Emirates Post: Through automation, we can be fast, flexible and truly customer-centric
Emirates Post, the UAE’s official postal operator, has expanded its partnership with its cross-border data partner Hurricane Commerce by adopting additional data services.
Emirates Post’s initial requirement was to integrate Hurricane’s Zephyr solution, its bulk clearance data enhancement tool, to ensure that all inbound and outbound parcels have the requisite shipment data including product descriptions, HS6 codes and import/export codes.
Peter Somers, CEO of Emirates Post, said: “Cross-border e-commerce is growing exponentially and the opportunities for Emirates Post are significant.
“However, the regulations impacting the way cross-border e-commerce happens have also changed beyond all recognition in 2021 thanks, among other things, to Brexit, the abolition of the EU’s VAT exemption on low-value goods, the introduction of the Import One-Stop Shop and the US STOP Act.
“One of the biggest challenges we face is the need for complete and accurate data sets, and the successful integration of Hurricane’s Zephyr API is already making a huge difference. By ensuring the data sets are complete, we keep our customers’ shipments moving seamlessly.
Hurricane’s data solutions enable partners to add value to their customer relationships, maximising final mile delivery capability and minimising delays at customs.
Somers said: “There has never been a greater need for high quality data in cross-border e-commerce and this expectation will only become greater as regulatory change becomes more entrenched.
“We have, for example, noticed a significant change since the introduction of the Import One-Stop Shop on July 1 in terms of the requirements for complete and valid data placed on retailers and marketplaces.”
Emirates Post sees its role in providing the best-in-class solutions as vital in helping customers to navigate the changes and keep their parcels moving smoothly whatever the destination.
Somers added: “As a postal operator, we are committed to our programme of digitisation – this is essential for any business wishing to achieve scale in cross-border eCommerce due to the sheer volume of consignments involved. Hurricane’s technology provides us with real-time data at lightning speeds. Through automation, we can be fast, flexible and truly customer-centric.”
Extending the Hurricane partnership
Emirates Post is now adopting Hurricane’s Aura solution which covers the three critical cross-border areas of duty and tax calculation, prohibited and restricted goods screening and denied parties screening.
Somers added: “The integration of Zephyr has gone extremely well and results from the API calls have been excellent, giving Emirates Post greater accuracy and increased security controls to ensure the integrity of the network is kept to the highest standard.
“We are now working with Hurricane to expand our customer offering further by adding more functionality.”
David Spottiswood, Co-Founder of Hurricane Commerce, said: “We are delighted to be strengthening our partnership with Emirates Post. They are a forward-thinking, ambitious postal operator that understands the vital role complete and accurate cross-border eCommerce data plays in enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency.
“The UAE and wider Middle East is one of the most exciting regions in terms of eCommerce growth potential and Emirates Post is positioning itself to be one of the leading players.”
