Making sure your business delivers

De Minimis Thresholds

by | Mar 14, 2017 | News

It has already been a year since the United States raised its de minimis to $800, which hadn’t been reviewed in over 20 years. De minimis is a hot topic around the world and especially in Canada where a booming eCommerce market is putting pressure on the Canadian government to raise the rate. A recent CTV News article lays out the lobbying battle that is underway in Canada between traditional retailers and online retailers.

Below is an infographic from the International Mailers Advisory Group (IMAG), which illustrates the variance in de minimis thresholds around the world.

 

Join us in Miami 26-28th February 2017

by | Feb 7, 2017 | News

UKP Worldwide will be attending the World Mail & Express Americas Conference, 26-28th February 2017. This is America’s leading conference for the global postal and logistics operators looking to gain invaluable insights into the latest trends and challenges in the industry.

At the event, we will be sharing the latest developments on our International eCommerce Services, including our extremely popular managed returns solution. Ask for a demonstration and see how by working together we can ensure your exports and returned products remain compliant.

We will also be sharing our view on BREXIT, as well as the latest information about European Publishing Services. Whether you’re interested in learning more about registered publication services, digital print or direct mail with a local European look.

It promises to be an informative event with great networking, information and advice. Visit us at stand 12 or contact us to book an appointment.4901 UKP Show Site email banner_v2_1

Busy year of exhibiting!

by | Dec 9, 2016 | News

2016 has been a busy year for UKP Worldwide, attending some new events, as well as attending more of the Triangle World Mail events for the first time.

We attended the MetaPack Delivery Conference in January, where our Returns Portal attracted particular interest.

For the first time this year, UKP Worldwide exhibited at Triangle’s two summer events; the Mail & Express Delivery Show, in London in May and the World Mail & Express Europe Show, which took place in Warsaw in Poland this year. Both events provided the opportunity to discuss existing partnerships and forge new ones.

We exhibited at the Going Global Event at Olympia, London in November, which definitely raised our profile amongst some retailers who are considering their eCommerce options for the first time.

We ended the year at the World Mail & Express Asia Conference in Singapore. This is the second time we have exhibited at this Far East event and as usual it didn’t disappoint. UKP Worldwide caught up with event sponsors Singapore Post and came away with a number of strong opportunities with both new suppliers and customers. And, once again our Returns Portal generated lots of interest.

We will once again be exhibiting at the World Mail & Express Americas Conference in Miami in February 2017 at the Biltmore Hotel, where we look forward to catching up with attendees both old and new, sharing our experiences during peak season shipping in 2016 and looking at what innovations are on the horizon to help us all in 2017 and beyond. Pop along to stand 12 and say Hello!

Operation Christmas Child

by | Nov 18, 2016 | News

This year UKP Worldwide staff members supported Operation Christmas Child. Operation Christmas Child (OCC) is an initiative of Samaritans Purse UK, a Christian relief and development charity working amongst communities in need across Africa, Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

We completed 8 shoeboxes, each one filled with both fun and useful things such as toothbrush, toothpaste, flannel, soap, hats, gloves, colouring sets and toys for both girls and boys aged between 2-14.

A small shoebox can have a big impact. What goes into the box is fun, but what comes out of it is eternal.

Early next year we will update you on our shoebox journeys.

UKP Worldwide granted full Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status

by | Nov 15, 2016 | News

UKP Worldwide has been approved and granted full Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status, after a thorough and exhaustive audit by HMRC, covering both customs simplifications & security and safety.

UKP Worldwide provides international delivery services for eCommerce goods, as well as worldwide postal options for printed matter – including publications, direct mail and catalogues. In recognising the importance and benefits that international trade can bring to a business, we also understand the requirements of the international supply chain in terms of security, compliance and logistics, so applying for and subsequently achieving AEO accreditation means out customers are even more confident about our ability to work efficiently and compliantly process their work.

What is AEO?

AEO status is an internationally recognised accreditation in the global supply chain. It confirms that a business’ systems and processes have been audited by local customs authorities, the international supply chain is secure and that customs controls and procedures are efficient and compliant. In the UK AEO status is granted to “trusted traders” who have undergone this audit and meet the rigorous conditions outlined by HMRC.

