DHL has expanded its Trade Automation Services (TAS) to include more than 90 percent of the world's trade flows. The online resource now provides complete trade and customs data for 63 countries. It was recently expanded to include coverage of Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Venezuela and the Philippines. TAS Web services transactions were up nearly 25 percent in 2008, according to DHL, driven in part by strong growth for DHL Express services in the Asia-Pacific region, along with demand for day-definite products in Latin America. TAS gives global shippers a wide range of trade documents, as well as 10-digit Harmonized Tariff System codes for faster customs clearance and more accurate estimates. A landed-cost calculator estimates duties, taxes and other customs-related charges. A product-compliance feature verifies that shipments comply with country export and import regulations, such as quotas or licensing rules. The service allows for the comparison of charges and trade rules for up to five exporting countries. It details which international trade, logistics and customs documents are required for a specific shipment. It checks shipper and receiver details against government lists, embargoes and sanctions. And it allows for searches for Harmonized System or Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) commodity codes. DHL said it will further expand TAS coverage by April, 2009 to Algeria, Jordan, Kuwait, Nigeria, Oman, Panama, Pakistan, Peru, Saudi Arabia and Vietnam.
DHL