FIATA Introduces Model Agreement for Pre-Loading Cargo Information

Freight forwarder association Fiata has launched a new agreement to help companies manage new requirements from governments for shipment information.

The FIATA Model Agreement for Pre-Loading Advance Cargo Information (PLACI) regimes aims to clarify parties’ responsibilities and “facilitate successful compliance in the complex reporting environment” when using the option of multiple filing, when more than one party submits shipment information.

“Multiple filing is a key feature introduced under new pre-loading advance cargo information regimes, such as the European Union’s Import Control System 2 (ICS-2), providing the opportunity to reinforce PLACI regimes as crucial risk-based trade facilitation measures,” said Fiata.

“By opting for multiple filing, freight forwarders can directly file house-level information themselves, whilst air carriers file the master-level information. This allows for information to be provided in an expeditious manner by the party first in possession of that information, facilitating enhanced data quality and data sovereignty.”

Fiata said its model agreement was developed within a multi-stakeholder industry group, including airline, multinational and SME forwarders.

The model agreement provides both parties with a basis for bilateral contractual negotiation and can be adapted for application to current and future PLACI regimes.

FIATA director general Stéphane Graber said: “The launch of FIATA’s Model Bilateral Agreement for Multiple Filing underscores FIATA’s commitment to streamlining global trade processes through multi-stakeholder solutions.

“By clarifying roles and responsibilities between freight forwarders and air carriers, this agreement enhances efficiency and ensures compliance with evolving PLACI regimes worldwide such as the EU’s ICS-2, whilst strengthening data quality and preserving data sovereignty.”