IATA, UNCTAD extend partnership to boost eCommerce with better trade data exchange

The global trade association of airlines, International Air Transport Association (IATA), and United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) have extended their partnership to enhance eCommerce in developing countries through improved exchanges of trade data.

Under the extended collaboration, the air cargo messaging standards (Cargo-XML) will be integrated into UNCTAD’s automated customs management system, ASYCUDAWorld. Further, this partnership will allow more efficient processing of air cargo shipments.

“Through this extended partnership, we look forward to leveraging the leadership of UNCTAD and IATA in their respective fields to boost eCommerce in developing countries through improved exchanges of trade data,” said Ms. Shamika N Sirimanne UNCTAD’s Technology and Logistics Director.

“UNCTAD and IATA are working together to support the economic opportunities of eCommerce by modernizing the data exchange needed for customs clearance. Global standards enable accurate information and effective risk assessments. This, in turn, promotes stronger compliance and will contribute to a safe supply chain, which should give the authorities the confidence to modernize processes.”

The next stage of the collaboration will focus on enabling ASYCUDAWorld to manage eCommerce shipments more efficiently and this will include adding a risk assessment for mail shipments and facilitating access to the IATA’s enhanced partner identification and connectivity (EPIC) platform. It will allow customs authorities to share advance cargo/mail information requirements across the digitized supply chain.

Moreover, the partnership will include the potential exchange of additional operational electronic information like air cargo rules, flight schedules and others that can assist customs officials in their risk assessments.

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