What’s new in CargoWise Customs - December 2024

Global trade and logistics continue to evolve, with regulatory requirements and operational complexities demanding cutting-edge solutions. In response, we’ve introduced a series of new updates to our customs and compliance capabilities, designed to support efficient, secure, and compliant cargo movements worldwide.

From enhanced security protocols for U.S. air imports to advanced compliance tools for Indian and Japanese air cargo, these updates streamline workflows, improve accuracy, and help you stay ahead of changing regulations.

Enhanced ACAS compliance for air cargo – U.S.

We’ve introduced critical enhancements to help you comply with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air Cargo Advanced Screening (ACAS) program. This program is a key security initiative designed to identify and mitigate risks associated with air cargo shipments before they enter or transit through the United States.

By requiring the advance electronic submission of shipment data, ACAS empowers airlines and freight forwarders to address potential security threats early, reducing the likelihood of disruptions or delays.

With this update, CargoWise now supports additional data fields – such as shipper and consignee email addresses and phone numbers – in Master and House Air Waybill (FWB/FHL) messages. These fields, strongly recommended in the ACAS Implementation Guide, enable more accurate shipment profiling and faster clearance processes.

Improved support for CARN defaults – INDIA

We’ve launched new features to simplify air import compliance with India’s Import General Manifest (IGM) requirements, ensuring smoother operations for agents and consignees filing manifests through the ICEGATE platform.

When flagged as self-filers, receiving agents or consignees can now have their Consol Agents Registration Number (CARN) automatically default to the Master Air Waybill's (MAWB) Consignee field. This update eliminates manual data entry and ensures that the CARN is included in the airline's FWB (Freight Waybill) message for accurate reporting.

The CARN, which comprises the agent's Income Tax PAN, business category code, and port code, signals to airlines that the agent will handle mandatory manifest filings before flight arrival. By automating this process, CargoWise enables seamless compliance with Indian customs requirements, reduces administrative overhead, and minimizes the risk of errors or delays in reporting.

Streamlined dangerous goods compliance for mixed consignments – GLOBAL

CargoWise has enhanced its handling of mixed dangerous goods consignments, ensuring full compliance with IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR). For shipments containing both dangerous goods (DG) and non-dangerous goods, CargoWise now automatically calculates the total pack count of DG items and displays it in the Handling Information box of the Master Air Waybill.

Previously, users had to manually compare packlines to confirm shipment contents. This update eliminates that step, streamlining workflows and reducing the risk of errors. By automating compliance with IATA standards, CargoWise ensures that your mixed consignments are accurately documented and securely transported. For you, this means enhanced safety, simplified processes, and confidence in adhering to critical regulatory requirements.

New advanced screening options for air cargo – JAPAN

CargoWise now supports Explosives Trace Detection (ETD) as a new inspection type for air freight cargo in Japan, bringing you advanced tools to enhance security and regulatory compliance. Authorized by Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism (MLIT) under the Basic Policy for the Prevention of Harmful Acts, ETD utilizes sophisticated technology to detect harmful particles or vapor during cargo inspections.

With this enhancement, ETD is included in the default inspection types for passenger flights in CargoWise and can be customized through the registry. This update allows you to easily integrate ETD into your workflows, providing peace of mind that your shipments meet stringent Japanese security standards.

Simplified customs filing for air exports – SWITZERLAND

CargoWise now makes customs compliance for air exports from Switzerland more efficient with updates to electronic Air Waybills (eAWB). These enhancements are tailored for companies registered as ‘Authorized Senders’ (EA/ZV) under Swiss Customs procedures. With this status, you can electronically file declarations and transport goods from your premises without the need for physical inspections at customs offices.

Additionally, companies with approved filing locations, such as their head office, benefit from the "Lieu Agréé" (LA) status, further simplifying the process. To support these workflows, CargoWise has introduced a new 'ASN' organization registration code, enabling you to manage and record customs filing statuses directly within the system.