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​​The Standard for Air Cargo Messaging

Cargo-XML messages are used for electronic communication between airlines and other air cargo supply chain stakeholders, such as shippers, freight forwarders, ground-handling agents, and regulators, as well as customs and security agencies. Core Transport documents such as air waybill, house waybills, manifest etc. commercial documents such as invoice, packing list etc. must be exchanged between the business partners form the movements of goods and flight.

IATA’s Cargo-XML Toolkit delivers the Cargo-XML standard to the air cargo industry. This toolkit is used by businesses in developing open and flexible XML applications for automating electronic transactions or messages. The purpose is to ensure uniformity, mutual understanding, accuracy and economy in electronic data exchanges.

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What's inside the Cargo-XML Toolkit?

  • Cargo-XML message specifications, schemas and data length recommendations
  • Mapping with Cargo-IMP and with WCO Data Model and UNTDED Data Elements
  • Conversion guidelines between Cargo-IMP and Cargo-XML
  • Message layout and examples (including sample messages)
  • Message history and version management tools
  • User capabilities and code lists
  • The IATA Cargo-IMP Manual (34th edition)
  • Enhanced OCI Table for e-CSD

Still not sure if the Cargo-XML Toolkit is for you? Download the full table of contents:

 

Stay up-to-date

Significant changes and amendments to the 13th edition (2025) of the Cargo-XML Toolkit include:

Enforcement of 2 new PLACI regimes EU-ICS2 and CA-PACT have driven key changes, along with updates to the existing US-ACAS program.

  • The enhanced US-ACAS Security Filing now requires more detailed information to better identify supply chain parties before loading cargo on U.S.-bound aircraft.
    • To meet these requirements, guidance in the toolkit recommends using existing optional data elements from master and house Air Waybill messages like consignee and shipper contact numbers and emails.
    • To satisfy additional data requirements, new ACAS equivalent codes have also been introduced in the OCI Code List 1.100. These include fields such as Customer Account Holder Name, Number, and Issuer.
    • The OCI Composition Rule table is updated to reflect these changes.
  • Availability of this enhanced data allows Customs and Security agencies to improve their targeting capabilities, as well as their ability to identify and mitigate risks with minimal trade disruption.
  • Two new special handling codes have been introduced to improve special shipment handling, including human and animal remains.