UPS Gives Importers More Control

UPS launches UPS Import Control, a technology tool that puts control over inbound logistics and costs in the hands of the importer rather than the exporter.

The service reduces delays to the shipping process due to incorrect or incomplete documentation, and gives importers the ability to remove the commercial invoice after customs clearance when shipping directly to end-customers.

"Never before have importers been given so much control over their shipping process. UPS Import Control firmly puts them in the driver's seat over their shipments," said Derek Woodward, president of UPS Asia Pacific Region, "They can now elect to have the commercial invoice removed prior to delivery, insuring that the end-customer doesn't receive cost of goods information."

With UPS Import Control, importers can process an import shipment through UPS shipping systems, CampusShip and Internet Shipping on ups.com. They can generate shipping labels and commercial invoices for a small package import shipment and forward those materials to the international shipper (exporter). The importer can even dispatch a UPS driver to provide the materials and collect the shipment.

Import Control overcomes three major pain points that most importers face. First, in most shipping situations, the exporter or supplier takes control over the shipping and passes the cost back to the importer. This can lead to incorrect service levels resulting in additional costs.

Second, with most commercial invoices being prepared by the exporter, importers have no control over the documentation. Most shipments are delayed at customs because of incorrect or incomplete commercial invoices, which may also incur additional expenses to update the documents. An incorrect commercial invoice could also lead to incorrect harmonisation codes and additional duties and taxes. Although the mistake could be made by the exporter, in most cases, it will be the importer who will pay for the mistake.

Lastly, in some cases, importers authorise their suppliers to use their shipping account which could lead to misuse of the account. With UPS Import Control, the importer assumes responsibility in setting the service levels, arranging for pickups and ensuring that the documentation is accurate. They no longer need to share their shipping account details with their suppliers.

UPS Import Control is available to all UPS account holders using UPS CampusShip and Internet Shipping on ups.com.