LONDON - Descartes Systems Group (Nasdaq:DSGX) (TSX:DSG), the global leader in uniting logistics-intensive businesses in commerce, announced that British diamond company Graff Diamonds has improved its customs declarations processes and saved significant time and money by using Descartes’ cloud-based Import Customs Solution. Graff is using Descartes’ Import Customs Solution to automate and integrate its Outward Processing Relief (OPR) and Customs Warehouse procedures. OPR allows importers, like Graff, to claim duty relief for goods imported from non-European Union (EU) countries where the goods only temporarily left the EU for processing or repair. By integrating the OPR process with Customs Warehouse procedures, Graff can accurately track circumstances where duty relief may be available. “As an organisation, we source diamonds and loose gems from a variety of sources worldwide and operate a complex process that involves importing, diverting and re-exporting,” said Andrew Petherick, Head of International Shipping and Logistics, Graff. “Descartes’ Import Customs Solution has enabled us to move away from our historic reliance on spreadsheets, and automated and integrated our OPR and Customs Warehouse systems, which in turn has brought real cost savings. Furthermore, it has given us much more control and allowed us to become far more self-sufficient.” Descartes provided Graff with a customs compliance solution that allows the company to self-manage warehouse diversion reporting, and integrates and automates Graff’s warehouse and OPR procedures. This allows the retailer to have a clear picture of the duty that is due on each jewellery item and gem that it handles. The duty management functions in Descartes’ Import Customs Solution are designed to meet the needs of the larger members of the UK trading community. The solution provides complete customs and warehousing functionality, including detailed audit trails and comprehensive management information. “We’re thrilled to have helped Graff achieve greater operational control, streamline its processes and save time and money,” said Pól Sweeney, UK Vice President of Sales at Descartes. “Graff is an excellent example of how removing manual customs processes and introducing automation and integration of processes and systems can deliver significant supply chain operational efficiency while enhancing profitability.” company logo