The International Air Transport Association‘s Cargo-XML messaging standard will be utilized by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency to collect advance crossborder data on U.S. export shipments.

The new data format will make electronic communication between CBP’s Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) system, airlines, and other air cargo stakeholders simpler and more efficient. It will also facilitate growth in trade, ensure cargo security, and foster participation in global commerce through advance electronic data submission for air cargo shipments, according to Nick Careen, IATA Senior Vice President for Airport, Passenger, Cargo and Security.

“Airlines, freight-forwarders, shippers, and border agencies share the common goals of simplifying processes, enhancing efficiency and maximizing safety and security,” said Careen. “The key to achieving this is industry collaboration and standardization on a global scale. Having support for Cargo-XML from 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.”

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

Each year millions of tons of air cargo pass through U.S. airports, from medicines and electronic components to the latest consumer products. 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 for all air cargo shipments, the industry can be confident that the information being provided to CBP is technically correct,” said Careen. “The new messaging standard will also make it easier for CBP agents to identify freight which contravenes U.S. legislation.”