IATA Cargo XML Standard Accepted by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced today that IATA’s Cargo-XML messaging standard will be utilized by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency (US-CBP) to collect advance cross-border data on US export shipments. 

The new data format will make electronic communication between the US-CBP’s Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) system, airlines and other air cargo stakeholders simpler and more efficient. In addition it will facilitate growth in trade, ensure cargo security, and foster participation in global commerce through advance electronic data submission for air cargo shipments.

"Airlines, freight-forwarders, shippers and border agencies share the common goals of simplifying processes, enhancing efficiency and maximizing safety and security. The key to achieving this is industry collaboration and standardization on a global scale," said Nick Careen, IATA Senior Vice President for Airport, Passenger, Cargo and Security. "Having support for Cargo-XML from the US-CBP, one of the world’s largest federal law enforcement agencies, will positively contribute towards the industry achieving its objective - the global adoption of a standard air cargo messaging system."  

The US-CBP’s utilization of the new standards, developed from international regulations, is due to begin within the next few months. The US-CBP is working to reduce the considerable number of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) message formats currently supported to process international import, export cargo and cargo release information. IATA is assisting in this effort by permitting the US-CBP to publish to the minimal data file specifications for the IATA Cargo-XML messages.   

Each year millions of tonnes of air cargo pass through US airports, from medicines and crucial electronic components, to the latest consumer products. The US CBP is tasked with ensuring that these goods are safe, present no security issues, are compliant with trade laws, and reach the customer on-time.

By adopting a common messaging standard - IATA’s Cargo XML – for all air cargo shipments, the industry can be confident that the information being provided to the US-CBP is technically correct. The new messaging standard will also make it easier for US-CBP agents to identify freight which contravenes US legislation.