Cargo-IMP

Cargo-IMP is the IATA Cargo Interchange Message Procedures standard, an EDI protocol based on EDIFACT created to automate and standardize data exchange between airlines and other parties. It designates procedures for automating the exchange of space allocation, air waybill, flight manifest, accounting, status, discrepancy, embargo, customs, CASS billing, dangerous goods, allotments and surface transportation. IATA stopped supporting Cargo-IMP after the 34th edition in 2014, making it the final edition as the industry transitions to Cargo-XML. Nevertheless, Cargo-IMP is still widely used for electronic messaging in the industry regardless of the lack of enhancement from IATA.

A freight forwarder sends an FFR (AWB Space Allocation Request) to Emirates SkyCargo requesting space for shipment AWB 176-12345675, and receives an FFA (AWB Space Allocation Answer) confirming the booking. Lufthansa Cargo transmits an FFM (Flight Manifest) message to customs authorities listing all cargo on flight LH8420, including consolidated shipments with FHL (House Air Waybill) messages for individual consignments within master AWB 020-98765432.

• IATA Cargo-IMP
• Cargo Interchange Message Procedures
• CIMP
• EDIFACT cargo
• Cargo IMP 34th edition

What is the current status of Cargo-IMP message support from IATA?

IATA released the Cargo-IMP 34th Edition on January 1, 2015, which is the final edition. No further changes to Cargo-IMP messages will be made, with future messaging development occurring only in Cargo-XML standards.

Which Cargo-IMP message types are most commonly used by freight forwarders?

The most frequently used Cargo-IMP messages include FFR (AWB Space Allocation Request), FFA (AWB Space Allocation Answer), FFM (Flight Manifest), FWB (Air Waybill data message), FSU (Status update), FHL (House Air Waybill), and FSA (Status Answer).