Mauritius 26.02.2025

Intelligence received by Everstream Analytics on February 27 indicated that Mauritius has been experiencing cyclonic conditions since February 26 and a Level 3 cyclone warning has been issued by the Mauritius Meteorological Services. As a result, the international airport is temporarily closed, and all flights have been cancelled. Mauritius Post has declared a case of force majeure resulting in the suspension of all business activities and the closure of all post offices and postal facilities. The transportation and processing of inbound and outbound mail has been affected, and delays were to be expected in the delivery of mail. It was not immediately clear when postal operations return to normal.

UKP Worldwide Featured in Cross-Border Magazine: Understanding the Value of UK Duty Reclaim for European Retailers

At UKP Worldwide, we are committed to helping retailers navigate the complexities of cross-border eCommerce, particularly when it comes to returns and duty reclaim. That’s why we are thrilled to share our latest feature in Cross-Border Magazine: Understanding the Value of UK Duty Reclaim for European Retailers.

As European retailers expand into the UK market, many encounter challenges related to import duties—especially in high-return sectors such as fashion, footwear, and accessories. With return rates often exceeding 30%, the financial impact of unrecovered duties can be substantial. However, an often-overlooked opportunity exists: reclaiming UK import duties on returned goods.

In this article, we explore the benefits of duty reclaim, including:

  • Significant cost savings and improved cash flow

  • Streamlined returns processes that enhance inventory management

  • Strengthened customer experience and sustainability efforts

We also discuss key steps retailers must take to ensure a smooth reclaim process, from accurate tracking and compliance with UK customs regulations to submitting the necessary paperwork.

By turning returns into a strategic advantage, European retailers can optimise their UK operations and enhance profitability.

Read the full article here: https://cross-border-magazine.com/understanding-the-value-of-uk-duty-reclaim/

For more information on how UKP Worldwide can support your business with duty reclaim and eCommerce returns, get in touch with our team today.

Chile 25.02.2025

Authorities in Chile announced a state of emergency and imposed a curfew from Arica y Parinacota in the north to Los Lagos in the south following a nationwide power outage. According to reports, the curfew was imposed at 22:00 local time on 25th February and would remain in effect until at least 06:00 local time on 26th February. The measures have affected an area over 3,000 km / 1865 miles and came with the deployment of 3,000 soldiers onto the streets to reinforce security. Logistics and business disruptions are to be expected until the power supply returns to normal.

USA

Heavy snow, freezing rain, icy conditions, and severe weather events from the Midwest through the Northeast U.S. (South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Kansas, Iowa, Missouri, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, District of Columbia, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont) may impact the processing, transportation, and delivery of mail and packages. Please allow additional time for final delivery of your item.

Belgium 24.02.2025

We are pleased to confirm that an agreement has been reached with the Unions and as a result, all actions will come to an end in the South of Belgium and Brussels.

Please bear with us while suppliers work through the backlog. Some delays are still expected until the backlog has been cleared. 

United Kingdom 23.02.2025

Heavy rain has caused flooding in southern parts of Wales. Roadways including the A4042 in Llanellen and A40 in Abergavenny have been closed by authorities due to floodwaters. Flood alerts were issued for areas around rivers Teifi, Towy and Wye, Monnow and Usk in Monmouthshire, Powys and Newport counties. 

Georgia 23.02.2025

Georgian Post has reported that due to poor weather conditions, mail delivery throughout the western region of Georgia has been disrupted since 23rd February. In some areas, deliveries are particularly restricted, while in others they have been completely suspended. These conditions have resulted in delays in the processing and delivery of mail. Weather conditions are expected to improve in the coming days but no information has been given on when postal services will return to normal.

Canada 19.02.2025

The designated operator of Canada, Canada Post, wishes to inform that it has experienced ITMATT data transmission issues, starting on 12 February 2025.

The issues have since been resolved, but there remains a backlog of unsent ITMATT data. Canada Post has started sending this data on a “first in, first out” basis, and is making every effort to process all backlogged data as quickly as possible.

Hong Kong 13.02.2025

Hongkong Post the designated operator of Hong Kong wishes to advise that the United States Postal Service (USPS) has announced the suspension of acceptance of all inbound mail items containing goods arriving from China (including Hong Kong) to the United States. These changes are as a result of changes to formal entry conditions arising from new US government policies effective from 4th February 2025. 

This has resulted in airlines offloading and refusing to accept all outbound from Hong Kong to the US and is causing disruption to the processing of all mail items. Additional time is required for the reprocessing and segregation of mail, as well as further communication with USPS and coordination with the airlines in order to restore service to the US.