Cathay Cargo has become a trailblazer in the industry by being the first airline to provide real-time updates on customs clearance to its customers. They have achieved this by integrating these updates into their EzyCargo platform, and to customers who have already set up ONE Record API links with the airline’s system. This innovation brings a new level of transparency and effectiveness to the air-cargo shipping journey.
This significant development is built upon the IATA ONE Record data protocol. It incorporates customs authorities as a new stakeholder in Cathay Cargo’s real-time customer communication. The integration of customs authority requirements promotes efficiency in the process of cargo shipping.
Understanding and fulfilling the prerequisites of customs authorities is crucial in the shipping industry. Many require PLACI (pre-load advanced cargo information), and will not allow a shipment to be loaded until they have given clearance. Most also require another level of approval before releasing a shipment upon its arrival. With the new system, customers will have access to live updates as their shipments progress through these stages.
The initial phase of this project will provide users with clearance status updates from customs authorities in Europe (ICS2 Import Control System), the United States, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates. These updates will be recorded as ONE Record “Logistic Events”. Customers will be able to track the status of their shipment, whether it is still pending, under assessment, permitted for load or not, and if it has been held for inspection or cleared for collection at the destination.
Before this development, obtaining this information required manual updates from ground handling agents. Now, customers can independently access these updates in real-time, allowing them to take necessary corrective steps or adapt to delays due to customs inspections.
EzyCustoms and EzyCargo are components of the EzyCargo suite of air cargo tools. These were created by Cathay Cargo’s innovation partner, Global Logistics System (HK) Company Limited (GLS). GLS has also spearheaded other digitalization projects for the airline’s commercial and operational settings, including Click & Ship, Cathay Cargo’s online booking platform.
James Evans, Cathay General Manager Cargo Commercial, emphasized that this integration demonstrates Cathay Cargo’s dedication to the ongoing digitalization of the air-cargo shipment process. “We recognize the value of involving all stakeholders in the air cargo industry in IATA ONE Record, to enhance the transparency and data connectivity of air cargo,” he said.
How does this new integration by Cathay Cargo benefit customers?
This new system provides real-time updates on customs clearance status to customers, enhancing transparency and efficiency in the air-cargo shipping journey.
What is the ONE Record data protocol?
The ONE Record data protocol is a standard developed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to increase data interoperability in the air cargo industry.
What is the future plan for this integration?
This extended ONE Record integration is currently only available to Cathay Cargo customers who are subscribed to the EzyCargo platform. However, the company has plans to integrate this additional visibility into the Cathay Cargo website for registered account holders in 2026.
