The service will launch across Germany, France, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom from 20 August 2026. The move expands Amazon’s logistics offering and gives sellers an alternative to sending all inventory directly to FBA fulfilment centres.

Bulk storage and automated replenishment

Under AWD, sellers can hold larger quantities of inventory in Amazon’s distribution network for extended periods. Instead of maintaining all stock at FBA fulfilment centres, inventory can be stored upstream and replenished automatically as demand requires.

This model is designed to help sellers manage inventory more efficiently, particularly when dealing with seasonal demand, changing sales volumes or limitations on FBA storage capacity.

Amazon says AWD provides flat-rate, long-term bulk storage and automated replenishment to FBA fulfilment centres across Europe.

The expansion could be particularly relevant for brands operating across multiple European marketplaces. By consolidating inventory within Amazon’s logistics network, sellers can reduce the need to continuously move smaller shipments into individual fulfilment centres.

Strengthening Amazon’s European logistics network

The launch represents another step in Amazon’s broader expansion beyond traditional marketplace and fulfilment services. The company has increasingly opened its logistics infrastructure to businesses, allowing merchants to use parts of the network for storage, transportation and delivery.

Earlier this year, Amazon introduced Amazon Supply Chain Services, making its logistics capabilities available to businesses beyond sellers operating exclusively on its marketplace.

AWD adds another layer to this strategy by positioning Amazon’s distribution network as a larger-scale inventory management solution.

For European sellers, the service could simplify supply chain planning by creating a bulk-storage layer between suppliers and FBA fulfilment centres. Inventory can remain in storage until Amazon’s systems determine that additional stock is required at fulfilment locations.

Implications for European sellers

The European rollout comes as e-commerce businesses continue to look for ways to balance inventory availability with storage and fulfilment costs.

For sellers with predictable demand and significant inventory volumes, bulk storage could provide greater flexibility than relying solely on FBA storage. It may also help businesses prepare inventory ahead of peak shopping periods while avoiding the need to move the entire stock volume into fulfilment centres at once.

However, the effectiveness of AWD will depend on individual sellers’ inventory profiles, product demand and logistics requirements.

With Germany, France, Italy, Spain and the UK included in the initial European rollout, Amazon is establishing AWD across some of the continent’s largest e-commerce markets.

The expansion further integrates storage, fulfilment and replenishment within Amazon’s ecosystem, potentially giving sellers a more streamlined approach to managing inventory across European markets.

Source

Dubai Customs Raises the Exemption Threshold to AED 1,000

The change announced by Dubai Customs was implemented under Customs Notice No. 16 of 2026. Accordingly, products imported for personal purposes through companies, cargo operators, or cross-border e-commerce channels and valued at AED 1,000 or less will not be subject to customs duties. Companies wishing to benefit from the regulation must align their registration and operational processes with the new provisions.

Tobacco, Electronic Cigarettes, and Alcoholic Products Excluded

Dubai Customs’ duty exemption will not apply to all product categories. Tobacco and tobacco derivatives, electronic cigarette devices and accessories, nicotine-containing liquids, alcoholic beverages, and food products containing alcohol have been excluded from the new regulation. Existing customs duties and related import provisions will continue to apply to these categories.

60-Day Requirement for Returned Products

Products purchased for personal purposes and returned after being sent abroad through companies will also be exempt from duties under certain conditions. It will be necessary to document that customs duties were previously paid for the product and that the shipment was returned within 60 days of the export date. If these conditions are not met, standard customs procedures will apply.

Company Registrations to Be Handled by the Customer Happiness Department

Under the new measure, the addition of companies to the customer registration system, the recording of their activities, and their inclusion on the platform will be handled by the Customer Happiness Department. Any disputes that may arise during the implementation of the regulation will fall under the responsibility of the Legal Affairs Department.

Dubai Customs stated that the change forms part of its approach to attracting investment, facilitating cross-border digital trade, and reducing the operating costs of e-commerce companies. The authority called on companies seeking to benefit from the regulation to take the necessary steps to comply with the new rules.

The new tax exemption for cross-border e-commerce came into effect on August 3, 2026, as one of the updated practices within the cross-border e-commerce infrastructure developed by Dubai Customs.

Mondi Eliminates Printing Plates with Laser Marking

With the new technology, visual designs are applied directly onto the flexible packaging by laser during the converting process. This eliminates the need for traditional decorative printing, printing plates, and certain related production stages. The system enables product-specific designs, rapid updates to visuals, and allows brands to respond more quickly to changing consumer demands.

The new solution offers customers shorter lead times, a more agile supply chain, and greater flexibility in bringing new products and designs to market. By combining its production capabilities in corrugated and flexible packaging, Mondi aims to enable customers to source bag-in-box solutions from a single supplier.

