A major shift is happening in the Bol.com ecosystem. As of early February 2026, Bol.com has officially launched its External Fulfillment Network (EFN). This new initiative allows sellers to integrate third-party logistics (3PL) providers directly into the Bol.com platform, offering a powerful alternative to the traditional “Logistics via Bol” (LvB).
For years, sellers had to choose between handling everything themselves or handing over their entire inventory to Bol.com. The External Fulfillment Network bridges this gap, and it’s set to revolutionize how you scale your business.
What is the External Fulfillment Network?
The External Fulfillment Network is a certification program and technical integration that allows selected 3PL providers to fulfill Bol.com orders while maintaining the platform’s strict delivery standards.
Key features include:
- Certified Partners: Work with logistics experts who are vetted by Bol.com.
- Unified Delivery Promising: Your customers still see the reliable “Ordered today, delivered tomorrow” (or similar) badges they trust.
- Inventory Flexibility: Keep your stock in specialized warehouses that might offer better rates or specialized handling for oversized items.
Why This Matters for Your Strategy
Choosing between LvB and your own warehouse has always been a trade-off. LvB offers great visibility and customer trust, but can be expensive and restrictive for certain product types.
By using an external fulfillment partner within the Bol.com network, you gain:
- Multichannel Synergy: If you sell on Shopify and other platforms, using a single 3PL for all orders is more efficient than splitting stock between LvB and elsewhere.
- Scalability: Professional 3PLs are built for high volume, allowing you to handle seasonal peaks without the overhead of your own warehouse.
- Control: Maintain more control over your packaging and returns processing while still benefiting from Bol’s ecosystem.
The Challenge: Managing Complexity
With more options comes more complexity. If you start using an external fulfillment partner alongside or instead of LvB, you need to ensure your order flow is seamless. This is where automation becomes non-negotiable.
When an order comes in through Bol.com, it needs to be transmitted to your fulfillment partner instantly. At the same time, your Shopify store must be updated to reflect the change in stock, and the shipping confirmation needs to be sent back to the customer.
How BolSync Simplifies 3PL Integration
BolSync is designed for the modern, multichannel seller. Whether you use LvB, your own warehouse, or the new External Fulfillment Network, BolSync ensures that:
- Orders Flow Automatically: Bol.com orders are synced directly to your Shopify backend, which can then push them to your 3PL.
- Real-Time Inventory: No matter where your stock is located, your availability on Bol.com and Shopify remains perfectly synchronized.
- Automated Communication: Tracking numbers from your fulfillment partner are automatically passed back to Bol.com, keeping your seller rating high.
Conclusion: Ready for the Future?
The launch of the External Fulfillment Network is a clear sign that Bol.com is becoming more flexible and partner-oriented. For sellers, this means more freedom to choose the logistics setup that fits their specific business model.
Are you planning to diversify your fulfillment strategy in 2026? Make sure your software stack is ready for the transition.
Strategic Tips for 3PL Transition:
- Evaluate if your product range benefits from specialized 3PL handling.
- Compare costs between LvB and certified external partners.
- Ensure your inventory sync is robust to prevent overselling across channels.
- Audit your order processing time to ensure you meet Bol's network standards.
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