Diamond company to use Descartes for import documentation

Logistics software provider Descartes’ solution enables U.K.-based Graff Diamonds to integrate EU duty relief program with its customs warehouse procedures.    The British diamond company Graff Diamonds has begun using the import declaration tool from logistics software provider Descartes Systems Group.
   Graff is using Descartes’ cloud-based Import Customs Solution to automate and integrate its so-called outward processing relief and customs warehouse procedures. OPR allows importers like Graff to claim duty relief for goods imported from non-European Union countries, where the goods only temporarily left the EU for processing or repair. By integrating the OPR process with its customs warehouse procedures, Graff can track circumstances where duty relief may be available.
   “As an organization, 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 for 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.”
   The Descartes solution allows Graff to self-manage warehouse diversion reporting. This gives the retailer a clear picture of the duty that is due on each jewelry item and gem that it handles. The solution includes detailed audit trails and management information.