Champ Cargo systems to day announced that seven freight carriers operating to and from Nigeria, including Cargolux, are using its solution to comply with Nigeria’s new Advanced Customs Information requirements. Under the regulations, announced on 14 July with immediate effect, an electronic manifest must be submitted to Nigerian Customs prior to the flight departing for Nigeria.

Champ developed its solution based on the Global Customs Gateway platform, which is already used for a number of customs authorities around the world and is ready for the new EU ICS (Import Control System) regulations starting January 2011. Designed for fast implementation, Champ said it had developed, tested and certified each airline’s system within days, enabling them to resume flights to Nigeria.

James Fernandez, Champ VP sales and marketing, said: “According to the latest figures from IATA, freight in Africa grew 54 per cent in June. Given that growth, no carrier wants to be blocked from this important market. I am delighted that our dedicated team of customs experts managed to get air cargo moving back into Nigeria within days.”

The US was the first country to demand Advanced Customs Information (ACI), following the events of 9/11. The introduction of the new regulations in Nigeria shows that ACI is gaining momentum globally. Other countries that have either implemented, or are in the process of implementing, ACI regulations include Canada, EU member states, China, Mexico and South Africa.

Traxon offers EDI link to South African customs Following the lead set by the US, Canada, India, China and the European Commission, South Africa now requires advanced electronic reporting for security reasons effective 1 July. Airlines flying freight to South Africa have to declare all shipments onboard prior to arrival in South Africa by means of EDI messages to the South African Revenue Services (SARS).

Traxon Europe has an interface to SARS through a local e-communication service partner which provides an EDI link to SARS’ Manifest Acquittal System (MAS). Based on airline supplied data Traxon Europe sends flight manifest data on House Waybill level to MAS. On request it also conveys customs status messages from SARS back to the airlines. Two airlines are already using the new Traxon ACC South Africa solution, the company said.

Customs services all over the world have set themselves the goal to implement an electronic customs environment to make international trade easier, faster, and safer. This development is strongly driven by the United States and the European Commission. In the EU countries advanced reporting of export data for customs has been in force since July 2009. The next phase to cover imports will become mandatory effective January 1, 2011. Many other countries have adopted similar measures or will introduce them in the near future. Parallel to this, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) is working towards achieving a paperless air cargo industry.