivery times, and reduced predictability.

Under this model, books and publications, produced on demand by Printforce in the Netherlands, are collected daily by Air Business and transported to the UK. Once there, they enter directly into Royal Mail’s network and will be treated as domestic mail, giving publishers reliable service levels and door-to-door delivery – typically within 72 hours.

The solution is supported by Air Business’s Consero platform, which manages shipping data, label generation and compliance requirements at source. By preparing items for UK delivery before they leave the EU, the process reduces manual intervention, minimises errors, and provides end-to-end visibility from production to delivery.

Phil Holland, Director of Global e-Commerce Account Management, Air Business comments: “Publishers need distribution routes that are predictable, scalable, and commercially viable post Brexit. By combining Printforce’s European Print-on-Demand capability with local UK tracked postal injection utilising competitive rates from Royal Mail, we’ve created a route that removes cross-border friction while maintaining delivery speed, cost control, and full visibility from production to doorstep.”

This approach offers a compelling commercial advantage. Publishers can opt for EU-based production, often more, cost-effective – without facing higher distribution costs or extended delivery times. Initial results from clients using this route include fewer delivery related enquiries and a reduction in “where is my order” requests.

The collaboration is also designed to scale. Books and publications are VAT exempt in the UK and Royal Mail is actively supporting EU-UK trade routes, making the model commercially attractive for publishers with growing UK readerships.

Thom Ringsma Managing Director, Printforce comments: “This partnership gives publishers greater flexibility in how they produce and distribute print for the UK market. They can continue to benefit from high-quality, efficient production in Europe while accessing domestic UK delivery standards. It’s a practical solution to a challenge many publishers are still navigating.”

Fran Davies, Commercial Import Manager, Royal Mail added: “This partnership shows what’s possible when the right partners come together. By injecting EU-produced items directly into Royal Mail’s trusted network, publishers benefit from fast and reliable delivery. It’s a smart, scalable model that supports growing trade between the EU and the UK.”