Cargo-XML messages are used for electronic communication between airlines and other air cargo supply chain stakeholders, such as shippers, freight forwarders, ground-handling agents, and regulators, as well as customs and security agencies. Core Transport documents such as air waybill, house waybills, manifest etc. commercial documents such as invoice, packing list etc. must be exchanged between the business partners form the movements of goods and flight.

IATA’s Cargo-XML Toolkit delivers the Cargo-XML standard to the air cargo industry. This toolkit is used by businesses in developing open and flexible XML applications for automating electronic transactions or messages. The purpose is to ensure uniformity, mutual understanding, accuracy and economy in electronic data exchanges.
 

What's inside the Cargo-XML Toolkit?

  • Cargo-XML message specifications, schemas and data length recommendations
  • Mapping with Cargo-IMP and with WCO Data Model and UNTDED Data Elements
  • Conversion guidelines between Cargo-IMP and Cargo-XML
  • Message layout and examples (including sample messages)
  • Message history and version management tools
  • User capabilities and code lists
  • The IATA Cargo-IMP Manual (34th edition)
  • Enhanced OCI Table for e-CSD

Still not sure if the Cargo-XML Toolkit is for you? Download the full table of contents:

 

Stay up-to-date

Significant Changes and Amendments to the 14th edition (2026) of the Cargo-XML Toolkit include:

  • Addition of a new section on ONE Record
  • Introduction to ONE Record and its benefits
  • White paper on the transition from messaging to ONE Record
  • Conversion guidelines and mapping between Cargo-XML and ONE Record, focusing on XFWB, XFZB and XFHL
  • Update of OCI Composition Rules Table to clarify the ordering of OCI entries for e-CSD