UKP Worldwide Director Guy Cliffe recently joined Cross-Border Magazine’s eCommerce Quick Fix podcast to explore what retailers need to know about selling into the UK, from preparing accurate customs data to managing returns and recovering duty.
The discussion looks at how Brexit changed UK eCommerce imports and why customs needs to be considered from the outset of an international shipping operation. Guy explains the importance of accurate HS codes, product values, weights and shipment manifests, and the problems that can arise when this information is incomplete or incorrect.
The episode also examines the UK’s £135 low-value threshold and BIRDS process as discussed at the time of recording, alongside the practical preparations businesses should make before sending their first parcels to the UK.
Looking beyond delivery costs
A central theme is the importance of assessing costs across the full customs lifecycle. Negotiating last-mile delivery rates is only part of the picture: retailers may also have opportunities to recover duty when imported goods are returned and re-exported.
During the recording, Guy reports that UKP Worldwide is reclaiming between £50,000 and £100,000 per week in duty for customers. He explains why connecting returns to the original import data is essential to supporting duty recovery.
Connecting imports, returns and exports
The conversation follows the practical journey of UK returns, including how goods are received, checked and processed before being exported back into Europe. It explores why customs information and physical returns handling need to work together.
Guy also discusses bonded warehouses, third-party logistics providers and transit models, as well as potential customs changes in 2028. Throughout the episode, he emphasises that the right approach depends on each retailer’s products, markets and operating model.
Watch the full episode below to hear Guy’s insights into managing UK imports, returns and duty reclaim.
To discuss how UKP Worldwide can support your business, contact info@ukpworldwide.com.
https://youtu.be/JB8YzaSmLi4