Descartes Announces Product Offering For Ocean Manifest Messaging.

Business Editors & High Tech Writers

WATERLOO, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 8, 2003

Addressing the needs of U.S. Customs Service Container

Security Initiative

The Descartes Systems Group Inc., (Nasdaq:DSGX), (TSX:DSG), a trusted provider of logistics solutions, today announced that it is developing a new product offering, Descartes Automated Manifest Service(TM), to address the market need for ocean manifest messaging under the new U.S. Customs Service Container Security Initiative (CSI) requiring maritime cargo manifests for all U.S.-bound goods, or those in transit through U.S. ports, to be electronically filed 24 hours before a vessel leaves its port of origin.

In response to demand from customers and their trading partners (non-vessel operating common carriers, freight forwarders, shippers and ocean carriers) to comply with the CSI initiative announced in late 2002, Descartes Automated Manifest Service will leverage Descartes' (DSG) experience in value-added network services and logistics connectivity. A recognized leader in providing data and rate management services for global cargo shipping, DSG serves more than 150 non-vessel operating common carriers (NVOCCs), 13 of the top 15 third party logistics (3PL) companies worldwide, and 11 of the top 15 ocean carriers.

"Responding quickly to newly imposed regulations to develop an offering that our customers can use demonstrates the strength of our services and our ability to innovate," said Manuel Pietra, DSG's co-chief executive officer and president. "Our unique understanding of the ocean transportation industry combined with our extensive capabilities in logistics connectivity and the reach of the Descartes Global Logistics Services Network(TM) (GLSN) will provide our customers with a trustworthy solution for ocean manifest messaging."

The Descartes Automated Manifest Service is being developed and tested with U.S. Customs Service to enable trading partners - irrespective of their current systems and sophistication of technology - ease of use and messaging services for the CSI initiative. Since this ruling affects a wide range of participants in global shipping with a range of technology capabilities, DSG is developing three options for compliance:

1) Value-Added Network Services: This basic service will ensure the accurate and timely transmission of the maritime cargo manifest in CAMIR or ANSI X12 formats.

2) Manifest Translation Services: For the added convenience to users for differing formats, DSG will offer a translation service to ensure that the current manifest formats can be converted and transmitted based on messaging requirements.

3) Webform Manifest Data Entry: For those without value-added-network services and more limited technologies, DSG is developing a Webform entry mechanism for seamless translation and transmission of the manifest to U.S. Customs Service. This product offering is ideal for small or medium non-vessel operating common carriers (NVOCCS).

Pricing for the new product will be based on a combination of set-up charges, a fee for message transmission, and a usage-based tiered fee for the user accessing the system through a Webform interface. DSG currently expects the Descartes Automated Manifest Service to be generally available in time for the CSI compliance deadline.

Companies interested in receiving more information about the Descartes Automated Manifest Service should contact Paul Briggs at 519-746-6114, ext. 2021 or [e-mail].

About Descartes (DSG)

The Descartes Systems Group Inc. (Nasdaq:DSGX) (TSX:DSG) is a trusted provider of logistics management technology. In more than 60 countries Descartes' leading logistics solutions drive operational efficiency, enhance customer responsiveness and improve precision in purchasing for global organizations. For more information, visit www.descartes.com.

All registered and unregistered trademarks mentioned in this release are the property of their respective owners.

This release contains statements that relate to Descartes' product and service functionality and performance, including the Descartes Automated Manifest Service, potential benefits derived therefrom and the timing of its availability and Descartes' competitive position, the Global Logistics Services Network, and other matters that may constitute forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Descartes' actual results may differ from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements as a result of factors discussed in the section entitled, "Risk Factors" in documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Ontario Securities Commission and other securities commissions across Canada.