The International Air Transport Association (IATA) today announced the launch of the IATA Enhanced Partner Identification and Connectivity (EPIC) platform to support the digitization of the global air cargo supply chain. EPIC simplifies the complex process of making digital connections across the air cargo value chain including enabling the efficient exchange of critical information such as messaging capabilities and identities.
“EPIC is a simple idea. It makes the information needed to do business across a digitized air cargo supply chain easily accessible. And in doing so, it will accelerate efficiency gains for air cargo. The timing of this initiative is important. COVID-19 has led to an exponential growth of e-commerce and shippers are demanding quality services that only a digitized supply chain can provide,” said Nick Careen, IATA Senior Vice President, Airport, Passenger, Cargo, Security.
In addition to supporting business-to-business processes, the participation of customs organizations in EPIC also supports digital customs clearance processes. In particular, this will help the efficient roll-out of Advance Cargo Information (ACI) requirements, including Preloading Advance Cargo Information (PLACI) programs.
Implementation notes:
• When using EPIC, individual companies retain full control of their data with the flexibility to manage how they connect with respective business partners.
• EPIC is open for use by airlines (IATA members and non-members), freight forwarders and any third party, intermediary or IT provider in the air cargo business.
• EPIC has already attracted the participation of 32 airlines, 900 freight forwarder branches, 10 governments/customs authorities, 5 international organizations and 13 third party messaging providers.
