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.”

Footer:

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)

Please find our bank holiday opening times for 2024 below:

With only one week to go until full customs controls apply from Ireland to GB imports, we are resharing HMRC’s communication from December. If you have any questions or concerns about these, please email us at info@ukpworldwide.com where we will aim to answer any queries you may have.

HMRC Communication 19th December 2023

In August 2023, the Government published the final version of the Border Target Operating Model which confirmed that from 31 January 2024 some goods will face full customs controls when moved directly from Irish ports to Great Britain. 

Goods will need to complete import processes if they are being imported directly from Ireland into Great Britain (​​not moving from or through Northern Ireland). 

Goods moving from Northern Ireland to Great Britain through Irish ports will also have to complete import processes if they are: 

• non-qualifying Northern Ireland goods
• excise goods (alcohol, tobacco, and energy products) or
• goods which do not move directly to an Irish port once they have left Northern Ireland for example, goods which are held in storage in Ireland. 

For these goods you will have to follow the import requirements set out in the Border Target Operating Model.  

When moving these goods, most traders will need to make import customs declarations at the point of import and will no longer be able to delay making declarations. Ports will be required to control these goods moving from Ireland to Great Britain, meaning that unless they have received customs clearance they will not be released from the port. 

What you need to do to prepare to move goods from 31 January 2024 

You will need to ensure you, or anyone who moves goods on your behalf, are familiar with the new process from 31 January 2024. 

• If you are moving qualifying Northern Ireland goods, you should confirm this to your haulier and / or carrier. You can find out more about qualifying Northern Ireland goods on GOV.UK.

• You need to register for a GB Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number if you do not already have one.

• As import declarations will need to be made through the Customs Declaration Service (CDS), you or your representative will also need access to 

• To make import declarations in your own records (Entry In Declarants Records (EIDR)) you will need to apply for authorisation to use simplified declarations for imports if not already authorised.

• If your goods are being moved from Ireland through Roll on Roll off (RoRo) ports in Great Britain, you will need to make your customs declarations before the goods depart from Ireland, and you will need to follow Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) processes. 

• If hauliers are moving goods on your behalf they will need to register for GVMS if they haven’t already done so, and you will need to provide the Movement Reference Number (MRN) from your declarations to the person moving your goods in order for them to be able to generate a Goods Movement Reference (GMR). Hauliers will need to provide a GMR for all lorries and trailers moving directly from Ireland. 

• At inventory-linked ports or other locations, the haulier or the intermediary that is moving the goods on your behalf will need to follow standard processes to ensure your goods are presented to customs, declared, and cleared before they can be released to free circulation in Great Britain.

• Businesses making a full import declaration or simplified frontier declaration on CDS for goods moving from Ireland to Great Britain (including for excise goods) will no longer be required to ​‘​arrive’ their declaration by the end of the next working day after arriving in Great Britain. For goods being entered into excise duty suspense, the entry onto the Excise Movement and Control Systems (EMCS) must be made by the time they arrive in Great Britain.

• If you are moving goods from Northern Ireland to Great Britain via Ireland​, including qualifying Northern Ireland goods,​ you will need to comply with some Irish customs requirements to exit through a port in Ireland, and will need to check Irish customs guidance. 

More information on qualifying Northern Ireland goods 

The Border Target Operating Model confirmed that import declarations will not be needed for qualifying Northern Ireland goods moving directly from Northern Ireland or indirectly through Ireland to Great Britain, in line with the Government’s commitment to unfettered access. There are some very limited exceptions where import declarations are required, such as an ongoing requirement to provide these for excise goods​ when moving qualifying Northern Ireland goods through Ireland to Great Britain​, and these will be set out in guidance shortly.   

When moving qualifying Northern Ireland goods​​​ through Ireland to Great Britain​ for which import declarations are not required through Roll-on Roll-off ports, hauliers will still need to complete a Goods Movement Reference (GMR). They should indicate they are moving such goods on their GMR. Hauliers and drivers will need to provide commercial evidence if asked to confirm that their goods are qualifying Northern Ireland ​​goods for example, a dispatch notice, an invoice, or a consignment note. They will also need access to a travel document issued in the UK setting out the destination of the goods, to show that the goods have merely passed through Ireland. 

At inventory linked ports or other locations, similar processes will be used to allow these qualifying Northern Ireland goods to be released from inventories or local systems without requiring electronic declarations. 

We will be updating the guidance pages on GOV.UK to reflect these changes. 

Further help and support 

If you have any questions, visit Imports and exports: general enquiries on GOV.UK. 

Dear Valued Clients and Partners,

We are thrilled to announce some exciting news that marks a new chapter in the journey of UKP Worldwide (UKPW). As part of our commitment to better serve you and accommodate our growing operations, we are moving to a new larger location.

Effective from Sunday 11th February 2024, UKPW will be relocating from our current location to the spacious and dynamic Westcott Venture Park. This strategic move has been carefully planned to facilitate our continued growth and expansion, allowing us to enhance our services and meet your evolving needs more effectively.

Our new address will be:
UKP Worldwide, Unit 12 Century Court, Westcott Venture Park, Aylesbury, HP18 0XP.