AEO status offers many benefits to the changes in the recently updated Union Customs Code (UCC). HMRC expect all importers and exporters who use simplified customs procedures e.g. inward processing relief, customs warehousing, temporary storage or community transit – to meet and comply with AEO criteria or cover the cost by providing financial guarantees to cover duties that have been suspended under any of these schemes. Using an AEO approved supplier can greatly reduce and on occasion eliminate these new requirements for duty guarantees.

Following BREXIT, whatever deal the UK negotiates, the UCC will need to be followed and AEO’s will play a part in complying with any new trade terms that are agreed between the UK and EU.

The Benefits

By being AEO accredited, UKP Worldwide’s customers can benefit from:

  • Consistent and faster customs clearances at both local and overseas borders for both outbound and returns traffic
  • Permitted access at time of increased border controls
  • A compliant and  secure supply chain, protecting people, cargo and information
  • Access to customs simplifications
  • Improved cash flow and increased margin, if participating in any tax and duty suspension programs
  • A compliant record of exports and any subsequent returns

If you would like to learn more about how we can offer you support on eCommerce export requirements, please get in touch on +44 (0) 1844 398880.

Amazon Tracked Shipping Requirements

by | Nov 8, 2016 | News

Amazon US is introducing guidelines for sellers to adhere to for selling products on their platform. Starting in February 2016, Amazon have confirmed that sellers will have to provide compliant tracking numbers for 95% of shipments.

Amazon wants their sellers to enhance the customer experience and by introducing this new metric, they are giving their customers clear visibility – allowing the customer to stay informed of the progress of their purchase by knowing exactly where their item is in the delivery process and when they can expect their delivery.

How will a seller and customer benefit from using a tracked service?

  • Amazon advises that approximately 40% of buyer contact through Amazon to a seller is about the status of a customer’s shipment, using the “Where’s My Stuff?” category. Tracking numbers automatically eliminate such enquiries because the customer themselves can check the delivery progress. A customer would only then message if they had an additional query, not answered by tracking their purchase.
  • If a customer currently claims an order wasn’t received and the item was sent untracked, then a seller automatically loses out under the A-Z claims. Tracking codes will help eradicate unnecessary losses.
  • Improving seller feedback – a seller is putting the customer back in control by using tracking numbers. A customer can track the order progress and know whether they are going to receive the package on time.
  • Sending goods via a tracked service could help reduce the number of order defects, as well as lost shipments. This in turn helping reduce associated costs with goods lost in transit or having to be replaced.

What happens if a seller is not currently shipping with a registered carrier?

If merchants are currently shipping goods on Amazon US via an untracked service or via a carrier not recognised by Amazon, then they have between now and February 2016 to switch over to a tracked service using a carrier integrated with Amazon. Below are some of the carriers compliant with Amazon:

  • USPS (UKP Worldwide are an accredited partner of USPS)
  • UPS
  • DHL
  • FedEx

UKP Worldwide are fully compliant with the latest Amazon.com seller requirements of sending goods using a tracked service – how can we help you?

We pride ourselves at keeping up to date with the latest industry knowledge and ensuring our customers are compliant with the new platform requirements and the latest exporting regulations.

If volume shippers regularly send goods valued under $200 USD to the United States, they could benefit from our eCommerce service.

As approved parcel wholesalers for the United States Postal Service (USPS), we have direct access to all of their tracked parcel services, which can be accessed from many countries around the world.

Our shipping platform allows merchants selling on marketplaces such as Amazon.com and ebay.com to integrate easily, meet these new requirements as well as being compliant with UK export regulations when shipping to the USA.

Our tracked service is simple and has been designed to help your business reach U.S. customers. It removes the hassle and high shipping costs that are often encountered with cross-border parcel distribution.

We follow defined procedures with strict timelines to enable us to process and get your goods delivered within 4-7 days, on time and within budget.

Need a return service? We do that too! Read full information on our services here.

To find our more about our eCommerce service, why not visit us at Stand 9 at the MetaPack Delivery Conference in London on 2nd February 2016. Alternatively, call us on +44 (0) 1844 398880 or email us on info@ukpworldwide.com.