Manifests Ireland, the Dublin-based customs brokerage, has grown its annual customs declaration volumes from approximately 20,000 before Brexit in 2020 to 2 million today using the Thyme customs platform from Canadian logistics software provider Descartes. The hundredfold increase shows how automation lets a customs broker absorb regulatory change while holding accuracy, compliance and customer service.

The web-based platform integrates with Irish Revenue's Automated Import System and Automated Export System, letting customers create, submit and track declarations securely through one solution, including individual and bulk submissions. The broader suite also supports transit declarations, pre-boarding notifications and goods vehicle movements, and the two companies have worked together for more than two decades.

The structural driver is Brexit, which pushed customs declaration volumes sharply higher from 2020. Descartes helped Manifests Ireland absorb that growth while implementing systems including AIS, AES and NCTS, maintaining service continuity throughout.

"Growth creates opportunities, but it also places new demands on your business," said Derek Dunne, Managing Director at Manifests Ireland. "Descartes Thyme gives us the confidence to scale while continuing to deliver the compliance and service our clients expect."

"Customs brokerage remains a people-driven business," Dunne added. "What has always stood out is the continuity of the relationship. We work with people who understand our business, respond quickly when we need support and collaborate closely with us as regulations and requirements evolve."

Having established a presence in Ireland and the UK, Manifests Ireland is now exploring opportunities across mainland Europe. "We are increasingly supporting customers with cross-border trade requirements beyond Ireland," said Dunne. "As we expand into new markets, having a partner with global reach, proven technology and ongoing investment in compliance becomes even more important."

Descartes is headquartered in Waterloo, Ontario, and trades on the Nasdaq (DSGX) and Toronto Stock Exchange (DSG), reporting revenue of US729million(approximately€612million)andnetincomeofUS163.8 million (approximately €137.6 million) in its fiscal 2026 results for the year to 31 January 2026.

For the sector, the volume growth reflects customs brokers relying on automation and long-term software partnerships to scale across jurisdictions without sacrificing compliance or customer service.

Source: Manila Times / Descartes