An industry first, UPS Paperless^SM Invoice enables customers shipping small packages internationally to do just that - "go paperless." This service transforms lengthy Customs documents into simple electronic data, eliminating the need for paper commercial invoices. UPS is the only company to offer customers the ability to use electronic commercial invoices for international shipping, reducing paper, office supplies and staff time associated with this Customs paperwork.

Incomplete forms are one of the main reasons that shipments are held at Customs. Customers can breathe easier knowing that the program won't allow them to submit incomplete commericial invoices. And, with Customs information stored on a secure electronic platform, customers now have an easy and reliable way to archive and access files.

UPS Paperless Invoice fully utilizes technology to help integrate order processing, shipment preparation and commercial invoice data and then electronically transmit that data to Customs offices across the globe. UPS Paperless is automating the Customs process so that a package can be cleared before it even arrives at its destination. Because the electronic forms are available instantaneously, Customs brokers can start processing the shipment while it is still in transit.

UPS is using its relationships with Customs officials worldwide to demonstrate that the electronic data provided directly from shippers is as dependable as or even more so than printed paper commercial invoices. Customers will benefit from streamlined shipment preparation for international shipments. Importers will be able to keep the Customs value confidential when their suppliers ship goods directly to their end-customers, reducing the risk of fraud.

As an additional benefit, this service also provides customers with a positive environmental impact by eliminating paper. Using electronic invoices rather than paper ones can result in tremendous savings over time.