#Japan #Tokyo #Shippio Clear #AI Customs Service #Trade DX

Shippio Clear: Transforming Customs Operations with AI

In a groundbreaking development in the realm of international trade, Shippio, a leading logistics technology firm based in Tokyo, has announced the launch of its innovative cloud service, "Shippio Clear." Set to debut in September 2025, this state-of-the-art solution harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to streamline customs operations, promising to cut processing times by an impressive 70%. This move comes as a timely response to the surge in import and export activities, which has intensified pressure on customs professionals who are currently tasked with managing an overwhelming amount of documentation amid a challenging workforce shortage.

The Need for Efficiency in Customs

Over the past years, the number of customs import licenses has skyrocketed—growing eightfold from 2016 to 2024—while the workforce dedicated to customs has remained stagnant, raising alarms over productivity and efficiency. Many customs processes continue to rely on outdated methods, including manual verification of documents and calculations, creating bottlenecks in workflow and increasing the potential for human error. Errors in customs declarations can have significant repercussions, making accuracy paramount.

Features of Shippio Clear

Shippio Clear leverages advanced AI technologies to enhance the efficiency of customs operations. Tests conducted in collaboration with Kyowa Shipping Company revealed that adopting this new system can lead to a remarkable 70% reduction in overall customs processing time. Key features of Shippio Clear include:

• - AI-Driven OCR: The AI-powered Optical Character Recognition capability achieves an impressive 97% accuracy in reading various trade documents, even when formats are inconsistent.
• - Automated Calculations: The service features automatic calculations of item quantities and total weight, which significantly lowers the risk of transcription errors and reduces the need for double-checking.
• - One-Click Submission: All registered data can be converted into the required NACCS (Nippon Automated Cargo and Port Consolidated System) declaration format with essential information like HS codes and origin easily accessible in one click.
• - Data Utilization: The accumulated historical data on the cloud aids in further enhancing operational efficiency, enabling informed decisions for future shipments.

Shippio Clear is designed to integrate seamlessly with existing Shippio platforms, such as Shippio Works for logistics providers and Shippio Cargo for shippers, allowing for comprehensive management of trade cases from start to finish with reduced communication costs.

Success Stories from Early Users

Several companies have already begun trialing Shippio Clear and are seeing transformative results:

• - NK International: The customs team has expressed that the time required to process lengthy documents has drastically decreased, from manual calculations taking hours down to mere minutes.
• - Yamakyu Logistics: Users noted that the AI's ability to classify HS codes mitigates the reliance on individual knowledge, streamlining the selection process and improving overall accuracy.
• - Ryukyu Transport: They experienced significant gains in efficiency with automated data extraction from customs documents, further facilitating operations within the international logistics field.

These testimonials underscore the potential Shippio Clear holds to automate cumbersome tasks, enabling customs professionals to focus on value-added activities rather than repetitive manual work.

Future Developments

Looking ahead, Shippio has plans to extend the capabilities of Shippio Clear to include tasks related to export customs as well as integrate with India's NACCS system, allowing a fully streamlined process—from document creation to submission. The development roadmap also includes refining features based on customer feedback and needs.

Upcoming Demonstration

Interested parties can see Shippio Clear in action at the INNOVATION EXPO, taking place from September 10 to 12, 2025, at the Shippio booth in Tokyo. This will provide an opportunity to witness firsthand how the innovative platform is set to redefine customs operations in international trade.

Conclusion

With the launch of Shippio Clear, Shippio continues its mission of advancing international logistics through innovative digital solutions, striving to relieve customs professionals of labor-intensive tasks while enabling them to deliver enhanced value in their roles. With its four DX services, Shippio aims to drive forward the evolution of international trade operations in a rapidly changing environment.