UKP Worldwide (UKPW) is closely monitoring the legislative developments in the United States, particularly the proposed bill targeting under-valued Chinese eCommerce imports. This bill seeks to empower U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to enforce stricter measures on low-value shipments that bypass traditional duties and taxes, potentially affecting global eCommerce dynamics significantly.

As an HMRC Authorised Economic Operator, UKPW understands the complexities involved in navigating such regulatory landscapes. The bill’s focus on enhancing transparency in eCommerce shipments aligns with our commitment to ensuring compliance and streamlined customs processes for our clients. Our expertise in handling high-volume, low-value goods through bulk clearance capabilities uniquely positions us to support businesses as they adapt to these new regulations.

We recognise that changes in U.S. policy could set precedents affecting global eCommerce practices, including those governing the import and export operations between the UK and other international markets. Similarly, recent legislative changes in Turkey, which involve doubling the taxes on foreign online purchases, further complicate the global eCommerce landscape. Our team is prepared to provide guidance and support to our clients, ensuring they can respond effectively to these changes without disrupting their operational efficiency.

Additionally, UKPW’s state-of-the-art External Temporary Storage Facility (ETSF) and our sophisticated returns management services offer robust solutions for businesses looking to mitigate risks associated with these regulatory changes. By leveraging our duty reclaim services, clients can optimise cash flow and maintain stock inventory levels efficiently.

As the situation develops, UKPW remains committed to keeping our partners informed and equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to navigate this evolving landscape. Our dedication to facilitating smooth customs clearance and efficient delivery will continue to support our client’s global supply chain needs.

We encourage businesses concerned about the potential impacts of this bill and other international changes, such as those in Turkey, on their operations to contact us. Our team is here to provide detailed consultations and strategic advice to ensure that international shipping and compliance processes are managed seamlessly and effectively.

Source: https://www.aircargonews.net/business/supply-chains/us-bill-takes-aim-at-chinese-e-commerce-imports/

The leading providers of returns management, customs clearance, cross-border logistics, and duty reclaim are opening new opportunities for the British market for EU and domestic online shops.

MS Direct and UKP Worldwide (UKPW) are intensifying their long-standing partnership and establishing a joint venture. The venture, called ‘Unwind – Bridging borders, simplifying returns’, will simplify access to the respective eCommerce markets for online shops in the EU and the UK and make them more customer-friendly with its returns, customs clearance and shipping services.

The joint venture, based in the United Kingdom, combines the extensive expertise of MS Direct and UKP Worldwide in the areas of returns management, customs clearance, duty reclaim and shipping solutions. Both MS Direct and UKPW have years of experience in cross-border eCommerce, serving top international brands and retailers.

The solution from UKPW and MS Direct supports holistic entry into the UK. The goal of the merger is to offer an outstanding customer experience by removing any barriers for the end customer and shortening delivery times. Additionally, the returns process is relocated to the location of customs clearance, which is logistically sensible as the goods do not travel unnecessary distances. With the joint venture, online shops also benefit from a single point of contact and a modular service structure.

Key Facts & Benefits for Online Shops:

• One-stop service: a service for customs, returns, and duty reclaim for the British market
• Excellent customer experience: fast delivery times and local returns process
• High returns expertise from the Swiss market by MS Direct
• Perfect Match: UKPW – an established player in the British eCommerce market
• Ideal location: consolidation of returns near the parcel hubs

Quote from Peter Egger, VP Growth, MS Direct: “With Brexit, complex tax and customs regulations have led to increased uncertainty and barriers in cross-border trade in the UK, which are still palpable. Our mission is not only to overcome these hurdles but also to actively support online shops in fully exploiting their market potential in Europe’s largest eCommerce market. Thanks to optimised delivery times and automated processes, customers do not feel the trade barriers when shopping online.”

Quote from Guy Cliffe, Sales Director, UKP Worldwide: “We are extraordinarily pleased about the establishment of the joint venture with MS Direct. This step is not only the solidification of a partnership that has grown over the years, but also the merger of two companies that can perfectly bring their respective strengths to provide a seamless, transparent, and effective solution for eCommerce between the UK and the EU.”

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The United Kingdom has one of the most developed eCommerce markets in Europe. In 2023, the country had nearly 60 million eCommerce users – only a minority of the nearly 67 million residents do not shop online. eCommerce revenue in 2023 is estimated at 114.4 billion British pounds (133.0 billion Euros). In comparison, revenue in Germany, according to the industry association BEVH, stood at 79.7 billion Euros (68.5 billion British pounds).

About UKP Worldwide:

UKP Worldwide specialises in the customs clearance of eCommerce parcels and postal shipments to and from the United Kingdom, as well as returns management, including the reclaiming of customs duties. With more than 20 years of experience in the eCommerce industry, we offer the confidence and expertise that online shops and their customers desire, combined with practical advice and excellent customer service.

More Information: https://www.ukpworldwide.com/unwind-returns/

About MS Direct:

MS Direct AG is a leading partner in online retail for automated solutions in the areas of fulfillment, shipping, and cross-border eCommerce. Customers benefit from a “worry-free package”: Whether nationwide or from the European Union to third countries like Switzerland, the UK, and Norway – MS Direct ensures that online orders arrive quickly and smoothly, turning shoppers into loyal fans.

More information: https://www.ms-direct.com/retouren-service-in-england/

Contact information:

UKP Worldwide:

Guy Cliffe | Sales Director | guy.cliffe@ukpworldwide.com

Kelly Hudson | Marketing Manager | kelly.hudson@ukpworldwide.com

MS Direct:

Peter Egger | VP Growth | peter.egger@ms-direct,ch

Carolin Garbe | Marketing Lead | carolin.garbe@ms-direct.ch

Sources:

For UK: E-commerce revenue forecast in the United Kingdom 2017-2027 | Statista (May 14th, 2024)

For Germany: Umsätze im E-Commerce erreichen Talsohle | BEVH (May 14th, 2024)