Product Information

Descartes Import Control Systems

The global supply chain faces new challenges with the European Union’s (EU) focus on creating a single customs interface and approach for its current 27 member states. The most recent security legislation, the import control system (ICS), is similar to the international initiatives in advanced manifest filing (AMS) in that it requires advanced shipment notification to customs authorities prior to goods arrival in the EU in the form of an entry summary declaration (ENS). That means as of January 1, 2011, the burden of supplying advanced shipment information for products en route to the EU, or going to other destinations via the EU, rests with the carriers.

A critical challenge faced by carriers is having access to accurate data on a timely basis. In certain cases, carriers only have partial data, and rely on importers, exporters and freight forwarders to supply the missing pieces such as authorised economic operator (AEO) status, commodity and dangerous goods codes, consignors, contents, methods of payment, etc. The complexity of the information required, combined with the fact that each EU country uses different data formats and communication protocols, may make it challenging for operations to meet ICS requirements in a timely and efficient manner. As a result, they run the potential risk of delays and penalties.

Descartes ICS can help carriers overcome the complexity of ICS compliance by providing a single point of access to manage ICS filings according to specific EU member states’ requirements.

Features

Descartes ICS leverages the power of the Descartes global logistics network (GLN), enabling carriers to electronically connect with brokers, shippers and regulatory authorities around the world through a single portal, without having to worry about data formats or specific member state requirements. As a Descartes global filer offering, Descartes ICS integrates with a wide range of solutions that prepare organizations around the world to meet current global trade compliance mandates.

• Networked Platform (Descartes GLN) – This enables increased supply chain visibility and as well data mapping tools, while supporting industry standards on information exchange for improved data quality and integration

• Single Electronic Access Point via Descartes Global Filer – Automatically manages data formatting to government standards, information distribution/routing and compliance

• Standard and Consistent User Interface – Reduces training requirements while potentially improving accuracy and efficiency

• Comprehensive Data Validation – Mitigates data errors and delays related to inaccurate or missing data

• Collaborative Data Collection – Provides a flexible environment for multiple trading partners

• Standard Structured Messaging – Accepts complete and incomplete data from operational applications using a variety of business documents

• Advanced Alerting and Events Management – Notifies users of missing or erroneous data early in the supply chain cycle to reduce the risk of potential delays, as well as alerting parties of impending timelines

• Global Filing Reporting – Includes archived filing documents, status messaging and complete transaction audit

• User-defined Dashboard – Supports operational exception management

• Business Rule Engine – Determines required filings and where data can be reused for multiple filing requirements, as well as the completeness of filings upon receipt

• Lights Out Integration – Improves data integrity and reduces data entry requirements for faster turnaround

• Role-based Access Control – Ensures data integrity and security

Potential Benefits

• Rapid Deployment, Reduced Cost – Descartes’ modular solutions can be deployed quickly to deliver rapid returns on investment using a proven phased approach supported by value-based metrics and validation

• Reduced Risk, Improved Compliance – Descartes ICS enables carriers to comply with current legislative requirements while mitigating the risk of errors, delays and penalties

• Global Visibility – Users gain complete real-time global visibility into the customs status of cargo, and can leverage the Descartes GLN to distribute customs messages and status information to logistics partners and clients regardless of their location

• Improved Efficiency and Productivity – Carriers can leverage a single point of access to manage all their data entry and filing requirements, regardless of the designated EU destination. Descartes ICS also addresses the various compliance requirements associated with all modes of transport including short/long haul flights, roads, inland waterways, etc.

• Proven Performance – At least 80% of data required in a ICS filing already flows through the Descartes GLN and can be easily modified to meet current legislative requirements

• Industry Experience – Descartes has the operational, project management and regional expertise to help customers satisfy their workflow requirements for customs declarations and security filings.