Brexit SNAFU for Amazon Partnered Carrier Programme with UPS

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The latest Brexit snafu has seen the Amazon Partnered Carrier Programme UPS service hitting problems with customs clearance due to paperwork not being correct. This has led to the temporary suspension of all UK EU shipments until further notice.

This is not a Brexit snafu unique to Amazon, DPD have hit similar issues and DHL have also restricted the carriage of certain types of goods. The big problem is that the deal ended up being so last minute that no one had time to do any test shipments and of course merchants have never had to fill out EU compliant customs documentation before.

The introduction of a customs border between the UK and EU has led to a backlog of Amazon Partnered Carrier Programme shipments that do not have the required documentation to clear customs and need to be returned to sellers. This has caused a strain on the UPS network and therefore, effective immediately, UPS will be temporarily suspending Partnered Carrier Programme small parcel deliveries between the UK and EU.

Affected shipments created in 2021 will be returned to sellers. For these shipments, UPS labels are still valid and can be used with compliant customs clearance documentation. Impacted sellers will be contacted by Amazon with next steps.

For affected shipments created in 2020, if your shipment has been picked up and not delivered, UPS will return the shipment to you. In either case where your shipment has or has not been picked up, the shipping labels are no longer valid. Please wait for a reimbursement.

Amazon hope to resume service as soon as possible and are working with UPS to provide updated guidance on customs clearance. In the meantime, for alternative providers, please see the Service Provider Network.