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French Small Parcel Tax (TPC) – What UK B2B Exporters Need to Know
From 1 March 2026, France introduced a new charge on certain low-value imports called the Taxe sur les petits colis (TPC). If you’re a UK
4 March 2026
Please note: Situation accurate as of 2 March 2026 and subject to change.
Businesses moving goods internationally should be aware of significant disruption affecting both air and sea freight routes in the Middle East.
Airspace is currently closed in:
• Iran
• Iraq
• Kuwait
• Bahrain
• Qatar
This is impacting passenger and cargo flights, particularly across Europe–Middle East–Asia corridors.
We are seeing:
– Flight cancellations and rerouting
– Extended transit times
– Increased freight costs
– Short-notice schedule changes
Maritime traffic is also experiencing major disruption, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf. While no formal international legal closure has been declared, many operators are suspending or rerouting vessels due to elevated security risks.
Current status includes:
– Strait of Hormuz: Significant disruption, vessels holding offshore
– Jebel Ali: Operations suspended
– Fujairah & Khor Fakkan: Operating
– Duqm (Oman): Suspended
– Other Oman, Saudi and Suez Canal ports: Operating
– Qatar ports: Open but reduced traffic
You may experience:
– Extended transit times
– Rerouting
– Increased freight rates and surcharges
– Schedule volatility at short notice
This is an evolving situation and may change quickly.
If you have shipments moving through affected regions, now is the time to review upcoming consignments and maintain close communication with your freight forwarder or carrier.
At Exporter Services, we are monitoring developments closely and supporting clients with proactive updates where delays, routing changes or cost implications arise.
If you would like to discuss how this may affect your supply chain, please get in touch at team@exporter-services.co.uk
From 1 March 2026, France introduced a new charge on certain low-value imports called the Taxe sur les petits colis (TPC). If you’re a UK
Please note: Situation accurate as of 2 March 2026 and subject to change. Businesses moving goods internationally should be aware of significant disruption affecting both
