GENEVA: August 08, 2016. IATA's Cargo-XML messaging standard has been accepted by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency (CBP) for submitting advance cross-border data to its Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) system.

The CBP is expected to begin accepting the XML format within the next few months.

IATA says by adopting a common messaging standard for all air cargo shipments, data submitted to the CBP will be technically correct and easier for the agency to identify freight that contravenes U.S. legislation.

"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 senior vice president for Airport, Passenger, Cargo and Security. "Having support for Cargo-XML from the US-CBP, one of the world's largest federal law enforcement agencies, will positively contribute towards the industry achieving its objective - the global adoption of a standard air cargo messaging system."

IATA says the CBP wants to reduce the number of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) message formats its supports for processing international imports, exports and cargo release information. By the end of 2016, ACE will be the single window for CBP trade processing.

As of last month CBP required filers to submit electronic entries and entry summaries for additional entry types to ACE including: 02, 07, 12, 21, 22, 31, 32, 34, and 38. The ageny said filing of entry types 06 and 23 with quota merchandise are now also mandated.

On a typical day CBP says it welcomes nearly one million visitors, screens more than 67,000 cargo containers, arrests more than 1,100 individuals and seizes nearly six tons of illicit drugs.