• Cathay Cargo’s Import and Export Control Check (IECC) combines AI-assisted analysis with operational expertise
• IECC helps frontline teams identify potential licence-controlled shipments earlier and more consistently, reducing the risk of disruption and supporting a smoother customer experience
• The capability demonstrates how Cathay Cargo is using digitalisation to strengthen safety, compliance and operational excellence

Story in full

In today’s fast-moving trade environment, keeping pace with evolving import and export licence requirements can be challenging. When requirements are missed, shipments may face delays or offload, potentially disrupting the wider supply chain.

To help address this challenge, Cathay Cargo has introduced Import and Export Control Check (IECC), a new AI-assisted screening capability that supports frontline teams in identifying potential licence requirements earlier and more consistently. By supporting decision-making rather than replacing professional judgement, IECC enables teams to investigate and act on potential issues before they potentially disrupt a shipment.

New digital capability for smoother shipping

The capability uses AI-assisted language analysis to assess shipment information against relevant licence requirements, interpreting goods descriptions beyond simple keyword matching. It flags shipments that may require additional checks and gives frontline teams clearer context for timely follow-up. For example, an “aviation spares” description may require further details about the specific component, its technical specifications and intended use before the applicable requirements can be assessed.

Accurate and specific goods descriptions remain essential. Clear information about the actual goods helps Cathay Cargo’s frontline teams – and IECC – assess potential requirements earlier, reducing unnecessary follow-up. Responsibility for accurate declarations still remains with shippers, while Cathay Cargo teams remain accountable for shipment acceptance. Within this framework, IECC augments existing compliance processes to facilitate a smoother cargo journey and helping to reduce the risk of delay or disruption.

Offering customer certainty

“As global trade requirements continue to evolve, what customers value most is certainty — knowing that potential obligations are identified before a shipment moves, not after,” says General Manager Cargo Service Delivery Tim Wong. “By combining AI-assisted screening with clearer operational context for our frontline teams, Cathay Cargo is strengthening its ability to identify potential requirements earlier, maintain accurate information as it flows through the network, and facilitate the safe and secure movement of cargo.”

The IECC display brings existing checking procedures together with AI-assisted analysis that interprets shipment descriptions beyond simple keyword-matching. It provides an additional layer of decision-making support, while human review remains integral to determining the appropriate follow-up. With clearer information in one place, frontline teams can assess flagged shipments more efficiently and prioritise the necessary actions.

Digital intelligence with operational expertise

“The value of this enhancement lies not only in the technology, but also in making complex requirements clearer and more actionable for our people,” adds Wong. “Combining digital intelligence with operational expertise supports better outcomes for customers, industry stakeholders and the wider air cargo community.”

As trade requirements continue to evolve, Cathay Cargo will keep enhancing IECC through operational feedback, internal reviews and engagement with relevant stakeholders and industry partners. This continuous-improvement approach reflects Cathay Cargo’s commitment to supporting secure and reliable cargo operations through Hong Kong, the world’s busiest international air cargo gateway.