CargoSmart Signs Agreement With NACCS Center for Japan Customs' Advance Filing Rules

SAN JOSE, CA--(Marketwire - Dec 18, 2012) -  CargoSmart Limited, a leading Software as a Service (SaaS) global shipping and logistics solutions provider, today announced it is one of the first service providers to sign an agreement with Nippon Automated Cargo and Port Consolidated System, Inc. (NACCS Center) to connect each others' systems to enable ocean carriers and non-vessel operating common carriers (NVOCCs) to comply with Japan Customs' newly enacted Advance Filing Rules.

On March 30, 2012, a bill to amend part of the Customs Law passed through the Diet legislature in Japan. The amendment enacts the Advance Filing Rules that require a vessel operator or an NVOCC to electronically submit information to Japan Customs on maritime container cargoes to be loaded on a vessel intended to enter into a port in Japan. Carriers or NVOCCs are responsible for submitting the filings electronically through service providers authorized by NACCS Center no later than 24 hours before the departure of the vessel from the port of loading. If the cargo information is not filed in a timely manner, carriers or NVOCCs may be subject to penalties and shippers may face supply chain delays from customs holds.

"NACCS Center focuses its effort to establish a network with service providers who have developed their businesses at major seaports that have Japan-bound container routes," said Takuo Yoshimoto, president and chief executive officer of NACCS Center. "Headquartered in Hong Kong, CargoSmart has considerable experience in customs and logistics solutions with numerous global customers. We are confident that partnering with CargoSmart makes a significant step to ensure smooth operations of Advance Filing Rules."

"Leveraging over 12 years of shipment management systems experience, CargoSmart offers comprehensive solutions throughout the entire shipment cycle, including customs filings, to help global customers keep their cargo moving," said Steve Siu, chief executive officer of CargoSmart. "The cooperation between CargoSmart and NACCS Center allows us to extend our trade compliance solutions to help carriers and NVOCCs meet Japan Customs' new requirements."

CargoSmart currently offers solutions to help shippers, consignees, logistics service providers, and carriers comply with United States and European Union regulations and to manage the flow of shipment information to keep their cargo moving and delivered on time. The solutions allow customers to streamline their processes to collect, consolidate, and transmit shipment information.

CargoSmart and NACCS Center will closely cooperate to integrate their systems before the new rules go into effect in March 2014. To learn more about the Japan Customs' Advance Filing Rules, please visit: http://www.customs.go.jp/english/summary/advance/index.htm

About NACCS
NACCS (www.naccs.jp) was originally established under the name Nippon Automated Cargo Clearance System Operations Organization jointly by the public and private sectors in Japan as an authorized corporation in October 1977 before becoming an incorporated administrative agency in October 2003. In December 2007, the Cabinet adopted the "Reorganization and Rationalization Plan for Special Public Institutions," which included the plan to privatize NACCS as an incorporation based on a specific law. With the privatization, NACCS was expected to increase the efficiency of international logistics and to enhance the competitiveness of Japan's ports and airports by taking such measures as streamlining its operations through the improved corporate management and providing better services to users by enlarging its scope of business. Subsequently, Nippon Automated Cargo and Port Consolidated System, Inc. (NACCS Center) set out anew under its current name on October 1, 2008 based on the "Act for partial Revision of the Act on Special Provisions for Customs Procedure by Means of Electronic Data Processing System"(Act No. 46 of 2008).

About CargoSmart
CargoSmart Limited (www.cargosmart.com) is a Software as a Service (SaaS) global shipping and logistics solutions provider that enables shippers, consignees, logistics service providers, and carriers to keep cargo moving and delivered on time. Through online tools and integration services, CargoSmart customers can plan, process, and monitor the critical path of multiple-carrier shipments and communicate in-depth, timely information to key supply chain associates. CargoSmart launched its services in October 2000 and has helped over 22,000 customers lower transportation management costs, streamline operations, and reduce the risk of late shipments.