How to choose the ideal Customs Clearance Software, shares Gopala Krishnan, AVP, Kale Logistics Solutions

Customs Brokers work at critical junctures in every international supply chain, assisting importers and exporters as they navigate complex regulatory procedures including cargo classification, admissibility requirements, rates of duty and import fees. Globally 44% of Customs Brokers’ time is spent on onerous demands of drafting and processing paper-based documentation to meet the clearance specifications put forward by national customs agencies. With very little time to focus on core operations the Customs Brokers (CBs) need to have the right digital tools in their logistics toolbox. It is essential that CBs spend their time selecting and familiarising themselves with the right Customs Clearance Software to help move cargo seamlessly across borders.

Here are 5 key elements to look for in a customs brokerage software –

1. Comprehensive solution that streamlines the process from start-to-finish

An all-in-one solution can manage import and export information, matchdata, and assist with customs clearance and code assignments. Not having to move between programs helps agents avoid simple and often overlooked mistakes often caused by human error.  The software should have no room for error or misinterpretation of regulation protocols

2. A fast and high performing technical infrastructure with seamless integrability

Having the right technical infrastructure to integrate external tools so that coding systems can live within customs compliance software is ideal. Not being able to incorporate external resources can complicate processes for agents and be a potential blocker for increased efficiency.

3. Internal visibility features for true transparency and accurate reporting  

In international shipping, it’s vital to be able to easily track down, prioritize and address required corrections caught in audit before the customs declaration process.

4. Global capabilities and compliance with rules and laws for local customs 

Since shipment data is transferred from customs brokerage software to declaration management software, it’s important to search for tools that offer compatibility with different systems required by different countries. This will help ensure that cargo is quickly declared, approved, and ready to cross the border.

Most customs authorities follow the World Trade Organizations’ guidelines for valuation. Ensuring shipment invoices are correctly and accurately keyed before being transferred to customs helps avoid any setbacks at the border, and forwarders that familiarize themselves with these guidelines help themselves in the long game.

5. Integration with Optical Character Recognition (OCR) data capture program

Accurate and efficient data capture at the point of origin is the foundation of timely customs clearance and finding and fixing errors prior to reaching the border.

A fluid customs brokerage data capture process should account for the same duties performed by international auditors at primary gateways. Importing the documents from the origin, auditing, and entering the data for the shipment to be properly processed and begin on the international route to its consignee.

The right customs brokerage software helps with the end goal – timely customs clearance and successful delivery of the goods to the consignee.

About CANOPUS from Kale Logistics Solutions – CANOPUS, the next generation Customs Clearance Software enables Customs Brokers to enhance efficiency in service and reduce operational costs. Also, digital Customs filing and accommodating evolving regulatory requirements too can be performed with this state-of-the-art enterprise system. CANOPUS facilitates automated filing in compliance with Customs systems wherein it is further segregated into Exports/Imports modules as per business function and Regulatory/Customs compliance.