After many years of talks and negotiations, IATA’s Cargo-XML messaging will be the standard utilized by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency (CBP) to collect advance data on all cross-border shipments to and from the United States.
      With the backing one of the world’s largest federal law enforcement agencies, IATA’s standard for the electronic communication between airlines and other air cargo stakeholders is on course to becoming the global standard.  XML messaging unifies communication between shippers, freight forwarders, ground-handling agents and regulators, as well as customs and security agencies.
      By adopting XML messaging, the CPB is moving the global air cargo sector towards a universal vocabulary for the industry to communicate cargo content across borders, and allow government agencies to collect advance cross-border data on export and import 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’s senior vice president for airport, passenger, cargo and security.