Advance Cargo Information (ACI) provides an industry standard approach to comply with government regulations requiring the provision of advance cargo information. This will help both airlines and forwarders to facilitate the movement of cargo and avoid unnecessary delays at points controlled by Customs authorities.
In order to have forwarders and airlines benefit from a common approach for ACI, the IATA/FIATA Customs Working Group (IFCWG) has identified standard short term approaches that can be recommended to the industry.
Below is the current status of the national legislations and programmes implemented as well as the IATA/FIATA recommendations.
- United States
In 2004, the United States Department of Homeland Security (Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) was the first governmental body to require ACI. See the legislation posted in the Federal Register: PART 122 (Air Commerce Regulations), or for updates, visit US CBP website.
- Canada
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is about to implement its ACI system with a deadline of 26 July 2006. To familiarize yourself with this programme, visit the CBSA ACI web site.
- India
The Indian Directorate General of Systems Customs & Central Excise is about to require advance cargo information as of 1 July 2006. Read all about this initiative in Indian Customs and Excise Gateway.
- European Union
Come July 2009, the air cargo industry will have to comply with new reporting requirements for the European Union's member states. Airlines and Forwarders are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these regulations. More ACI information for the EU
- China - New!
The policy of management manifests of export and import transportation for the People's Republic of China will take effect on January 1, 2009.
Long Term Solution
The World Customs Organization (WCO) is developing its own Information Supply Chain Management Guidelines and the European Union is contemplating advance notice requirements. But many other countries will be requiring advance cargo information. A long term solution will allow to:
- avoid costly data re-entry tasks:
- promote a paperless environment;
- improve existing industry processes by enhancing the EDI environment;
- recognize other governments upcoming Customs regulations;
- avoid a wide variability of requirements.
Three are still many outstanding issues to be addressed, that will lead to other changes in processes, resolutions, recommended practices and technical specifications. IATA will continue to lobby the governments on the industry's behalf with a view to minimize and standardize advance cargo information requirements.