Cathay Cargo has become the first airline to introduce real-time customs clearance updates to customers subscribed to the EzyCargo platform, or those who already have ONE Record API links to the airline’s system, bringing greater visibility and efficiency to the air-cargo shipment journey.
The important new development is based on the IATA ONE Record data protocol, and adds customs authorities as an additional air cargo stakeholder into Cathay Cargo’s real-time communications with customers.
Many customs authorities require PLACI (pre-load advanced cargo information), and shipments cannot be loaded until the destination customs authority has given the go-ahead. Similarly, most authorities require another approval layer before releasing shipments after arrival. Now, this process will be seen by customers with real-time live messages.
The current scope of the new initiative will give users clearance status from customs authorities including Europe (ICS2 Import Control System), the United States, Canada and United Arab Emirates. The statuses will be treated as ONE Record “Logistic Events” so that customers know if their shipment is still pending, being assessed, is permitted to load or not, and at the destination if a shipment is being held for inspection or has been released for collection.
Previously, accessing this information was reliant on manual updates from ground-handling agents. Being able to access these updates independently and in real-time enables customers to take any appropriate remedial actions, or to work around delays because of customs inspections.
EzyCustoms and EzyCargo are part of the EzyCargo suite of air cargo tools designed by Cathay Cargo’s innovation partner, Global Logistics System (HK) Company Limited (GLS), which has also designed other digitalisation projects for the carrier’s commercial and operational settings, including Click & Ship, Cathay Cargo’s online booking platform.
Cathay General Manager Cargo Commercial James Evans said that this new integration demonstrated Cathay Cargo’s ongoing commitment to the continuing digitalisation of the air-cargo shipment process. “At Cathay Cargo, we understand the importance of encouraging the participation of all stakeholders in the air cargo industry in IATA ONE Record, to increase the transparency and data connectivity of air cargo,” he said.
“Being able to see live updates from customs authorities adds another layer of transparency to the digital cargo journey. This extended ONE Record integration is currently available to Cathay Cargo customers who are subscribed to the EzyCargo platform, but this additional visibility will be integrated into the Cathay Cargo website for registered account holders in 2026.”
GLS Chief Executive Simon Ng added: “By leveraging the ONE Record-powered EzyCargo platform, Cathay Cargo’s forwarder partners can now access real-time customs clearance status the moment it is issued by customs to airlines. This minimises the possible delay of message relays from the GHAs, and enhances operational efficiency for both our airline and forwarder partners.”
