United Arab Emirates (UAE) postal operator Emirates Post has expanded its partnership with Hurricane Commerce, its cross-border data partner.
Emirates Post’s initial intention 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. The company is now also implementing 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.
According to Forbes Middle East, online sales in the Middle East account for only 2% of overall retail sales, showing the huge untapped potential for e-commerce players.
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 that complete and accurate cross-border e-commerce 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 e-commerce growth potential and Emirates Post is positioning itself to be one of the leading players.”
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. We have 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.”