With ever-tightening regulations regarding trade, both import and export, at work in the European Union (EU) these days, Descartes Systems Group is trying to ease fleets’ paperwork process, thereby speeding the delivery of freight throughout Europe.
Descartes’ EU Customs Filing Readiness Program is designed to address upcoming regulations for imports and “to inform, educate and provide first-hand access to importers, customs brokers, carriers, freight forwarders, non-vessel operating common carriers (NVOCCs) and shippers to the Descartes Customs Filing and Compliance Services,” it said.
The EU has been working for several years to convert paper customs filing into electronic filings, drafting the electronic customs multiannual strategic plan (MASP) in the hopes of creating a paperless customs process.
“The electronic customs project initiated by the European Commission (EC) aims to replace paper format customs procedures with EU wide electronic ones, thus creating a more efficient and modern customs environment,” the EC said in a filing regarding the project. “Current legislation on customs procedures and processes is rather complex and is still based on paper declarations, and although all Member States have electronic customs systems, they are not inter-connected. The Commission considers that, with simplified customs legislation, streamlined customs processes and procedures and convergence of IT systems, traders would save money and time in their business transactions with customs.”
Descartes’ program offers a one-stop solution for carriers to help them comply with global customs regulations. The offering allows both expert and novice managers to easily complete the necessary paperwork. A user-friendly web solution permits manual entry of data while an integrated electronic data interchange (EDI) system is available for more advanced users.
“As part of our Global Customs Filer Initiative and the Descartes Federated Network we strive to help our customers be prepared for new regulations,” said Jonathan Wasserman, senior vp, Global Trade Compliance Solutions at Descartes. “Our EU Readiness Program helps our customers be well-informed and prepared for the upcoming EU regulations.”
The software is part of Descartes’ Global Logistics Network (GLN). The GLN helps automate and manage the shipment process, from dock to dock, while providing real-time visibility.
