Cathay Cargo has become the first airline to provide real-time customs clearance status updates through IATA ONE Record, eliminating uncertainty from manual customs reporting and enhancing operational transparency. The service is available to EzyCargo platform subscribers and customers with existing ONE Record API connections to Cathay’s systems. This pioneering integration incorporates customs authorities as active stakeholders in Cathay Cargo’s real-time customer communications. The system addresses critical approval requirements including PLACI (pre-load advanced cargo information) needed before shipment loading and post-arrival release authorizations from destination customs.
Current coverage includes customs authorities in Europe (ICS2 Import Control System), the United States, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates. Updates are delivered as ONE Record “Logistic Events,” providing customers with detailed status information – whether shipments are pending, under assessment, approved for loading, held for inspection, or cleared for collection. To date, this information required manual updates from ground handlers, creating delays and uncertainty. The real-time capability enables customers to take immediate remedial action or adjust operations around inspection delays. The innovation stems from Cathay Cargo’s partnership with Global Logistics System (HK) Company Limited, which also developed EzyCargo, EzyCustoms, and the Click & Ship booking platform.
James Evans, Cathay General Manager Cargo Commercial, commented: “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. 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.” Simon Ng, GLS Chief Executive, stated: “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 minimizes the possible delay of message relays from the GHAs, and enhances operational efficiency for both our airline and forwarder partners.”
