Etihad Crystal Cargo, the cargo division of Etihad Airways, has appointed Champ Cargosystems as its global electronic advance cargo information (ACI) filing partner.

As per the agreement, Champ will supply Etihad Crystal Cargo with its global customs gateway (GCG), to ensure the business meets all necessary requirements for electronic pre-arrival cargo screening information in markets around the world, commencing with the European Union Import Control System (EU ICS) from January.

Roy Kinnear, Etihad Crystal Cargo’s senior vice president, Cargo said: 'There is an increasing focus on global compliance relating to ACI and as security regulations are tightened, we are fully complying with governments worldwide.'

'Following our long and successful partnership with Champ, the company will now assist us meet the January 1 deadline for EU ICS and pave the way to meet other existing and future ACI requirements,' he remarked.

Etihad’s cargo business has been a customer of Champ for over five years and currently uses its cargo operating system, Cristal. The GCG provided by Champ will offer a seamless interface across both platforms for ACI.

James Fernandez, Champ Cargosystem’s vice president sales and marketing, expressed delight at being chosen as Etihad Crystal's global partner for ACI filing.

'As governments worldwide tighten controls and demand advance notice of import and export freight transiting their borders, Etihad Crystal Cargo will benefit greatly from GCG being a one-stop-shop for multiple customs agencies,' he added.-TradeArabia News Service