2025 Updates to the IATA Cargo Operations Manuals

Key Updates

Staying informed about the latest developments in Cargo Operations is crucial for maintaining compliance with evolving regulations and implementing best practices across your organization. IATA's 2025 manuals provide comprehensive guidance that reflects the most recent changes in international standards, legal requirements, and industry practices.

These updates encompass critical areas such as Pre-Loading Advance Cargo Information (PLACI) requirements, enhancements to cargo handling protocols, and new guidelines for Cargo XML and changesto support compliance with new security programs.

By leveraging these up-to-date resources, you can empower your team to navigate complex compliance landscapes with confidence. Regular updates not only help you avoid compliance-related risks and penalties but also foster a culture of operational excellence that aligns with industry-leading practices.

Go to video update:
What's new in the 2025 IATA Cargo Handling Manual (ICHM)?
What's new in the 2025 IATA ULD Regulations (ULDR) Manual?
What's new in the 2025 IATA Cargo-XML Manual and Toolkit?
What's new in the 2025 IATA Pre-Loading Advance Cargo Information (PLACI) Manual?

IATA Cargo Handling Manual (ICHM)

The 2025 edition of the IATA Cargo Handling Manual (ICHM) introduces important updates to align with evolving industry standards and sustainability goals. These changes emphasize compliance, safety, and operational efficiency throughout the air cargo handling process.

This year's edition features enhanced guidelines for Shipper Built Unit Load Devices (ULDs), with a stronger focus on compliance at shipper and freight forwarder terminals. New sustainability recommendations, developed in collaboration with the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA) and IATA's Sustainability Team, provide actionable strategies to reduce, reuse, and recycle Single-Use Plastic Products in air cargo operations.

The IATA Cargo Handling Council (ICHC) has also expanded content on cargo activities, covering every step from shipment booking to final delivery at forwarder hubs. The goal is to enhance safety awareness among stakeholders and foster sustainable practices within the freight forwarding community.

Key Updates in the 2025 IATA Cargo Handling Manual:

• Enhanced ULD Handling Guidelines: Updated compliance standards for Shipper Built ULDs at shipper and freight forwarder terminals, aligned with the Industry Master Operating Plan.
• Sustainability Recommendations: New guidelines for reducing, reusing, and recycling Single-Use Plastic Products, developed by ICHC and IATA's Sustainability Team.
• Expanded Plastic Use Guidelines: Specific recommendations on plastic sheets and stretch wrap during cargo build-up, breakdown, and release processes, across both carrier and shipper domains.
• Plastic Specifications: New standards for maximum thickness and size of plastic sheets by ULD category, promoting sustainability and operational efficiency.
• FIATA Collaboration: Endorsement from FIATA, offering additional guidance for freight forwarding stakeholders.
• Comprehensive Cargo Operations Content: Enhanced coverage of operations from booking, transfer, and shipment planning to delivery and receiving imports.

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ULDR

The 2025 edition of IATA's ULD Regulations (ULDR) Manual introduces critical updates to enhance safety, compliance, and operational standards across the industry. These changes address training requirements, aircraft operating limitations, and clarify essential distinctions in ULD inspections.

This edition introduces a 36-month recurrent training limit, ensuring personnel maintain up-to-date knowledge. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of compliance with aircraft operating limits to safeguard safety during ULD operations. Key sections have been refined to distinguish between airworthiness and serviceability, aligning with industry standards.

Other updates include the removal of obsolete pallet accessory requirements and the introduction of new content cross-referenced with the IATA Cargo Handling Manual (ICHM) to streamline operational processes.

Key Updates in the 2025 IATA ULD Regulations Manual:

• Training Requirements: A 36-month recurrent training interval introduced in Section 1.6, ensuring personnel stay current with ULD operational standards.
• Aircraft Operating Limits: Clarified guidelines in Section 2 on complying with aircraft limitations to prioritize safety when using ULDs.
• Airworthiness vs. Serviceability: New distinctions in Section 2, including 'ULD Serviceability Check' and 'Visually Detectable Damage Check,' aligned with OS 6/00.
• Removal of Redundant Pallet Requirements: Eliminated 'Pallet Cover' and 'Shoring Materials' from OS 6/03, as they are no longer considered pallet accessories.
• Cross-References with ICHM: Enhanced Operating Specifications in Section 6 to align with the ICHM, differentiating between what to do (ULDR) and how to comply (ICHM).
• Appendix I Updates: New specifications for maximum Center of Gravity height, and limitations for 'Pallet and Net Tie-Down Point Locations' and 'ULD Maximum Allowable Damage.'

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Cargo XML (CXML)

The 2025 edition of the IATA Cargo-XML Manual and Toolkit introduces essential changes to support compliance with new security programs and improve operational efficiency across the air cargo supply chain. This edition focuses on adapting to evolving Pre-Loading Advance Cargo Information (PLACI) requirements and enhancing data visibility for customs and security agencies.

Key updates include adjustments for the EU-ICS2 and CA-PACT PLACI regimes and improvements to the US-ACAS Security Filing. New data fields and codes have been added to streamline reporting and ensure smooth air cargo operations with minimal disruptions.

Key Updates in the 2025 IATA Cargo-XML Manual and Toolkit:

• New PLACI Regimes: Updates introduced to align with EU-ICS2 and CA-PACT requirements, along with enhancements to the US-ACAS program.
• Enhanced US-ACAS Security Filing: Expanded requirements for more detailed data to better identify parties in the supply chain before loading U.S.-bound aircraft.
• Toolkit Guidance: Recommendations to use optional elements in Air Waybill and House Waybill messages for additional data, such as consignee and shipper contact details.
• New ACAS Equivalent Codes: Introduction of new codes in OCI Code List 1.100, including fields like Customer Account Holder Name and Number.
• Updated OCI Composition Rule Table: Reflecting the latest data requirements for streamlined reporting and compliance.
• Improved Special Handling Codes: New codes introduced to facilitate the handling of sensitive shipments, such as human and animal remains.

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Standard Procedures for Preloading Advance Cargo Information (PLACI)

The 2025 edition of IATA's Pre-Loading Advance Cargo Information (PLACI) Manual introduces essential updates to help air cargo stakeholders navigate evolving compliance requirements.

This year's edition offers updated insights on national programs, covering the latest developments in Canada, the EU, the UAE, the UK, and the U.S. It also reflects technical updates for Canada and the UAE, ensuring businesses can meet compliance requirements before full enforcement.

Additionally, the manual introduces high-level business processes to assist both newcomers and experts in understanding PLACI requirements. Key takeaways from IATA's May 2024 live event with 300 delegates have been incorporated, sharing practical solutions to current PLACI challenges.

Key Updates in the 2025 IATA PLACI Manual:

• Updated National Program Guidelines: New summaries, contacts, and links for PLACI programs in Canada, the EU, UAE, UK, and U.S.
• Technical Guidance: Latest updates for Canada and UAE to help compliance and IT teams meet new requirements.
• Insights from 2024 Live Event: Best practices and key takeaways from industry stakeholders on PLACI challenges and solutions.
• Introduction of Business Processes: High-level business workflows added to assist both beginners and experts in navigating PLACI compliance.
• New Comprehensive Glossary: Clear definitions of essential terms like "multiple filing," "ICS2," and "referral," with links to relevant sections of the manual.

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