AliExpress is stepping up its game in Europe by launching Local+, a fulfillment solution that brings faster shipping, seamless returns, and lower barriers for sellers. Here’s everything you need to know about this move—and why it matters.
🏬 What Is Local+?
- New fulfillment network: AliExpress has acquired 10 warehouses across Germany, Spain, and the UK to support Local+.
- Certified partners: The company has also partnered with 11 certified warehouse providers across key markets like Spain, France, Germany, Poland, and even the U.S.
- Faster deliveries: Orders from Local+ sellers are expected to arrive in as little as 3 to 7 days, with 3-day delivery already live in Germany.
- Local+ badge: Products using the service are marked with a badge, helping customers instantly spot locally fulfilled, faster-shipping items.
📈 Why Now? Competitive & Regulatory Forces at Play
- Following the competition: Temu, Shein, and Amazon have already rolled out European warehouse networks, significantly reducing delivery times.
- Adapting to regulatory changes:
- The EU will eliminate the duty-free import threshold by 2028.
- A proposed €2 import levy per parcel from outside the EU is also on the table.
- Market expansion goals: AliExpress recently opened its platform to local sellers in Germany and Poland, offering onboarding support and marketing exposure.
🚀 Seller & Shopper Advantages
For Sellers:
- Simplified logistics: AliExpress handles storage, shipping, and returns.
- Boosted conversion rates: The Local+ badge and faster delivery times increase buyer trust and reduce cart abandonment.
- Support for expansion: Especially valuable for small and mid-sized European sellers who want to scale without managing their own logistics infrastructure.
For Shoppers:
- Faster delivery: Items arrive in 3–7 days instead of weeks.
- No surprise fees: Local fulfillment means no unexpected customs duties or delays.
- Easier returns: Returns are handled locally, making the process faster and more reliable.
🔧 How It Compares with Rivals
- Temu & Shein: Both began shifting to local fulfillment in late 2024. Temu now covers most of Europe with its logistics, while Shein is growing its warehousing network cautiously.
- Local players like Allegro: Even European marketplaces are responding, removing listings with long delivery times to keep pace with evolving shopper expectations.
- Warehouse demand: As e-commerce surges, brands and platforms are scrambling to secure fulfillment space across the EU to maintain competitiveness.
🔮 What’s Next for Local+?
More EU Fulfillment: From Option to Necessity
As Europe tightens its tax and import regulations, fulfillment within the EU is no longer just a competitive advantage—it’s becoming a necessity for e-commerce platforms targeting European customers.
🚫 End of Duty-Free Imports
Until recently, goods under €22 imported into the EU were exempt from VAT. But by 2028, this exemption will be gone. All imports, regardless of value, will be taxed—raising costs for cross-border orders.
💰 Additional Import Charges
The European Commission is proposing a flat €2 import levy on every parcel coming from outside the EU. This charge would apply on top of VAT and customs clearance, making non-EU shipments more expensive and less predictable.
⚖️ Sellers Face a Crossroads
Retailers who continue relying on cross-border logistics may suffer from:
- Longer delivery times
- Higher costs passed on to customers
- Negative customer experiences due to customs delays and fees
AliExpress’s Local+ counters all of this by keeping goods inside the EU, enabling:
- Smooth, VAT-compliant sales
- Faster last-mile shipping
- Clear pricing and faster returns
Fulfillment is now a compliance strategy as much as a convenience. Brands that fail to adapt may find themselves outpaced by platforms that already have.
📝 Final Takeaways
AliExpress’s Local+ is more than a logistics upgrade—it’s a signal that the future of e-commerce in Europe is local.
By aligning with regulatory changes, meeting delivery expectations, and offering strong support for sellers, AliExpress is creating a compelling alternative to Amazon and Shein.
For sellers, it’s a chance to expand without logistics headaches.
For shoppers, it’s better service, faster delivery, and fewer surprises.
