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. This new edition reflects a pivotal moment in air cargo digitalization — not only reinforcing compliance with existing cargo messaging standards such as Cargo-XML but also guiding the industry toward the future of data sharing: ONE Record.
  • A dedicated section focused on supporting Cargo-XML to One Record migration along with compilation of ONE Record resources, specifications, white paper and tools.
  • Conversion guidelines and mapping between Cargo-XML and ONE Record covering key messages such as XFWB, XFZB and XFHL.
  • Updated OCI Composition Rule Table to facilitate industry-wide adoption of the electronic Consignment Security Declaration (e-CSD) and to clarify usage of OCI entries and the ordering to convey e-CSD information.