WATERLOO, Ontario, Jan. 28, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Descartes Systems Group (TSX:DSG) (Nasdaq:DSGX), a global on-demand software-as-a-service (SaaS) logistics solutions provider, went live on January 26, 2009 with its Importer Security Filing (ISF) "10+2" service. This service is available to the more than 4,000 members of the Descartes Global Logistics Network to help them comply with this latest United States Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) ISF "10+2" initiative.
On November 25, 2008, CBP released its interim final rule on ISF, also known as the "10+2" rule. Under this rule, beginning on January 26, 2009 importers were required to provide CBP with additional data elements 24 hours prior to lading for all ocean shipments inbound to the United States. This security measure is often referred to as "10+2" because the regulation requires the collection of 10 new data elements from importers or their agents and 2 message sets from the ocean carriers. The goal is to have these data elements submitted 24 hours prior to vessel departure and the two new message sets from ocean carriers within 48 hours of vessel departure, however, CBP has allowed for some flexibility in this timing and submission of the data elements.
"We considered the varying needs of organizations involved in the process to comply with the '10+2' initiative when designing our GLN services to help standardize cross-border business processes," said Edward Ryan, Executive Vice President of Global Field Operations for Descartes. "Our services can help them with basic electronic compliance, but are flexible enough to help them with more advanced electronic documentation and interaction with customs brokers and authorities."
Descartes offers three different ISF Service delivery options to accommodate varying customer needs:
* Descartes ISF: This simple web user interface enables customers to login via the internet and enter all the data required for an ISF filing (5 or 10 elements). This service sends data directly to CBP and provides a view of the filing status. Customers have the option of receiving the status updates via electronic data interchange if they choose. E-alerts can also be used to notify the customers via email if there is a problem with the filing. * Descartes ISF - Connect: This service enables customers to gather the complete data set for the ISF filing in their own systems for submission to CBP. The service transmits the data for each ISF filing and provides a status of the filing via electronic message for posting in the customer's own system. Transmissions to CBP are made via the Descartes Global Logistics Network's secure connection to CBP. * Descartes ISF - PREMIER: This service enables the customers to collect the data needed for the ISF filing from multiple electronic document submissions or parties, including data sources such as a purchase order or advance shipment notice. Once the data is collected 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' ISF Service is a part of Descartes' GLN Customs Filing & Compliance suite. The GLN helps automate, manage and streamline the end-to-end shipment process, from source to consumer, with ongoing real-time visibility. Descartes' customs filing and compliance services help companies meet regulatory requirements for international shipments for both international customs agencies and security initiatives.
Descartes is hosting weekly webcasts through the end of February to help organizations understand what is needed to comply with the regulations and how to get started. Customers can sign up for the webcast by visiting Descartes' website at www.descartes.com, emailing info@descartes.com or calling 1-416-741-2838 ext 298.
About Descartes
Descartes (TSX:DSG) (Nasdaq:DSGX), a leading provider of software-as-a-service (SaaS) logistics solutions, is delivering results across the globe today for organizations that operate logistics-intensive businesses. Descartes' logistics management solutions combine a multi-modal network, the Descartes Global Logistics Network, with component-based 'nano' sized applications to provide messaging services between logistics trading partners, shipment management services to help manage third party carriers and private fleet management services for organizations of all sizes. These solutions and services help Descartes' customers reduce administrative costs, billing cycles, fleet size, contract carrier costs, and mileage driven and improve pick up and delivery reliability. Our hosted, transactional and packaged solutions deliver repeatable, measurable results and fast time-to-value. Descartes customers include an estimated 1,600 ground carriers and more than 90 airlines, 30 ocean carriers, 900 freight forwarders and third-party providers of logistics services, and hundreds of manufacturers, retailers, distributors, private fleet owners and regulatory agencies. The company has more than 350 employees and is based in Waterloo, Ontario, with operations in Atlanta, Pittsburgh, Minneapolis, Ottawa, Washington DC, Derby, London, Brussels, Stockholm and Shanghai. For more information, visit www.descartes.com.
The Descartes Systems Group logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=4065
This release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws ("forward-looking statements") that relate to Descartes' solution offering and potential benefits derived therefrom; Descartes' ability to help customers comply with emerging compliance initiatives and other matters. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements or developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, changes in the structure or deployment of compliance initiatives and the factors and assumptions discussed in the section entitled, "Certain Factors That May Affect Future Results" in documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Ontario Securities Commission and other securities commissions across Canada. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. We do not undertake or accept any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in our expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.