Can Be Used in StripPouch and FlexiBag Formats

The technology can be adapted to various formats, including reel materials, pre-made re/cycle StripPouch packaging, and larger re/cycle FlexiBag bags. By simplifying the packaging structure and reducing decorative elements, the solution is intended to support recycling processes. Depending on the requirements of the application, bio-based raw materials or post-consumer recycled content may also be used.

According to the company’s internal Product Impact Assessment, the bio-based and laser-marked StripPouch can deliver a reduction of more than 50% in carbon dioxide emissions compared with fossil-based, printed, and laminated stand-up pouches. Commercial applications of the solution are being explored for pet food, home and personal care products, and various e-commerce packaging formats.

Sustainability Achievement at the German Packaging Award

The new concept was honored in the Sustainability category of the 2026 German Packaging Award. The jury stated that the solution combines decarbonization, design for recycling, and economic efficiency, while providing advantages for a wide range of product variants in small production runs.

Jens Koesters, Manager of Technical Services, R&D and Innovation at Mondi Consumer Flexibles, stated that customers are under pressure to manage complex product portfolios and changing consumer demands while meeting their sustainability targets. Koesters said that the concept brings together bio-based materials and design flexibility in a single solution, helping brands respond more quickly to market requirements.

DP World to Be Located Near the Port of Mombasa

The industrial park, which will be developed in phases across a total area of 222 hectares, will cover 40 hectares in its first phase. The facility will be located less than 20 kilometers from the Port of Mombasa. This is expected to provide companies operating in the park with faster access to regional and international markets.

The project is expected to provide modern industrial spaces, integrated supply chain services, and market access opportunities for manufacturers, logistics operators, exporters, and technology companies. Local sources reported that the value of the investment exceeds $100 million and that numerous companies have expressed interest in operating in the zone.

Port, Logistics, and Industrial Ecosystems to Be Integrated

DP World Group CEO Yuvraj Narayan stated that Kenya is an important market for the company and a key gateway for East African trade. Narayan said that the project reflects the company’s investment approach toward integrated trade infrastructure that connects ports, logistics services, and industrial ecosystems.

Narayan also stated that they aim to create an environment where businesses can manage their manufacturing, distribution, and access to global markets more efficiently.

Thousands of Jobs Expected to Be Created

DP World Africa CEO and Managing Director Mohammed Akoojee stated that the project would strengthen regional trade and supply chain connections. Akoojee explained that the initiative aims to attract new investments, create thousands of employment opportunities, and contribute to Kenya’s socioeconomic development.

The Mombasa Industrial Park is also planned to host logistics infrastructure that will support the warehousing, order fulfillment, distribution, and cross-border delivery operations of e-commerce and retail companies.

The newly inaugurated facility is located in Riyadh’s Al Mashael Logistics Hub and is designed to provide flexible warehousing and distribution services for businesses across multiple industries. The investment reflects the increasing demand for modern logistics infrastructure as Saudi Arabia positions itself as a regional trade and logistics hub.

A Strategic Logistics Hub for Saudi Arabia

The new warehouse spans 15,250 square metres and offers capacity for more than 17,000 pallet positions. It provides integrated logistics services, including storage, inventory management, import consolidation, order fulfilment, palletisation, and nationwide distribution.

Operating as a non-bonded warehouse, the facility enables customs-cleared goods to move efficiently into Saudi Arabia’s domestic market, allowing businesses to reduce delivery times, improve inventory availability, and simplify supply chain operations.

Its strategic location within Riyadh’s Al Mashael Logistics Hub offers convenient access to major transport corridors connecting businesses across the Kingdom and neighbouring Gulf markets.

Supporting Vision 2030 and Growing Demand

Saudi Arabia continues to invest heavily in logistics infrastructure as part of its Vision 2030 economic diversification strategy. Rising demand from sectors such as retail, e-commerce, manufacturing, automotive, consumer goods, healthcare, and technology has accelerated the need for advanced warehousing and fulfilment capabilities.

DP World’s latest investment is designed to meet these evolving market requirements by providing scalable logistics solutions for companies seeking efficient nationwide distribution and supply chain management.

Mohammad Alshaikh, CEO of DP World Saudi Arabia, said the facility will enable customers to benefit from greater flexibility, operational efficiency, and reliable logistics services while supporting Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to become a leading global logistics centre.

Raveen Guliani, Chief Operating Officer of Logistics at DP World GCC, described Saudi Arabia as one of the company’s fastest-growing logistics markets, noting that the new warehouse strengthens DP World’s integrated supply chain offering across the Kingdom.

