What’s new in CargoWise Customs: August 2025

From shifting safety standards to stricter reporting requirements, customs and compliance teams are under more pressure than ever. That’s why CargoWise continues to evolve – giving global logistics providers the tools they need to navigate complexity, reduce risk, and keep goods moving efficiently.

Here’s a look at some of the latest customs and compliance updates now available in CargoWise.

ACAS enhancements for US-bound or transiting air cargo – UNITED STATES

The US Air Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS) program continues to evolve, with new expectations around the level of detail airlines must receive before cargo is loaded.

CargoWise now includes a dedicated ACAS tab in air consolidations and shipments for freight destined to or transiting through the US. Users can review and, where needed, override key ACAS data elements – such as shipper and consignee email, account type, or shipping frequency – before submitting FWB/FHL messages to airlines.

This makes it easier to meet US regulatory requirements without duplicating effort, and gives teams greater confidence that submitted messages will be accepted without rejection or rework.

Stricter cargo descriptions now required for air shipments – GLOBAL

As customs authorities worldwide tighten reporting standards, vague cargo descriptions are no longer good enough. Terms like "electronics" or "clothing" simply won’t cut it.

To help you meet evolving requirements from the US, EU, and Canadian customs authorities, CargoWise now alerts users when non-compliant cargo descriptions are entered into air waybills (MAWB/HAWB), regardless of destination. The system prompts you to enter more specific descriptions – think "Bluetooth wireless headphones" instead of just "electronics".

This change helps ensure compliance with ACAS and other air cargo screening programs, improving cargo traceability and reducing the risk of delayed shipments.

New port pre-advice messaging – NEW ZEALAND

Export container pre-advice is a mandatory requirement for ports across New Zealand – but until now, submitting this information often meant juggling multiple systems.

CargoWise now integrates directly with port systems at Auckland, Tauranga, Metroport, Timaru and Lyttelton, making it easier to electronically transmit export pre-advice information for containers. The system pulls in key container and shipment data – like VGM, HS codes, and reefer settings – and checks for missing information before allowing submission.

For New Zealand-based forwarders and consolidators, this means fewer delays at the terminal gate, more accurate submissions, and greater efficiency across port-facing workflows.

Updated IMO Dangerous Goods list now supported – GLOBAL

Dangerous goods shipping regulations don’t stand still – and neither does CargoWise. We’ve updated our reference data to align with the new IMDG Code 42-24, which becomes mandatory from January 1, 2026. This includes new UN numbers for emerging cargo types – such as sodium-ion batteries and new fire suppressant devices – as well as updated classifications and special provisions.

By staying aligned with the latest International Maritime Organization (IMO) requirements, you can ship dangerous goods with confidence that your documentation and declarations meet the latest safety and compliance standards.

CMR Consignment Note now available – EUROPE

If you're moving goods by road across Europe or other CMR-signatory countries, the CMR Consignment Note is a legal requirement. It documents everything from liability and compensation to consignee details and freight instructions.

CargoWise now lets you generate a compliant CMR Consignment Note directly from a Forwarding Shipment or Consolidation, with fields pre-populated from your booking data and the option to modify certain fields to meet country-specific needs.

This means less manual data entry, fewer errors, and a faster path to CMR compliance – especially for businesses operating across multiple road transport corridors.

One platform for global customs compliance

Every new update in CargoWise is designed with one goal in mind: helping you adapt to complexity with less friction.

Whether you’re moving goods by sea, air, road or rail, CargoWise gives your teams a single, integrated platform to manage customs requirements, regulatory obligations, and operational workflows. From dangerous goods to low-value declarations, and from CMR to ACAS, it’s all connected – and constantly updated to reflect the latest industry demands.