Founded in the early 1990s, Sotracom Air Transit has been using Akanea CUSTOMS since 2009. As a Registered Customs Representative, the company specialises in the import of perishable goods.
Gilles Quideau, Customs Manager at Sotracom Air Transit, shared his experience using Akanea CUSTOMS over the past several years.
Why did you invest in customs declaration management software?
Before adopting Akanea CUSTOMS, Sotracom Air Transit used the French Customs administration’s own platform. However, changes in customs regulations (the transition to the SAD/DAU system) necessitated an upgrade:
« We needed a specialised, high-performance tool to manage our declarations effectively. While our airport branches were already equipped with a competitor’s software, we found AKANEA’s ergonomics and interface much more appealing. »
How did you navigate the impact of Brexit?
COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns were incredibly challenging for the industry. With airports closing and planes grounded, freight rates skyrocketed. In this difficult climate, Brexit actually provided a welcome boost to maintain business activity.
« At our Rungis branch, a very significant portion of our declarations now involve trade with the UK. Being based at the Rungis International Market (MIN), we have strong relationships with the local traders. Naturally, we were asked to assist with meat imports from the UK. We discovered that many goods produced in the UK are destined for the EU, including some surprises, such as specific potato varieties imported for processing before being re-exported. »
What are the three main strengths of Akanea CUSTOMS?
« First of all, its flexibility. Whenever we have a new project, we discuss it with our dedicated account manager, who provides a solution very quickly. The tool also integrates seamlessly with the wider ecosystem.
Secondly, the user interface is very pleasant and modern, which actually makes the declaration process more enjoyable!
Finally, its ease of use. The software is highly intuitive, making it easy to learn—a major advantage. The existing integrations are also excellent; we don’t have to build them ourselves as they are ready to use. »
Could you tell us about the Business Continuity Plan (BCP)?
« We are very glad this procedure exists! As soon as we receive an alert from Customs, we implement it. Our clients deal with sensitive, perishable goods destined for all of Europe; we cannot afford to have lorries blocked. Thanks to this feature, we can generate declarations within the tool just as we did under the previous system. We can then submit all documents to the customs office for manual registration. Once the system is back up, we simply reconcile the data within Akanea CUSTOMS. »
What is your view on the upcoming regulatory changes?
« We will have to relearn our trade and adapt quickly! Initially, we were worried due to a lack of concrete information. Early announcements suggested the volume of data per declaration would quadruple, meaning more time spent and a higher risk of errors. In the food sector, we must be reactive; we cannot afford delays.
Today, we feel more reassured. While there is more data to manage, we are relying on AKANEA. I know an OCR module using Artificial Intelligence is being developed. This will allow us to pull key data directly from invoices into the declaration, eliminating manual data entry—which is a huge relief. »
How would you describe your relationship with AKANEA ?
« I have nothing but praise; the relationship is excellent. Our sales representative is always attentive, receptive, and highly responsive to our needs. »
