Cross border data specialist Hurricane Commerce has announced two new agreements which aim to ensure cross-border parcels move smoothly through customs and to support the digitalisation of trade, supply chains and logistics.
Most recently, the firm announced that it is partnering with Asendia USA to ensure cross-border parcels have the correct harmonisation (HS) code. As part of this agreement, Asendia has integrated Hurricane’s data enhancement solution Zephyr which enables shipment data sets to be complete, accurate and fully compliant with global regulations.
According to Hurricane, the integration of Zephyr is particularly timely with the second release of Import Control System 2 (ICS2) coming into effect on March 1, 2023. The second release requires advance electronic data including product descriptions and HS6 codes for all consignments coming to or via the EU by air.
Bob Puppa, Chief Operating Officer of Asendia USA, said: “Key regulatory events, including the upcoming ICS2 second phase, mean that complete and accurate data, including HS codes, is a fundamental requirement to ensure that our customers’ goods can move unhindered by customs delays wherever they are destined in the world.
“Hurricane’s data enhancement solution Zephyr is already making a difference and is a good fit with our wider range of customized solutions that reduce costs, improve transit times and provide a superior customer experience,” Puppa added.
Digitalisation of trade
Hurricane Commerce has also signed a Tripartite Agreement with two British Chamber of Commerce Singapore member companies to support the digitalisation of trade, supply chains and logistics.
As part of this agreement, Hurricane will jointly collaborate with cross-border data sharing and workflow platform LogChain and end-to-end supply chain consultancy TMX Global on a programme to build a plan of operations which aims to improve cross-border trade and digitalise supply chain and logistics industries.
According to Hurricane, the tripartite agreement between the three Chamber members seeks to build on, and champion, the UK-Singapore Digital Economy Agreement (UKSDEA) which was signed on February 25, 2022, and entered into force on June 14, 2022. Modules in the UKSDEA include digital trade facilitation, customer cooperation, cross-border data flows and paperless trading.
David Kelly, Executive Director at the British Chamber of Commerce Singapore, said: “The digital economy is a huge area of interest for the British Chamber and our members as technology provides more opportunities for cross-border trade.
“With the UKSDEA entering into force last year, it is therefore really pleasing to see three member companies of the Chamber driving forward to collaborate and build upon the agreement to support business,” Kelly added.
New partnerships
The above news follows a string of new partnerships signed by Hurricane Commerce during 2022. In October 2022, for example, the firm teamed up with Emma Systems, which provides cloud-based tools for the electronic receipt and storage of customs documents, to ensure customers receive the best possible cross-border experience.
The two companies are collaborating to deliver Hurricane’s AI-driven, real-time data solutions and Emma Systems’ E-Doc cloud platform that enables post-declaration customs compliance and HMRC audit readiness.
In addition to the Emma Systems contract, Hurricane also signed deals with Hongkong Post, with e-commerce API integration platform provider Itembase, and with the International Post Corporation, among others, in 2022.
