e-Commerce Certification program — an industry first

The way products are being shipped around the globe has changed, the world of online shopping and cross-border movement of goods can be summed up in one word, e-commerce.
The term e-commerce is being used to describe and encapsulate the industry changes we are seeing happen right before our eyes, fueled by internet connectivity, technology, and billions savvy-mobile shoppers.
e-Tailers and retailers require solution providers that can deliver one-stop-shop services, from first mile, cross-border shipping and compliance, fulfillment, supply chain value adds through to last mile delivery. Additionally, we must not forget the complex returns management and reverse logistics that is part and parcel of the online shopping economy — the goal is one supply chain that can do it all.
WCA has seen this industry change and launched the WCA e-commerce Network to meet the needs to both the e-tailing market and its logistics members.
The WCA e-Commerce Network was formally launched in February 2017 at the WCA Annual Conference in Singapore and is the only network of its type. The network provides a way for retailers and manufacturers to connect with verified e-commerce logistics providers. WCA has designed an e-commerce logistics Certification program, which provides clearly defined and validated e-commerce services provided by companies that pass the strict criteria and competencies. This provides e-tailers with a perfect portal to connect with skilled, experienced and qualified logistics providers. The Certification program also includes financial protection and special insurance products that not only provide peace-of-mind for both e-tailers and their logistics partners, but also brings a new level of reassurance and quality for their customers.
WCA members have received this new network initiative with great enthusiasm, excitement and are very supportive of the potential business possibilities and further developing their e-commerce services through the members knowledge hub and resources.
In this rapidly-changing and growing sector of cross-border e-commerce logistics, speaking with and listening to our members is the perfect catalyst to developing and improving this network and help provide the most dynamic cutting-edge e-commerce cross-border services that the retailing industry is looking for.
As an example of this, the first and very well attended WCA Annual e-Commerce Network Conference was held in Miami (July 2017) was a testament to member engagement and best-practice learnings. We had many of our network members present who contributed to the full program of workshop sessions and key industry speakers.
The conference also included e-tailers sharing their knowledge, requirements and future plans and, most importantly, what they want to see from their logistics providers in relation to effective and value-added e-commerce cross-border logistics solutions. Airline and technology companies were also well represented and presented valuable knowledge at our open forum and plenary sessions.
e-Commerce Certification program — an industry first
The WCA e-commerce team has been kept very busy and focused on our objectives, we have implemented the e-Commerce Member Certification program that identifies those members that specialize in e-commerce services.
These members are capable of providing our network and e-retailers, dedicated cross-border e-commerce services from first mile to last mile including reverse logistics.
We have designed a robust and well-articulated online application process where a member is asked to provide us responses to a series of specific questions in 3 key categories.
1. The organization itself and its operations in terms of activity, specialization, local and global reach, professional affiliations etc,
2. The second section focuses heavily on actual e-commerce solutions and capabilities that exists in the organization such as what services they are capable of providing in cross-border e-commerce transactions between members eg: first mile, consolidations, fulfillment, value adding, sortation, distribution, last mile, reverse logistics etc…
3. Thirdly we focus on technology, the type of systems they use as a B2B and B2C. Can they provide timely data updates, full visibility of processes, track and trace through to customer services operations and POD etc.
Once an application has been submitted and checks have been made an on-site visit will be made to the applicants’ sites to verify services and capabilities.
Note: Depending on variance of capability and facilities we are able to certify members according to two categories:
A. E-Commerce Logistics Fully capable “Gold status” which has been measured, validated, verified and approved as having an excellent (and verified) standard of e-Commerce logistical operations.
B. Pathway Member (Green status) that has partial e-commerce capabilities but is actively developing their e-commerce services and capabilities and are aiming to qualify as Gold members in the future.
The e-Commerce Certification program has been well received as something our Members have told us was lacking in the logistics industry. WCA e-Commerce is the first to provide a real and qualified solution to bridge this gap, empowering our members to grow their e-commerce business in a global online market that is projected to be worth over US$4trillion in the next 2–3 years.
XBorder Tool launch
Another initiative for the e-Commerce Network has been the recent launch of the online cross-border AI tool [XBORDER] that provides the ability to quickly search the HS codes for customs product classifications including duties, taxes and landed costings information. It is an easy to use digital tool that makes the compliance shipping costs visible pre-shipment which is creating a lot of interest with our member base.
Other developments we have introduced this year include cross-border trade webinars, knowledge hub, new website upgrades, creation of external Vendor Member programs, conferences, workshops and many other exciting benefits we are currently working on behind the scenes that we will deliver in this network in the coming months.
Then when you add the element of integrated smart technology platforms and connectivity to this largely independent ecosystem the possibilities are endless to create ongoing solutions to benefit our members both now and into the future. This then becomes a unique offering, bringing together e-tailer platforms, online marketplaces, merchants, vendors, airlines, shipping lines and trading companies to transact with this network on a single platform. Something that we all are striving for in our increasingly interdependent global trade.

For more information visit WCA World and WCA eCommerce.
