Cathay Cargo has become the first airline globally to introduce real-time customs clearance updates to its customers, leveraging the IATA ONE Record data protocol. This new integration adds customs authorities as a crucial stakeholder in the airline’s real-time communication with shippers, eliminating the uncertainty associated with manual status updates and significantly enhancing efficiency in the air cargo journey.
Direct Visibility for Critical Clearance Stages
This important development provides customers with immediate visibility into critical customs stages that previously relied on manual communication from ground-handling agents. These stages include the mandatory PLACI (pre-load advanced cargo information) approval required before loading, and the final release approval needed after arrival. Customers now receive real-time live messages on these processes.
The initial scope of the initiative provides clearance status updates from customs authorities in several major markets, including:
- Europe (via the ICS2 Import Control System)
- The United States
- Canada
- The United Arab Emirates
These statuses are treated as ONE Record “Logistic Events,” informing customers whether a shipment is pending assessment, permitted to load, being held for inspection at the destination, or has been released for collection. Accessing these updates independently allows customers to take remedial actions or plan proactively around potential customs inspections.
Commitment to Digitalization and Transparency
The new real-time feature is available to customers subscribed to the EzyCargo platform or those utilizing ONE Record API links to Cathay Cargo’s system. Cathay Cargo’s innovation partner, Global Logistics System (HK) Company Limited (GLS), designed EzyCustoms and EzyCargo, as part of the broader suite of air cargo tools. Cathay Cargo has confirmed this enhanced visibility will be integrated into the Cathay Cargo website for registered account holders in 2026.
James Evans, Cathay General Manager Cargo Commercial, stated that the integration demonstrates the airline’s ongoing commitment to the digitalization of the air cargo process. He emphasized the importance of encouraging all air cargo stakeholders to participate in IATA ONE Record to increase transparency and data connectivity.
Simon Ng, GLS Chief Executive, added that by leveraging the ONE Record-powered EzyCargo platform, Cathay Cargo’s forwarder partners can access real-time status updates the moment they are issued by customs to the airline, minimizing message relay delays and enhancing operational efficiency.
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