Expanding DP World’s Saudi Logistics Network

The Riyadh warehouse complements DP World’s existing logistics operations in Dammam and forms part of the company’s broader investment strategy in Saudi Arabia.

Among its largest ongoing projects is the $250 million Jeddah Logistics Park, a 415,000-square-metre integrated logistics facility located near Jeddah Islamic Port. DP World is also investing in the expansion and modernization of the Jeddah South Container Terminal, increasing capacity and improving cargo handling efficiency.

Together, these investments create an integrated logistics ecosystem connecting ports, warehouses, inland transport, and distribution centres across Saudi Arabia.

Strengthening Regional Supply Chains

The launch of the multi-client warehouse highlights DP World’s strategy of providing end-to-end logistics solutions that support businesses operating in one of the Middle East’s fastest-growing economies.

As Saudi Arabia continues to attract manufacturing, retail, and e-commerce investments, modern logistics infrastructure will play an increasingly important role in improving supply chain resilience, reducing operational costs, and enhancing trade connectivity.

With its newest facility in Riyadh, DP World further strengthens its position as a key logistics partner supporting the Kingdom’s transformation into a global logistics and trade hub.

Source

A New Era of Digital Integration at the Customs Gate

Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat said that connecting the Ibrahim Khalil Border Crossing to the ASYCUDA system as soon as possible would make a significant contribution to the $30 billion trade target. The integration is expected to strengthen cooperation between the customs administrations of the two countries and make transit transportation processes more organized.

Türkiye is Iraq’s fifth-largest trading partner. The current trade volume between the two countries stands at approximately $17 billion. This figure had risen to as much as $24 billion during the post-pandemic period and when energy prices increased.

The Development Road Will Be Supported by Logistics Centers

The meetings also addressed the Development Road Project, which is planned to begin at Al-Faw Port in the Persian Gulf and extend to Europe via Türkiye. Within the scope of the project, new logistics centers and cities are planned to be established, road and railway connections are to be developed, and transit trade channels to Gulf countries are to be expanded. The new customs and logistics infrastructure is expected to contribute to the development of cross-border e-commerce, retail supply chains, warehousing, distribution, and delivery operations.

A New Trade Roadmap Will Be Prepared

The third meeting of the Türkiye-Iraq Joint Economic and Trade Committee is planned to be held in Türkiye in the final quarter of 2026. A new roadmap for the $30 billion target will be prepared at the meeting.

Turkish contracting companies have completed 1,157 projects in Iraq to date, with a total value of $40 billion. In addition to trade, the parties aim to expand cooperation in investment, transportation, energy, logistics, and contracting.

E-Commerce Operations to Be Carried Out at the Talal Centre

Designed to be fully temperature-controlled, the facility will have 32,500 square metres (350,000 square feet) of enclosed space. The centre will include a dedicated 2,300-square-metre (25,000-square-foot) cold-chain storage area, 43 loading bays, and a dedicated operations centre for e-commerce activities.

The facility will also house Talal Group’s corporate headquarters, a cash-and-carry store operating under a wholesale model, and a customer service centre. This will enable the company’s logistics, retail, customer service, and management units to operate from the same site.

Approximately 600 Jobs to Be Created

Once the new distribution centre becomes operational, it is expected to create approximately 600 jobs. The project will support Talal Group’s regional growth strategy while also increasing the company’s warehousing, distribution, and supply chain capacity.

Saud Abu Alshawareb, Executive Vice President of Industrial at TECOM Group, said the facility reflects the UAE’s and Dubai’s position as a global trade and logistics hub. Alshawareb stated that Dubai Industrial City enables companies to improve efficiency and scale into international markets through its integrated business ecosystem, advanced infrastructure, strategic location, and multimodal transport connections. He also noted that the project is aligned with the objectives of Operation 300bn and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.

Cold-Chain Capacity to Be Expanded

Mahmood Haji Baliyil, Co-Chairman of Talal Group, said the expanded cold-chain capacity would strengthen regional food supply chains. Baliyil stated that the company aims to continue its expansion in the region by benefiting from Dubai Industrial City’s connectivity and industrial ecosystem, while pursuing its long-term growth objectives.

Fire Breaks Out at Wildberries Logistics Centers

The logistics centers belonging to Wildberries, one of Russia’s largest e-commerce platforms, in the cities of Krasnodar and Nevinnomyssk were targeted in drone attacks on the night of July 22. Fires broke out at both facilities following the attacks, while employees were reportedly evacuated and many people were injured.

