The International Air Transport Association’s e-freight standard became operational in China when Tianjin Binhai International Airport became the first airport to implement the international e-freight standard. China Cargo Airlines was the first Chinese carrier to accept an international shipment using the e-freight standard

IATA e-freight is designed to improve service quality and cut costs by taking the paper out of the air cargo supply chain. Facilitated by IATA, and involving all participants in the supply chain, e-freight eliminates the need to send 12 core paper documents with air cargo shipments.

The Tianjin initiative began in June 2009 and involved many companies including Sinotrans, Dimerco, Kerry Logistics, Cosco, DGF, Expeditors, China Cargo Airlines, Air China, Grandstar, EVA and Great Wall.

China is the 26th e-freight location worldwide to deliver paper-free cargo. More airports in China are now targeted to implement the standard.