Descartes Systems Group announced that ocean carriers and nonvessel operating common carriers (NVOCCs) have selected Descartes' Japan Ocean Advanced Filing Rule (AFR) solution to help them comply with Japan's new advanced cargo security initiative, which takes effect March 10, 2014. Japan's AFR mandate requires ocean carriers and NVOCCs to electronically submit data to Japan Customs on maritime container cargo intended for a port in Japan no later than 24 hours before departure of the vessel from the port of loading.