Tatyana Kim: Employees Began to Be Evacuated Before the Attack

Wildberries Co-Founder and CEO Tatyana Kim announced that the warehouse in Krasnodar and the logistics center in Nevinnomyssk in the Stavropol region were struck during the night.

Kim stated that employees had begun to be evacuated before the attack, but that there were still injuries. Images showing thick black smoke rising from the warehouse in Krasnodar were shared on social media, while the location and content of the footage were verified by independent sources.

Krasnodar Regional Governor Veniamin Kondratyev reported that 10 people were injured in the attack on a warehouse complex. More than 100 firefighters and a firefighting helicopter were dispatched to the area to extinguish the blaze. A large-scale fire also broke out at the facility following the attack in Nevinnomyssk.

Tatyana Kim Issues Statement on the Attack

In a statement shared on Telegram, Tatyana Kim said there were no words to describe the emotions and sorrow caused by attacks targeting employees and people simply doing their jobs.

The total damage caused to the warehouses and the impact on Wildberries’ order operations have not yet been disclosed. AUREK, which represents the e-commerce sector, called for tax payments to be postponed for six months for businesses affected by the attacks.

Ukraine Claims Military Supplies Were Involved

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed that the targeted facilities were logistics centers supplying drone components and other equipment to the Russian military. The Kremlin denied allegations that Wildberries played a role in supplying military equipment.

The latest attacks on Wildberries warehouses took place several days after the company’s centers in Kotovsk and Elektrostal were struck. Eight employees were killed and many others were injured in the previous attacks. Founded in 2004 as an online fashion store, Wildberries has since developed into a comprehensive marketplace where third-party sellers also operate. Online sales in Russia increased by 28 percent in 2025, reaching 11.5 trillion rubles.

E-Commerce Warehouses Struck in Two Different Regions

One of the attacks on the e-commerce warehouses took place in the city of Kotovsk in the Tambov region, approximately 360 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. The other attack targeted a Wildberries logistics center in the city of Elektrostal, located around 50 kilometers east of Moscow. Major fires broke out at both facilities, while footage released from Elektrostal showed thick smoke covering the sky.

Tambov Regional Governor Yevgeny Pervyshov announced that seven people working the night shift at the warehouse in Kotovsk died at the scene, while 25 others were injured. Pervyshov stated that 28 drones approaching the facility were shot down by air defense systems.

According to Moscow Regional Governor Andrei Vorobyov, dozens of people were injured in the attacks in and around Elektrostal. One of the injured later died in hospital. Drone debris also struck a kindergarten and caused a fire.

Statement on Drone Production and Navigation Equipment

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that two major logistics facilities in the Moscow and Tambov regions were hit in the attacks. Zelensky claimed that the centers were used to supply sanctioned components used in drone production and navigation equipment. Ukraine also announced that it had targeted an oil facility in Noginsk that it said supplied fuel to the Russian military.

Wildberries Co-Founder and CEO Tatyana Kim described the attacks as a “terrible night” for both the company and Russia, and offered her condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. The company reported that the fire in Kotovsk had been brought under control. (e-commerce warehouse)

World Customs Organization Draws Attention to Small Parcels

The report stated that 68.2 percent of counterfeit goods cases, 65.1 percent of counterfeit medical product cases, and 62.6 percent of cannabis cases were detected in parcel and postal systems. In addition, 23.9 percent of environmental crime cases and 23.6 percent of security-related cases involving weapons, restricted drones, and tactical equipment were found to be connected to these channels.

World Customs Organization Secretary General Ian Saunders stated that the use of e-commerce, postal, and courier networks by criminal organizations points to a fundamental shift in the distribution of illicit goods. Saunders said customs administrations must respond to this development with agile, intelligence-led, and forward-looking methods.

E-Commerce Channel Comes to the Fore in Synthetic Drugs

Seizures involving new psychoactive substances doubled compared with 2024, reaching 7,721 cases. Postal and courier networks were used extensively because these products can be transported in small and lightweight parcels. Fentanyl seizures accounted for 30.6 percent of opioid cases in 2025.

South Africa was recorded as a major point of origin for illicit diamonds and semi-precious stones shipped to Asia and the Middle East. Namibia ranked third worldwide in cannabis seizures with 60.6 tonnes, while South Africa ranked ninth. Global cannabis seizures reached 548.8 tonnes. The transportation of counterfeit medical products in small parcels in West and Central Africa was also identified as a significant risk.

AI-Powered Inspections on the Agenda

The World Customs Organization states that artificial intelligence and machine learning can strengthen risk assessment, fraud detection, and cargo inspections. The organization is calling for improved data quality, greater information sharing, and coordinated efforts between customs administrations and e-commerce, retail, logistics, and courier companies.