UPS Global Checkout promises no surprise import fees

UPS announced the launch of UPS Global Checkout, making it easier for consumers around the world to buy online from shippers around the world.

"Until now, international purchases often arrived with an unpleasant surprise – an additional bill for unpaid import costs. UPS Global Checkout solves that problem by guaranteeing upfront the amount online shoppers pay in duties, fees and taxes, and eliminating the frustration of unexpected costs at delivery," says an official release.

UPS is the only global integrated carrier to offer a guaranteed landed cost solution for international shipping that is seamlessly incorporated into its shipping technology, transforming the shopping experience and offering complete transparency on costs, the release added. "With updates in near real time, the service adjusts to policy changes, international tax laws, duties and tariffs, helping to avoid surprise costs and offering a positive delivery experience. Available in 43 origin countries and delivering to more than 200 destinations worldwide, the service helps businesses of all sizes grow globally by streamlining international shipping."

Kate Gutmann, EVP and President, International, Healthcare and Supply Chain Solutions, UPS says: "With UPS Global Checkout, we’re making international shopping around the world as easy as buying in-store. Online shoppers can now enjoy full transparency and peace of mind with no surprises, knowing what they pay at checkout is the total cost for a cross-border purchase. This, combined with our total UPS premium delivery experience, benefits our customers – the retailers – by helping to drive additional sales. Given trade shifts around the world, expanding growth opportunities in new markets can now be seamless."

Customs duties, taxes and fees are a significant concern for international shoppers, the release added. "Every day, tens of thousands of residential deliveries around the world arrive with duties and taxes payable on delivery. And a survey of U.S. and U.K. shoppers found 41 percent were deterred from buying from an international e-commerce site if the amount of duties and taxes was not crystal clear at checkout.

"UPS Global Checkout changes the game with:

*Guaranteed total landed cost: Purchasers see the total cost, including duties, fees and taxes, before completing their purchase on eligible shipments.

*Enhanced customer experience: No surprise charges at delivery, leading to increased customer satisfaction and encouraging repeat purchases.

*Data-driven accuracy: UPS Global Checkout uses artificial intelligence to assess items in the shopping cart and calculate the correct duties and taxes; and

*Peace of mind: Helps businesses more easily comply with international duties and tariffs."

UPS Global Checkout is one of several new tools UPS offers that simplify cross-border e-commerce. UPS Export Assure offers AI-powered assistance to create export documentation, and UPS Paperless Invoice helps customers save time, reduce errors and enhance sustainability by eliminating paper forms, the release added.