Descartes Systems Group, a provider of U.S. - Canada cross-border security filing solutions, recently announced that it has established new security solution initiatives and will be enhancing its existing cargo security solutions, which are available through its cloud-based Logistics Technology Platform, in support of the “Beyond the Border” security declaration announced by President Barack Obama and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

The joint declaration made by President Obama and Prime Minister Harper, entitled “Beyond the Border: A Shared Vision for Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness,” emphasized the need for improved cargo security capabilities and reads, in part, as follows:

“We will look for ways to reduce the cost of conducting legitimate business across the border by implementing, where practicable, common practices and streamlined procedures for customs processing and regulatory compliance. We intend to work towards developing an integrated cargo security strategy that ensures compatible screening methods for goods and cargo before they depart foreign ports bound for the United States or Canada, so that once they enter the territory of either we can, together, accelerate subsequent crossings at land ports of entry between our two countries.”

Descartes has been asked by members of its Global Logistics Community to work with them and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on CBP's Air Cargo Advanced Screening (ACAS) initiative and other security initiatives. ACAS is designed to provide CBP with data concerning the parties and commodities involved in shipments earlier in the shipment process.

In addition, Descartes has achieved “M1” certification for advanced manifest security filings for ocean shipments inbound to the U.S.. With this new initiative and certification, Descartes continues to provide one of the most comprehensive suites of cloud-based cargo security solutions available to manage the flow of goods between Canada and the U.S. for air, ocean, and truck based shipments.

“Our goal is to make our borders as safe, secure and efficient as possible,” said Art Mesher, Chairman and CEO of Descartes. “We welcome the U.S. and Canadian governments' initiatives to enhance security while being mindful of the need to even further streamline the flow of cargo across the border. We believe that our expertise in cargo security in the U.S. and Canada can help make this declaration a reality and provide a 'single window' solution for importers, exporters, and logistics companies to comply with it.”

Because of the rapid pace and comprehensive scope of cross border initiatives, such as ACAS and M1, Descartes will be holding informational webinars for its customers and other impacted parties.

To receive notification about these important information events, please visit www.descartes.com/beyondtheborder.