Global Trade Solutions

Global trade is slowly and steadily growing in both volume and complexity. According to a report by the World Trade Organization (WTO) in April 2019, global merchandise trade volume is expected to grow 2.6 percent in 2019 and up to 3.0 percent in 2020 with GDP growth steady at 2.6 percent. The introduction of new trade policies and regulations impact supply chains in various ways. Cross border trade continues, however. Businesses are turning to technology and third party global trade solutions that allow them to leverage opportunities and address challenges.

 

 

Global Trade Solutions for Customs Processing and Compliance

Millions of paper and electronic documents are involved in global trade. Customs processing and customs clearance can get complicated with constantly changing customs regulations, new software deployed by regulatory agencies, uncertain political climates and new trade policies.

 

The customs clearance process specifically requires a mountain of paperwork from importers and exporters. Required data depends on the country, but in general, shipment details and documentation (commercial invoices, packing lists, purchase order, bills of lading, certificate of origin, permits and licenses) must be known to Customs authorities before a shipment can be released or a driver allowed to cross the border into the destination country.

 

Customs brokers that handle import processing for shippers must also submit documentation to customs for clearance and accounting purposes, while transport operators or carriers are required to submit cargo, conveyance and crew information in advance of arrival.

 

While many customs processes remain paper-based, regulatory agencies have widely adopted electronic systems to process shipment documentation for import, export and transshipments. In the U.S. and Canada, the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) and the Advance Commercial Information (ACI) systems, respectively, serve as the primary platforms for electronic data exchange between trade participants and the government. Electronic declarations must go through ACE and ACI so the information can be evaluated by Customs and shared with other regulating agencies for risk assessment, statistics and other purposes.

 

With the growth of e-commerce and global trade, high-volume importers/exporters face new challenges in terms of compliance and getting their shipments to the consignee as fast as possible. Regulations vary by region and sometimes from port to port in the same country, so the whole process can get very complex. Customs processing is increasingly being handled by third parties for this reason.

 

Customs processing on the trader’s side involves data collection, document preparation and submission to authorities. On the Customs side, officials analyze shipment data to determine admissibility, isolate and deal with high-risk shipments, and expedite the movement of compliant goods. Processing is automated and digitized for the majority of declarations, requiring specialized software to organize cargo information, prepare e-documents and connect directly with regulatory agencies.

 

Software and connectivity can be developed and established in-house, but usually at great expense. A popular alternative is third party processing, where another company, usually an IT or logistics provider, provides technology (software, hardware and connectivity) and other services to the client, including preparation and submission of e-documents to Customs, customs brokerage, consulting, and coordination with third party vendors and supply chain participants.

 

Outsourcing global trade solutions is nothing new. Cost has been and continues to be the number one driver of outsourcing decisions. Trade software or services provided by a third party are generally more affordable than in-house solutions that require huge investments in labor, training, and technology. The right partner can give businesses immediate access to the technology and talent they need, as well as best practices that ensure regulatory compliance and smooth cross-border trade.

 

 

Software and Connectivity

There are multiple ways for traders to submit e-documents to Customs via that country’s electronic data exchange system. The first is through an online portal that can be accessed by participants from anywhere. Online portals are usually free to use, but have limited capabilities especially for high-volume traders. In the ACE Portal for example, filers can only work on one document at a time and submit a limited number of declarations.

 

The second option is EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) connectivity through in-house or third party software. EDI essentially connects two computers directly, in this case the filer’s system and the government system to exchange information based on predefined messaging standards. EDI is the main method filers use to send e-declarations to customs agencies around the world.

 

The other option is a third party EDI solution. Many providers offer cloud-based customs declaration applications that can be accessed online and on the fly. They also offer integrated solutions for users with existing ERP systems or a direct filing service that allows the provider to file on behalf of the client.

 

 

GeTS Global Trade Solutions

GeTS global trade solutions help close information gaps between regulatory agencies and the trading community. Efficient and accurate data sharing enables faster cargo clearance processing, better risk assessment and screening, easy preparation and submission of electronic customs declarations, and optimal regulatory compliance for businesses.

 

GeTS draws on its many decades of domain expertise in global trade facilitation, broad industry partnerships, and technical innovation to give clients comprehensive, industry leading solutions that makes cross-border trade more accessible, predictable and easier to fulfill.

 

Supply Chain Orchestration

GeTS’ deep G2B and B2B domain expertise helps your business grow, with supply chain orchestration transforming the way you manage your global supply chain and a neutral and trusted platform that enhances visibility, tracking and security. GeTS also provides trade compliance and cross border connectivity to streamline e-declaration processes and accelerate cargo clearance.

 

CALISTA

CALISTA is an electronic platform and network designed to enhance collaboration among supply chain participants, including trade communities and governments around the world. CALISTA benefits include:

 

Improved security. Open Trade Blockchain (OTB) is the foundation of CALISTA’s enhanced security feature that improves transparency, data accuracy and trust among stakeholders. CALISTA automates handshakes across nodes, improves authenticity of data flow and provides better access to accurate and up-to-date status visibility.

 

Seamless collaboration. CALISTA makes collaboration easier and global trade seamless by streamlining processes within and across regions. CALISTA is connected directly to customs authorities around the world to drastically reduce the time needed for individual connections. With easier collaboration, logistics service providers can develop new global supply chain solutions for their customers.

 

Smart processing. GeTS helps businesses reduce data duplication through smart technology and improve tracking and visibility of cargo on the move.

 

 

Customs Processing

GeTS offers global customs declaration solutions based on the software-as-a-service model. Filing is easy, fast, accurate and straightforward to ensure compliance regardless of business size. You can send e-declarations to Customs within minutes and receive shipment notifications in real-time to better plan for cargo movement.

 

GeTS eManifest software for U.S., Canada, Japan, Mexico and Panama and ePermit Declaration Processing for Singapore streamlines e-document filing and preparation. Our software features template creation, bulk filing, comprehensive validation to ensure data accuracy, real-time status notifications by email or SMS, highly secure connectivity, mobile app shipment tracking and 24/7 expert customer assistance.

The integrated option allows you to connect GeTS applications to your ERP or similar systems for seamless processing. We can also file e-declarations on your behalf. Simply fax or email the documentation to us, and our team of professionals will handle everything. Shipment notifications will be sent to directly your device.

 

To learn more, visit our global trade solutions page or contact us today.

 

 

 

 

Related Pages:

Streamline Your FDA Compliance with GeTS

GeTS FDA Prior Notice

FDA Prior Notice

eCommerce Compliance

The Future of e-Commerce: Global e-Commerce Trends in 2019 and Beyond

What Is Section 321(CBP Shipment Type)?

ACE (Automated Commercial Environment)

Benefits that Enterprises Gain from Automated Commercial Environment US

Benefits of Using ACE US

What is SW - Single Window US?

Benefits of Using USA Single Window

ACE Highway

ACE ABI for US CBP

ACE Air

ACE Ocean

ISF “10+2”

Truck Section 321 eManifest Requirements from U.S. CBP

 

 

 

 

 

Contact GeTS today for more information on global trade solutions!

 

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