Many commercial carriers have electronic systems that track packages and cargo. Commercial carriers, such as FedEx, UPS, and Emery provide tracking software to their clients, so that the client may maintain visibility of the shipment. The software, typically, utilizes the Internet as a communications mechanism. Electronic customs documentation can also be transmitted by these systems to the carriers' overseas offices. Other systems do not provide ITV or electronic documentation, but rather provide information, in electronic form, that detail customs requirements. The following sections highlight an electronic customs clearance systems, and an electronic customs information system.
A3.1 Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight
The CHIEF system is an advanced Customs declaration processing system that is used to record the United Kingdom's international trade movements, whether by land, sea, or air. The system also links Customs offices around the United Kingdom to ports, airports, and several thousand businesses. CHIEF utilizes EDIFACT transaction sets to transmit declaration information for customs clearance. With Customs Freight Simplified Procedures (CFSP) and SAD, CHIEF is making import and warehouse procedures within the United Kingdom simpler and more flexible.
A3.2 Japan External Trade Organization
Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) is a nonprofit, Japanese Government related organization dedicated to promoting mutually beneficial trade and economic relations between Japan and other nations. Information regarding the import and export documentation requirements of Japan can found within JETRO. JETRO is accessible on the Internet at http://www.jetro.go.jp/top/index.html. The JETRO system is an information-only system, and does not provide a mechanism to transmit customs clearance documents in electronic form.
