WATERLOO, Ontario - Descartes Systems Group (Nasdaq:DSGX) (TSX:DSG), the global leader in uniting logistics-intensive businesses in commerce, announced that Thompson Ahern International, a top Canadian customs broker and freight forwarder, is expanding its use of Descartes’ customs solution to help comply with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) eManifest initiative for freight forwarders. “The past 100 years of listening, learning and implementing has helped secure our position as a leading Canadian broker and has enabled us to service a growing volume of international trade,” said Rod Kyle, President and CEO at Thompson Ahern. “eManifest is going to have a tremendous impact on our business and, with Descartes, we already have the technology in place to start actively participating in the program ahead of anticipated CBSA deadlines. Early readiness is crucial as the legislation will require a significant effort to educate our agent community to ensure compliance.” Part of the CBSA’s larger Advance Commercial Information (ACI) program, eManifest requires the electronic transmission of cargo and conveyance data to the CBSA for validation in advance of goods arriving at the border. The specific timeframes for receiving eManifest data vary depending on the mode of transport. eManifest went into full effect for highway and rail carriers, as well as certain types of warehouse operators, on January 11, 2016. When completely implemented, eManifest will include freight forwarders and importers across all modes (air, marine, highway and rail). Using Descartes’ customs solution, freight forwarders of all sizes have the ability to enhance operating efficiencies with timelier and more accurate eManifest security filings. The solution allows freight forwarders to automatically aggregate data from multiple parties and to electronically transmit house bill information (eHBL) to the CBSA. More information is available at Descartes’ ACI eManifest resource center.  “Leading forwarders are taking active steps to prepare now for eManifest compliance following the January 11, 2016 transition of highway and rail into the regulation’s financial penalty phase,” said Glenn Palanacki, Product Manager, North America Customs at Descartes. “Thompson Ahern is a long-standing Descartes customer, and we’re pleased to help the company stay ahead of security and customs requirements with compliance solutions that help organizations run complex, service-oriented cross-border operations without interruption.”