The designated operator of Italy, Poste Italiane, wishes to inform that certain Italian unions called a strike on 13 and 14 March 2025. Consequently, there may be delays in the collection and delivery of both domestic and international parcels, as well as EMS items.
The designated operator of Suriname, Suriname Postal Corporation (Surpost), wishes to inform that all postal activities have now returned to normal.
The designated operator of Italy, Poste Italiane, wishes to inform that the operating system at the Malpensa Lonate Pozzolo office of exchange (ITMXPA) is currently functioning only intermittently.
Poste Italiane’s IT department is working to resolve the issue and restore normal functionality as quickly as possible.
Delays are to be expected in the processing of both inbound and outbound parcels, as well as EMS items.
The Government of Canada announced a new 25% surtax for goods with Country of Origin (COO), meaning Made in the US, with an effective date of March 4, 2025. The surtax is introduced in response to the imposition by the US of tariffs on Canadian goods.
What this means:
For items being sent DDU, the recipient will bear this cost, for items being sent DDP the retailer will bear the cost of the surtax.
The UKP Worldwide team recently returned from WMX Miami 2025, one of the leading events in the global mail and express industry. Over the course of the event, our team connected with industry leaders, discussed the latest developments in eCommerce logistics, customs, and returns, and shared expert insights on key regulatory changes affecting cross-border trade.
WMX Miami provided an invaluable platform for discussing the challenges and opportunities in global eCommerce logistics, and we were at the forefront of these conversations. Our participation included delivering expert presentations, engaging with key decision-makers, and showcasing our innovative solutions for customs clearance, returns management, and duty reclaim.
Before the main WMX event, Guy Cliffe, presented at the International Mailers Advisory Group (IMAG) meeting alongside Bradley Fisher from Emo-Log. The presentation, titled: 📢 “Navigating Cross-Border Trade: Insights from the UK and the EU”, focused on the evolving customs landscape and regulatory updates including:
✅ EU Union Code of Customs changes, including the potential removal of the €150 duty threshold.
✅ The introduction of the EU General Product Safety Regulations (GPSR) and their impact on eCommerce
✅ Upcoming changes to the Windsor Framework and their effect on UK-to-NI trade
✅ New ENS Safety & Security Declarations, coming into force at the end of January 2025
✅ Returns and duty reclaim strategies, helping businesses recover up to £50-100k per week
This session sparked engaging discussions, providing attendees with valuable insights on adapting to the shifting customs environment.
At the main WMX Miami 2025 conference, Guy Cliffe delivered a second presentation: 📢 “Marketplaces and Customs Clearance in and out of the UK and EU”. This session focused on the rapidly evolving world of digital marketplaces and eCommerce logistics, covering:
🔹 The rise of digital marketplaces and their role in shaping modern supply chains
🔹 VAT and duty reclaim solutions for online retailers and cross-border sellers
🔹 The impact of new customs regulations on eCommerce shipping and returns
🔹 The Windsor Framework’s impact on parcel movements between Great Britain and Northern Ireland
🔹 How UKP Worldwide’s ‘Unwind’ returns solution is helping businesses manage seamless and cost-effective returns
As online marketplaces continue to reshape global logistics, our presentation highlighted the need for efficient customs clearance, regulatory compliance, and robust returns management strategies.
Beyond our presentations, WMX Miami provided an excellent opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions with key industry players. Our team had productive conversations with postal operators, logistics providers, retailers, and marketplace leaders, discussing how UKP Worldwide can support businesses in navigating the complexities of customs and cross-border trade.
We also had the chance to discuss upcoming regulatory changes with global partners, helping them stay ahead of evolving customs requirements and compliance obligations.
With WMX Miami 2025 behind us, UKP Worldwide is now gearing up for the 21st Annual Reverse Logistics Association (RLA) Conference & Expo in Las Vegas on 10th March 2025.
We are thrilled to announce that UKP Worldwide has been nominated for the RLA Excellence Awards for our Unwind returns solution, highlighting our commitment to seamless and cost-effective returns management. Guy, Dillon, and Jarek will be attending the event, ready to connect with industry leaders and share insights into the future of eCommerce logistics and reverse supply chain management.
Thank you to everyone who connected with us at WMX Miami! If you’re attending the RLA Conference in Las Vegas, we look forward to seeing you there.
📩 If you’d like to discuss how UKP Worldwide can support your business with customs clearance, duty reclaim, and returns management, get in touch today!
UPDATE 06.03.2025
The mail handling has now returned to normal and no effects caused by the strike are to be expected any more.
Finland 03.03.2025
The designated operator of Finland, Posti Jakelu Ltd, informs that the PAM Service Union has called a strike from 17:00 local time on 17 February to 17:00 local time on 20 February 2025. This strike may lead to delays of a few days in the handling of mail that requires customs clearance.
Due to severe storms and blizzard conditions in South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and Kentucky, there may be impact to the delivery of mail and packages.
Due to numerous wildfires in North Carolina and South Carolina, there may be impact to the delivery of mail and packages.
Storm Jana causes flooding in parts of Andalucia :Media sources reported that heavy rainfall due to Storm Jana has caused flooding in parts of Analucia, Spain. Authorities activated a Special Emergency Plan due to heavy flooding, landslides, and fallen trees on roads. The most affected areas are Cadiz, Huelva, Malaga, Seville, Granada, Almeria, and Cordoba. Business and logistic disruptions are likely as authorities have forecasted that Storm Jana will impact nearby provinces as well.
As Cyclone Alfred approaches Queensland’s coast, the situation is considered both dangerous and dynamic.
Currently a category two cyclone, it’s expected to make landfall from Thursday afternoon to Friday morning, somewhere between the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast in south-east Queensland. A significant threat to the region, with the potential for damaging winds, heavy rainfall, and life-threatening flooding, The Bureau of Meteorology has not ruled out the possibility of the cyclone intensifying to a category three. Coastal erosion and significant coastal hazard warnings have been issued for nearly 1,000 km of the Australian East Coast.
Authorities have already taken precautionary measures, including the closure of hundreds of schools and cancellation of all major public events. The Federal Government has also triggered a “period of emergency”.
Mauritius Post advises the country is experiencing impacts from a strong cyclone.
The international airport is temporarily closed and all flights have been canceled. Economic/business activities have been suspended and all of the island’s post offices and postal facilities are closed.
Transportation and processing of both inbound and outbound mail are affected. Expect delays in mail delivery throughout the country.