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Cathay Cargo has become the first airline to provide customers with real-time customs clearance status through IATA’s ONE Record data protocol
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The service is available to EzyCargo platform users and those with ONE Record API links to Cathay’s system
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Customs authorities are now integrated as live data stakeholders in the cargo journey
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Real-time updates cover clearance status from Europe, the US, Canada, and the UAE
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Customers can now see if shipments are pending, approved for loading, held for inspection, or released, eliminating reliance on manual updates from ground handlers
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Cathay Cargo plans to integrate the service into its main website for registered users by 2026
Cathay Cargo has become the first airline to offer real-time customs clearance status updates through the International Air Transport Association (IATA) ONE Record data protocol, giving subscribed customers visibility and control over their air cargo shipments.
The new feature is available to users of the EzyCargo platform and those with ONE Record API links to Cathay’s system, the airfreight carrier announced in a press release.
It integrates customs authorities as active stakeholders in the digital cargo journey, enabling live updates on shipment status from key jurisdictions, including Europe (Import Control System 2), the United States, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates.
Many customs authorities require pre-load advanced cargo information, meaning shipments cannot be loaded until destination customs clearance is granted. In most cases, a second approval is also needed before release upon arrival.
With Cathay Cargo’s new integration, these clearance stages are now visible to customers in real time, allowing them to track whether shipments are pending, approved for loading, held for inspection, or released for collection.
These updates are standardized as ONE Record “Logistic Events,” replacing the previous reliance on manual updates from ground-handling agents. “Being able to access these updates independently and in real-time enables customers to take any appropriate remedial actions, or to work around delays because of customs inspections,” Cathay Cargo said.
The integration is powered by Cathay’s innovation partner, Global Logistics System (HK) Company Limited (GLS), which also developed the EzyCargo suite and Click & Ship booking platform.
“Being able to see live updates from customs authorities adds another layer of transparency to the digital cargo journey,” said James Evans, Cathay general manager for Cargo Commercial. “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.”
Evans added that while the feature is currently available through the EzyCargo platform, Cathay Cargo plans to integrate it into its main website for registered users by 2026.
GLS chief executive officer Simon Ng said the integration “minimizes the possible delay of message relays from the (ground handling agents) and enhances operational efficiency for both our airline and forwarder partners.”
