Descartes Systems Group has formed a new workgroup in response to the issuance by U.S. Customs and Border Protection of an interim final rule on the "10+2" filing requirement. Descartes' 10+2 Workgroup is designed for importers, customs brokers, carriers, freight forwarders, non-vessel operating common carriers and shippers, with representation from the top five integrators and leading forwarders. The group's goal is to standardize best practices across the global logistics community for complying with the new Customs regulation. Beginning Jan. 26, 2009, Customs is requiring the reporting of 10 new data elements by importers, and two message sets from ocean carriers. In most cases, the data elements must be submitted 24 hours prior to vessel departure, and the message sets within 48 hours of sailing. Objectives of the Descartes workgroup include automation and standardization of relevant business processes across all parties involved; an interpretation of the final rule and its impact on the industry; insight on optimal data and workflow options between importer, forwarder, broker, carrier, other agents and Customs; and guidance on future actions intended further to streamline international trade. In an earlier announcement, Descartes launched its Importer Security Filing (ISF) Readiness Program for the 10+2 rule. The program is meant to educate and provide first-hand access to Descartes' ISF Services by all parties involved in the movement of international shipments. The ISF Service helps carriers, shippers and intermediaries to comply with the new regulations. Descartes is offering three delivery options: ISF, a basic Web interface which enables customers to log in and enter required data; ISF-Connect, for gathering the complete data set for the ISF filing in their own systems; and ISF-Premier, for collecting data needed for the ISF filing from multiple electronic document submissions or parties. Following collection of the data for the partial ISF filing, the customer can complete the remaining required fields and submit the filing to Customs via the user interface as needed, Descartes said. Descartes Systems Group Workgroup: Descartes Systems Group Readiness Program:
