UPS UK to US Export Problems

[psx32]

Hi folks,

Just reaching out to see if anyone has experienced a similar issue with shipments exported from the UK to the USA.

We have exported products under HS code 8473.30.8000 for years without any problems. However, as soon as the global 25% aluminum tariff was introduced, UPS brokerage started reclassifying our products under HS code 8473.30.5100. This new classification triggers the aluminum tariff, while our original code (8473.30.8000) does not.

There are two major issues here:

1. Firstly, HS code 8473.30.5100 is entirely incorrect for our products. Someone at UPS brokerage has persistently reclassified our products incorrectly to deliberately subject them to the aluminium tariff.
2. Secondly, our products contain no aluminium or steel at all. Despite this, after the incorrect reclassification, UPS further labels our products as aluminium derivatives, causing the full 25% tariff to be unfairly charged.

Clearly something is very wrong, and this situation feels intentional, which is incredibly frustrating. The incorrect fees have now added up to thousands.

We've emailed UPS numerous times but haven't gotten anywhere. UPS UK states they can't resolve the issue and directs us to UPS US. However, UPS US insists we must contact UPS UK.

After about 30 emails, including some sent directly to higher-level contacts we found online, we finally reached someone within UPS UK exports.

This person was rightly concerned about why UPS US brokerage had deliberately reclassified our products incorrectly, despite having correctly processed them for many years previously. They escalated the issue to senior management in the UPS US brokerage department.

Nearly two months have now passed, and even this senior contact informs us they still haven't received a response from UPS US brokerage regarding correcting this issue.

If senior management at UPS UK can't get a response, what chance do we have! Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Customs Geek]

Hi PSX32

I’ve just checked in the US tariff schedule and the US does not have a classification 8473. 30. 8000. Therefore as the code you provided isn’t valid the UPS broker must be making a judgement based on the goods description.

I am not sure if you are aware but only the first six digits are universal/ harmonised .
The code you have used is the UK full commodity code. So this will be only used to declare the export to HMRC.

So 8473.30 covers Parts and accessories of the machines of heading 8471 in both the UK and USA.

But in the USA they then have a choice of :
Under the description’Not incorporating a cathode ray tube’ you have
8473.30.11 Printed circuit assemblies

8473.30.11.40
Memory modules suitable for use solely or principally with machines of heading 8471

8473.30.11.80
Other

8473.30.20.00. Parts and accessories, including face plates and lock latches, of printed circuit assemblies

8473.30.51.00
Other

Then under the description Other ( ie containing a cathode ray tube)
8473.30.91.00
Other

Also bear in mind that the HS codes are not static and do change periodically particularly beyond the first 6 digits. It may be that the HTS code you were using became invalid at some point.

 

[Shipping Guru]

I was with UPS for over 18 years and it does not surprise me you are having issues with communication. My advice is that if you want the best service without paying UPS prices. DM me and we can support all your shipping needs and even help point you in the right direction for tariffs. Customs Geek is 100% correct. However, as logistics company, we can support where UPS could only dream of.

Thanks.

 

[rk2]

Hi folks,

Just reaching out to see if anyone has experienced a similar issue with shipments exported from the UK to the USA.

We have exported products under HS code 8473.30.8000 for years without any problems. However, as soon as the global 25% aluminum tariff was introduced, UPS brokerage started reclassifying our products under HS code 8473.30.5100. This new classification triggers the aluminum tariff, while our original code (8473.30.8000) does not.

There are two major issues here:

1. Firstly, HS code 8473.30.5100 is entirely incorrect for our products. Someone at UPS brokerage has persistently reclassified our products incorrectly to deliberately subject them to the aluminium tariff.
2. Secondly, our products contain no aluminium or steel at all. Despite this, after the incorrect reclassification, UPS further labels our products as aluminium derivatives, causing the full 25% tariff to be unfairly charged.

Clearly something is very wrong, and this situation feels intentional, which is incredibly frustrating. The incorrect fees have now added up to thousands.

We've emailed UPS numerous times but haven't gotten anywhere. UPS UK states they can't resolve the issue and directs us to UPS US. However, UPS US insists we must contact UPS UK.

After about 30 emails, including some sent directly to higher-level contacts we found online, we finally reached someone within UPS UK exports.

This person was rightly concerned about why UPS US brokerage had deliberately reclassified our products incorrectly, despite having correctly processed them for many years previously. They escalated the issue to senior management in the UPS US brokerage department.

Nearly two months have now passed, and even this senior contact informs us they still haven't received a response from UPS US brokerage regarding correcting this issue.

If senior management at UPS UK can't get a response, what chance do we have! Any advice would be appreciated.

Hi there, we have experienced the same problems and UPS have classified our products as Aluminium even though they are liquids! Would you mind sharing where you got the Seniour contact info for UPS please? We are going around in circles and also unable to get a response from US customs- many thanks