17 March 2004 — GXS, Inc. today announced its selection to provide a RosettaNet-based automated customs clearance solution to the Philippines Bureau of Customs in Manila. The pilot implementation and connectivity testing are already underway, with the production system planned to go live in early 2004.

The RosettaNet eCustoms Declaration Milestone Program initiative is focused on improving cycle time associated with customs clearance, including the generation and processing of shipping information required to move products through the customs process. RosettaNet’s Partner Interface Process® (PIP®) Shipping Documentation 3B18 enables high-tech industry manufacturers, along with their freight forwarders and customs brokers, to send secure, RosettaNet Internet-based customs transactions directly to the Bureau of Customs’ Automated Customs Operating System (ACOS), reducing both clearance cycle times and transaction costs.

“We are pleased to provide our customers with logistics solutions that reduce costs and improve the efficiency of global value chains. The Philippines eCustoms implementation is another example of RosettaNet solutions from GXS that enable lower cost trading community integration for partners participating in the high-tech value chain,” said Ben Wong, GXS’ vice president of Asia-Pacific.

Following a successful Malaysia implementation, the RosettaNet Philippines pilot involves movement of goods between Intel and Amkor Anam, with Exel Logistics providing freight forwarder and customs brokerage services. RosettaNet Philippines managing director Lito Zulaybar cited the progress in the RosettaNet eCustoms Program implementation as a major industry breakthrough with significant results being achieved in less than 12 months. “The ability to facilitate trade, while reducing cycle times and costs, on both local and global levels, is a true indicator of RosettaNet’s benefit to the industry,” said SY Foong, RosettaNet vice president of Asia. “By further automating and standardising the customs declaration process, companies will have the ability to conduct business through countless ports of entry and exit, in any country, with a single customs declaration form.” “On behalf of the RosettaNet consortium, we are pleased to acknowledge the ongoing collaboration and contributions delivered by our valued solution provider community. GXS has demonstrated industry leadership within the RosettaNet community, and their role in this effort further demonstrates a commitment to open industry standards initiatives such as RosettaNet,” remarked Foong.

Philippines Customs Deputy Commissioner Alexander Arevalo expressed full support of the RosettaNet solution as it enables migration from EDI to cost-effective and secure Internet-based transactions. With more than 60% of total exports being generated by the semiconductor and electronics industry, implementing RosettaNet standards provides Philippines-based companies with a competitive advantage in turning around imported components into exports of finished products.

The solution is being delivered through GXS’ distributor, InterCommerce Network Services. InterCommerce has been providing solutions to the Philippines Bureau of Customs since 1998, including development of the Customs Workstation System and the recently released Web-based Customs Workstation System, which enable importers, bonded warehouse operators, customs brokers and freight forwarders to transact with the Bureau of Customs via EDI.

About RosettaNet
RosettaNet is a non-profit consortium dedicated to the collaboritive development and rapid deployment of open Internet-based business standards that align processes within the global technology trading networks. More than 500 companies, representing more than $1 trillion in annual information technology, electronic components, semiconductor manufacturing and telecommunications revenues, currently participate in RosettaNet’s standards development, strategy and implementation activities. Information on the consortium’s worldwide activities, including a complete list of partner companies, is available at www.rosettanet.org. RosettaNet is a subsidiary of the Uniform Code Council, Inc. (UCC).

About InterCommerce
Established in 1987 as a Distributor of Global eXchange Services, InterCommerce has been providing EDI services to more than 500 importers and Customs brokers since the launch of the remote electronic import entry lodgment facility at the Bureau of Customs in 1998. In close collaboration with Customs, InterCommerce continues to align its services with the requirements of the Bureau, as well as with the development in information technology, providing its customers with practical solutions including RosettaNet for the semiconductor and electronics industry, the WebCWS, a web-based declaration system providing transparency in Customs processes to importers, an electronic payment of Customs duties and taxes, and the IC.Logistics and IC.Warehouse for freight forwarders and bonded warehouse operators.

About GXS
GXS is a leading global provider of B2B e-commerce solutions that simplify and enhance business process integration and collaboration. Organisations worldwide, including more than 75 percent of the Fortune 500, leverage GXS Trading Grid® to achieve balance between supply and demand. Active in the global standards arena, GXS solutions enable customers both large and small, to connect with global partners, synchronise product information, optimise inventory levels and demand forecasts, and accelerate the execution of supply chains.

Headquartered in Gaithersburg, Md., GXS provides sales and support to businesses and their partners worldwide. For more information about GXS visit www.gxs.co.uk.