The Universal Postal Union (UPU) has selected Hurricane Commerce’s unique Kona API to help power global trade for postal operators.

Hurricane is a member of the UPU’s prestigious Consultative Committee and its data validation product Zephyr has been available to members via the UPU’s Customs Declaration System since 2021.

Now, following a rigorous tender process, Hurricane has been chosen to supply its Kona API to members.

Kona is genuinely game-changing for cross-border trade, covering the critical areas of data validation, duty and tax calculation, prohibited and restricted goods screening and denied parties screening in a single API call.

Due to its modular nature, customers can choose the solutions they most urgently need, whether that is one or all of Kona’s capabilities.

David Spottiswood, Co-Founder of Hurricane Commerce, said: “Hurricane is already established as the leading provider of cross-border data solutions to the postal sector with over 30 posts across the globe using our true AI-driven products and further major announcements to follow in the coming weeks.

“We are therefore delighted that the UPU is continuing to build on our already longstanding relationship with the adoption of our latest product, a truly unique innovation in cross-border eCommerce.

“We are also proud to be a gold sponsor of the UPU’s Consultative Committee, playing a pivotal role in providing members with knowledge and thought leadership.

“We now look forward to further embedding our long-term partnership with the UPU with the adoption of Kona, adding to the suite of products already available to its membership.

“The integration of Kona into the UPU’s CDS means that all the benefits of Hurricane’s tech are available to members in a single API call including data accuracy and speed, improved operational efficiencies, regulatory compliance and smooth customs clearance.”

Hurricane’s postal customers include Royal Mail, Australia Post, An Post, Canada Post, Hong Kong Post and Bpost.

Cyril McGrane, Director of Pricing, International and QOS at An Post, a longstanding Hurricane customer and UPU member, said: “The future success of cross-border trade hinges upon the adoption of a digital-first approach, underpinned by automated technologies. Only through such innovations can stakeholders ensure the seamless provision of data, capable of handling the ever-growing volumes associated with international transactions.

“As cross-border eCommerce continues to flourish, stakeholders must remain vigilant in navigating the evolving regulatory landscape. Embracing digital transformation and leveraging automated solutions will be imperative in sustaining growth and fostering a thriving global eCommerce ecosystem.

“Hurricane is a world-leader in the provision of cross-border data and a much-valued partner to An Post in supporting our own largescale programme of digitisation.”