[edit] Overview
eCustoms (Visual Compliance) is a privately-owned company founded in 1981 to provide international trade compliance solutions and services to manufacturing, shipping and logistics, information technology, and aerospace and defense companies. The official head office of eCustoms is located in Buffalo, New York.
[edit] Services
eCustoms’ software systems target the need for compliance with customs and export legislation and regulation in the realm of international trade. eCustoms supplies its customers with a government-required audit record of denied trade screening business processes, and a means for classification of goods and services under the harmonized tariff and international controlled goods systems. The company builds audit records organically while its customers use the Visual Compliance application for clearing business transactions at first customer or vendor contact, for visits to company locations, for employees travelling to foreign countries, for shipment of products internationally, and for release of services or financial transactions online or through other forms of communication. Visual Compliance has over 35,000 global users. The company maintains partnerships with other technology services companies, including Headwater Technology, in an effort to help businesses meet U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Automated Commercial Environment rules. The company also maintains its own customs brokerage operation for customers in the United States and Canada. In 2004, the Institute of Management and Administration (IOMA) ranked the eCustoms Visual Exporter software solution in a tie for first place among export managers at large corporations in its category.
[edit] History
- 1981 eCustoms founded by Rajiv Manucha. The company posts a profit in its first year of operations.
- 1985 Receives Novell Certification.
- 1986 Implements its first DOS-based import solution on dual processor UNIX system with over 100 users, for the Chrysler Corporation.
- 1987 Designs and implements first DOS-based compliance system (for L-3). eCustoms systems selected for use by colleges training students of international trade.
- 1988 “eCustoms’ Practical Guide to Importing and Exporting” is published [ISBN missing]. It goes on to become a bestseller, with sales of over 10,000 copies. eCustoms becomes the first company to implement a commercial electronic filing solution approved by the Canada Border Services Agency.
- 1989 In response to the Harmonized System – or simply Harmonized Tariff System – becoming the new global trade standard, eCustoms introduces its Harmonized Tariff Classification Software. First eCustoms compliance solution installed at Honeywell International. eCustoms expands its operation, increasing its headquarters size five-fold, moving from a 3,000 square foot office to a 15,000 square foot office.
- 1991 Establishes EDI Customs Brokers as an in-house brokerage subsidiary. Canada Customs begins using eCustoms’ software in its training procedures to familiarize employees with compliance systems.
- 1993 U.S. unveils plans to enforce Customs laws in an automated environment; the Department of Defense subsequently hires eCustoms to automate their own compliance system.
- 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) comes into effect, creating a trilateral trade block between the United States, Canada, and Mexico. eCustoms introduces its first software solution for compliance with new NAFTA regulations.
- 1995 Receives Microsoft Certification. The Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO), the largest importer of liquor on Earth, becomes an eCustoms client.
- 1997 Develops first fully automated, paperless customs clearance process (for Federal-Mogul).
- 1999 Visual Compliance is released, which is to become eCustoms’ headlining software product.
- 2000 eCustoms establishes their U.S. Customs Brokerage operation, and sets up International Trade Consulting division. Receives Oracle Certification.
- 2001 Releases Customs IQ for comprehensive online HTS classification. Receives Citrix Certification.
- 2004 The United States begins modernization of their commercial trade processing system; this eventually becomes the Automated Trade Environment or ACE). eCustoms unveils its customs solution for compliance with these new import/export standards.
- 2005 Releases License Activity Management Solution for controlled goods export licensing. Also releases QP/WP Gateway, ACE e-Manifest, and RNS Online solutions for carriers.
- 2008 Unveils new Traveler & Visitor Solution for expanded ITAR compliance.
- 2010 License solution expanded to include management of Technology (“Deemed Export”) compliance.
- 2011 Unveils expanded Financial Services compliance solution.
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[edit] Notable eCustoms Clients
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