We believe that this move will bring numerous benefits to our valued clients and UKPW. The increased space and improved facilities will enable us to streamline our operations, provide more efficient services, and develop innovative solutions to meet the challenges of the modern global market.

Rest assured that our dedication to delivering high-quality, reliable, and timely services remains unwavering. During the transition period, we will make every effort to minimise any disruptions to our operations and maintain the excellent level of service you have come to expect from us.

We are truly excited about this new chapter in our company’s history and the opportunities it presents. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your continued support and partnership. We look forward to welcoming you to our new premises and sharing our exciting journey of growth with you.

If you have any questions or require further information about our relocation, please do not hesitate to contact our dedicated Client Services team at ukpclientservices@ukpworldwide.com.

Thank you once again for your trust and partnership. We are excited about the future, and we are grateful to have you with us on this journey.

Best regards,

Lee Bucktrout
Chief Executive Officer

We are pleased to be sharing an important update from HMRC regarding the forthcoming changes required on imports from Ireland to Great Britain. If you have any questions or concerns about these, please email us at info@ukpworldwide.com where we will aim to answer any queries you may have. 

HMRC Communication 19th December 2023

In August 2023, the Government published the final version of the Border Target Operating Model which confirmed that from 31 January 2024 some goods will face full customs controls when moved directly from Irish ports to Great Britain. 

Goods will need to complete import processes if they are being imported directly from Ireland into Great Britain (​​not moving from or through Northern Ireland). 

Goods moving from Northern Ireland to Great Britain through Irish ports will also have to complete import processes if they are: 

• non-qualifying Northern Ireland goods
• excise goods (alcohol, tobacco, and energy products) or
• goods which do not move directly to an Irish port once they have left Northern Ireland for example, goods which are held in storage in Ireland. 

For these goods you will have to follow the import requirements set out in the Border Target Operating Model.  

When moving these goods, most traders will need to make import customs declarations at the point of import and will no longer be able to delay making declarations. Ports will be required to control these goods moving from Ireland to Great Britain, meaning that unless they have received customs clearance they will not be released from the port. 

What you need to do to prepare to move goods from 31 January 2024 

You will need to ensure you, or anyone who moves goods on your behalf, are familiar with the new process from 31 January 2024. 

• If you are moving qualifying Northern Ireland goods, you should confirm this to your haulier and / or carrier. You can find out more about qualifying Northern Ireland goods on GOV.UK.

• You need to register for a GB Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number if you do not already have one.

• As import declarations will need to be made through the Customs Declaration Service (CDS), you or your representative will also need access to 

• To make import declarations in your own records (Entry In Declarants Records (EIDR)) you will need to apply for authorisation to use simplified declarations for imports if not already authorised.

• If your goods are being moved from Ireland through Roll on Roll off (RoRo) ports in Great Britain, you will need to make your customs declarations before the goods depart from Ireland, and you will need to follow Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) processes. 

• If hauliers are moving goods on your behalf they will need to register for GVMS if they haven’t already done so, and you will need to provide the Movement Reference Number (MRN) from your declarations to the person moving your goods in order for them to be able to generate a Goods Movement Reference (GMR). Hauliers will need to provide a GMR for all lorries and trailers moving directly from Ireland. 

• At inventory-linked ports or other locations, the haulier or the intermediary that is moving the goods on your behalf will need to follow standard processes to ensure your goods are presented to customs, declared, and cleared before they can be released to free circulation in Great Britain.

• Businesses making a full import declaration or simplified frontier declaration on CDS for goods moving from Ireland to Great Britain (including for excise goods) will no longer be required to ​‘​arrive’ their declaration by the end of the next working day after arriving in Great Britain. For goods being entered into excise duty suspense, the entry onto the Excise Movement and Control Systems (EMCS) must be made by the time they arrive in Great Britain.

• If you are moving goods from Northern Ireland to Great Britain via Ireland​, including qualifying Northern Ireland goods,​ you will need to comply with some Irish customs requirements to exit through a port in Ireland, and will need to check Irish customs guidance. 

More information on qualifying Northern Ireland goods 

The Border Target Operating Model confirmed that import declarations will not be needed for qualifying Northern Ireland goods moving directly from Northern Ireland or indirectly through Ireland to Great Britain, in line with the Government’s commitment to unfettered access. There are some very limited exceptions where import declarations are required, such as an ongoing requirement to provide these for excise goods​ when moving qualifying Northern Ireland goods through Ireland to Great Britain​, and these will be set out in guidance shortly.   

When moving qualifying Northern Ireland goods​​​ through Ireland to Great Britain​ for which import declarations are not required through Roll-on Roll-off ports, hauliers will still need to complete a Goods Movement Reference (GMR). They should indicate they are moving such goods on their GMR. Hauliers and drivers will need to provide commercial evidence if asked to confirm that their goods are qualifying Northern Ireland ​​goods for example, a dispatch notice, an invoice, or a consignment note. They will also need access to a travel document issued in the UK setting out the destination of the goods, to show that the goods have merely passed through Ireland. 

At inventory linked ports or other locations, similar processes will be used to allow these qualifying Northern Ireland goods to be released from inventories or local systems without requiring electronic declarations. 

We will be updating the guidance pages on GOV.UK to reflect these changes. 

Further help and support 

If you have any questions, visit Imports and exports: general enquiries on GOV.UK.