Footwear is one of the most complex categories to move across borders. Working with a logistics partner aligned to recognised industry bodies — such as the British Footwear Association (BFA) — can reduce customs risk, improve delivery performance and give your brand a competitive advantage in global markets.
In this blog, we’ll cover:
- Why footwear shipping standards and compliance matter
- What British Footwear Association means for brands
- How to scale international footwear shipping with confidence
#Why footwear brands face unique challenges cross-border
There’s no getting around it: footwear can be one of the toughest categories to sell internationally. Returns rates are high, customs scrutiny is strict, and Brexit has added an extra layer of complexity to both EU and US shipments.
Many of the growing footwear brands we speak to tell us the same story. Early attempts at international expansion were held back by delivery issues, unexpected duties, confusing paperwork or customer complaints. After a few painful experiences, it’s understandable that some brands choose to pause or delay further expansion. At SAMOS, we help footwear brands move past these barriers by combining deep shipping expertise with industry-aligned standards.
#Footwear logistics built around industry standards
SAMOS is a trusted logistics partner of the British Footwear Association (BFA), working closely with footwear brands to apply best-practice standards to international shipping operations.
The BFA supports the footwear industry by promoting compliance, quality and responsible trading in domestic and global markets. Through this partnership, SAMOS helps brands align their logistics processes with recognised footwear industry expectations — reducing risk while improving customer experience.
Together, SAMOS and the BFA help brands ship footwear internationally with fewer delays, clearer landed costs and stronger operational control.
#How a SAMOS–BFA partnership improves footwear supply chains
- Greater confidence in international footwear shipping
As a BFA partner, SAMOS supports footwear brands with:
- Accurate tariff and HS code classification
- Duty and VAT handling across the UK, EU and US
- Cross-border returns and reverse logistics coordination
This allows brands to expand into new markets with confidence, knowing their shipping and compliance processes are built for scale.
- Compliance and standards that protect your brand
Following recognised footwear industry standards — including safety, quality, sustainability and ethical compliance — helps brands:
- Avoid customs penalties and shipment delays
- Protect brand reputation in international markets
- Build long-term trust with consumers and partners
Standards are not just a regulatory requirement — they are a commercial advantage.
- Support for scaling and market expansion
As footwear order volumes increase, even minor inefficiencies at the border can create significant cost and friction. SAMOS helps streamline:
- Tariff classification and documentation
- Returns routing and reverse logistics
- Compliance oversight across multiple markets
All without disrupting your existing 3PLs, carriers or ecommerce platforms.
From first shipment to global scale — footwear shipping made simpler
As an official partner of the BFA, SAMOS works alongside your existing logistics and technology partners to optimise cross-border footwear operations.
We support footwear brands at every stage — from early international shipments to high-volume global sales — delivering:
- Predictable landed costs across the EU, US and rest of the world
- Reduced returns friction and simplified reverse logistics
- Fewer customs delays and misclassified tariffs
- Stronger confidence from wholesale and retail partners
- Greater operational control as international sales grow
SAMOS Integrates with leading e-commerce, shipping and logistics platforms, ensuring international footwear shipping works smoothly without forcing changes to your current setup.
#Footwear shipping FAQ’s
What is the British Footwear Association (BFA)?
The British Footwear Association is a membership organisation that supports and promotes the footwear industry in the UK and internationally. It provides guidance, advocacy and industry standards to help footwear brands operate responsibly and competitively.
How does a SAMOS–BFA partnership help footwear brands?
As a trusted BFA partner, SAMOS applies footwear-specific expertise to international logistics. This includes tariff classification, duty and VAT handling, returns coordination and compliance oversight, helping brands ship globally with greater confidence.
How do footwear standards improve customer trust and brand reputation?
Following recognised footwear industry standards signals professionalism, reliability and accountability. This helps build trust with consumers, retailers and wholesale partners, especially in international markets.
Which markets does SAMOS support for footwear shipping?
SAMOS supports footwear brands shipping worldwide, including to and from the UK, EU, US, The Middle East, Southeast Asia, Australasia and more. We have strong expertise in managing post-Brexit requirements, customs processes and international returns.
Ready to scale your international footwear sales?
If you’re looking to improve footwear shipping compliance, reduce cross-border risk and scale global sales with confidence, we’re here to help.
Speak to the footwear shipping experts at SAMOS, backed by the British Footwear Association, and build a supply chain designed for international growth across the UK, EU, US and beyond.
View our shipping and return rates and start shipping globally with confidence.
Still not convinced? See what our customers say.
SAMOS – Turn global shipping headaches into growth. It all starts here.
