2003 Press Release
Toronto, 7 April 2003 - CrimsonLogic, a leading IT service provider, today announced the launch of WebCustoms - Canada's first Web-based customs clearance application into CCRA's Internet Gateway.
In response to new rigorous North American customs procedures, companies need to seek ways to expedite their customs clearance. WebCustoms enables companies to independently prepare, submit and obtain customs clearance online before their goods reach the border to minimize delay.
WebCustoms has transformed complicated customs procedures into a simple, step-by-step process to help companies of any size to efficiently manage their trade logistics. The online portal provides a direct link into Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (CCRA) Internet gateway. Companies can prepare and submit their customs documents to CCRA securely anywhere, anytime over the Internet.
"The CAIE is delighted that a new cost-effective, user friendly and seamless e-business solution is now available to streamline trade documentation and procurement processes," said Bob Armstrong, President, Canadian Association of Importers and Exporters Inc. "Canadian companies can leverage the power of the Internet to gain a competitive edge in today's complex trade environment."
K.G. Richard's Customs Broker is using WebCustoms in its Toronto office to complete customs clearance for their clients.
"WebCustoms adds a level of convenience unseen in other customs clearance applications," said Cheryl Mahabir, manager of the K.G. Richard's Toronto office. "The step-by-step process allows users to easily fill out complex customs clearance and accounting documents. WebCustoms checks and validates your work giving peace of mind when making submissions to CCRA. On top of it all there are no IT headaches, software installations and expensive hardware purchases to worry about."
The company has plans to expand its use of WebCustoms later this year following the current pilot phase.
WebCustoms directs users to complete customs documents step-by-step. Frequently used information, such as importer number, is stored and retrieved for quick reference. The application offers helpful references, such as port of clearance code search, to minimize data error.
Following the submission of customs documents, users can easily manage their trade logistics. For instance, they can track their shipments and transactions using the status query features on WebCustoms. As well, the portal automatically provides updates on new customs regulations and related information to ensure that all customs submissions are CCRA compliant.
WebCustoms enables companies to work closely with their trade logistics partners. Users can amend and approve customs documents prepared by their third party customs brokerage firms before submission. With WebCustoms, importers, customs brokers and freight forwarders can all interact and collaborate to ensure that declarations sent to CCRA are accurate.
Companies with small trading volumes can use WebCustoms as an online subscription service without incurring a significant IT investment. CrimsonLogic can also deliver tailored versions of WebCustoms for enterprises with large trading volumes that prefer to host their own customs clearance application. A suite of trade and logistics modules is available for those requiring comprehensive supply chain solutions in TradePalette, of which WebCustoms is a key component.
"CrimsonLogic is committed to bringing innovative and valuable solutions to Canada," said Peter Owsiany, vice-president, North America of CrimsonLogic. "WebCustoms is the first affordable solution for any Canadian company to manage their customs clearance independently and efficiently over the Internet."
CrimsonLogic is a trusted global leader in providing innovative IT solutions to help business and government agencies to work together smarter and faster. Since its inception in 1988, CrimsonLogic has introduced some of world-first IT solutions to transform complex procedures into simple and efficient business processes.
More than 8,000 small and mid-sized companies as well as industry leaders around the world choose CrimsonLogic's trade and logistics solutions because they trust the company's world-class technology and highly secure solutions. CrimsonLogic is ISO9001 and BS7799 certified and hosts sensitive data for governments and the Singaporean judiciary department.
For more information about WebCustoms, please visit www.webcustoms.ca.