USPS’ Outbound Commercial Provider Initiative (OCPI)
As cross-border eCommerce continues to grow, the demand for a variety of shipping solutions is increasing. The USPS has encountered the need to offer alternatives for commercial shipments going through its international mail streams. They recently published a...
Mexico’s Restrictions on Cosmetics
Mexico is now USA’s No. 1 trade partner, according to the U.S Census Bureau’s 2019 report. Mexico has become a strong market for foreign companies looking to expand their international foothold. With the COVID-19 pandemic and the U.S-China trade war, more U.S...
Covid’s Impact on International Shipping
Since its 2020 outbreak, COVID-19 has severely impacted our daily lives. The shipping industry was not spared, and it’s had to face tough circumstances as the workforce got shut down to prevent further spreading of the coronavirus. Countries started imposing bans on...
2021 USPS International Price Group Changes
The U.S Postal Service uses Country Price Groups to determine the shipping rate for international parcels. Each country is assigned to a Country Price Group, and these groups can also vary by USPS mailing service and package type. In January 2021, the USPS will be...
Synthetics Trafficking and Overdose Prevention (STOP) ACT
The Synthetics Trafficking and Overdose Prevention (STOP) Act is part of a sweeping law meant to help address the opioids crisis. For many years, criminals have exploited a loophole in the global postal system to ship deadly drugs and opioids (such as fentanyl) into...
EU and UK Making Changes to VAT on Parcel Imports
Much like Australia did a few years ago, the UK and EU are looking to implement a similar registration-based system that puts more onus on the seller or marketplace to capture VAT and end collections at the door. Also, the new changes puts more pressure on low value...
How to Get Ready for International Peak Shipping Season
Differences between domestic and international shipping Mark Feinstein Sr Vice President at Asendia USA (a large US consolidator) really stresses transparency… “Online retailers should clearly communicate holiday shipping deadlines to avoid disappointment. Running a...