NZ Post has partnered with cross-border data company Hurricane Commerce to implement its Harmonized System (HS) code solution and improve its cross-border shipping offering.
The postal operator has integrated Hurricane’s Zephyr solution to ensure that parcels have the correct Harmonized System code to pass smoothly through customs. NZ Post’s intention is to roll out additional Hurricane services later in 2023. The decision to partner with Hurricane coincides with the launch of Import Control System 2 (ICS2) second release, requiring advanced electronic data including product descriptions and HS6 codes for all consignments coming to or via the European Union by air.
Fern Sandercock, acting head of product and international solutions at NZ Post, said, “Given key regulatory changes that are now coming into play for ICS2 second release around the provision of HS Codes for shipping into the EU, NZ Post recognizes 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. NZ Post initially plans to offer a HS Code classification service to customers, but looks forward to exploring additional value add services, such as tax and VAT calculation, to further simplify the shipping experience for our customers.”
Rod Talbot, director of Hurricane Commerce, Asia-Pacific, added, “We are delighted to be working with NZ Post to support its ambitions around cross-border e-commerce. 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.”
Read more key cross-border updates from the parcel and postal technology industry, here.