NZ Post has teamed up with cross-border data specialist Hurricane Commerce to enable frictionless cross-border shipping and to help the post meet new customs requirements for goods entering the European Union (EU).
The postal operator has integrated Hurricane’s Zephyr solution to ensure that parcels have the correct Harmonized System (HS) code to pass smoothly through customs. NZ Post intends to roll out additional Hurricane services later this year to add further value to its customers.
Regulatory changes
The decision to partner with Hurricane coincides with the launch of the EU’s Import Control System 2 (ICS2) second release requiring advance electronic data including product descriptions and HS6 codes for all consignments coming to or via the EU by air.
Fern Sandercock, NZ Post’s Head of Product, International Solutions (Acting), said: “Given [these] key regulatory changes…NZ Post recognises now more than ever the need to ensure complete and accurate data to support free flow trade for our customers when sending overseas.
“Hurricane’s Zephyr solution will enable us to meet these obligations while providing a seamless cross-border shipping experience for our customers through efficient checking and completion of cross-border shipment pre-advice data,” Sandercock added.
NZ Post initially plans to offer a HS Code classification service to customers, but according to Sandercock, the firm is exploring “additional value add services,” such as tax and VAT calculation, to further simplify the shipping experience for its customers.
Quality data
Rod Talbot, Hurricane’s Director – Asia Pacific, said: “Ensuring complete, accurate and compliant data on goods is a fundamental requirement for success in global e-commerce and we look forward to providing NZ Post with a range of solutions, starting with our HS look-up service.
“The provision of correct HS codes and other shipment data offers many benefits including operational efficiency, reduced costs and, most important of all, enhanced customer satisfaction,” Talbot added.
The NZ Post announcement follows a slew of new partnerships for Hurricane in recent months. Last month, for example, the firm announced a contract with Asendia USA and a Tripartite Agreement with two British Chamber of Commerce Singapore member companies to support the digitalisation of trade, supply chains and logistics.
In addition, Hurricane has also recently signed deals with Hongkong Post, with e-commerce API integration platform provider Itembase, and with the International Post Corporation, among others, in 2022.
