Frankfurt Airport management company, Fraport, is developing a digital data exchange platform for cargo handling called FRA-OS at Frankfurt Airport, Germany and Europe’s number one airfreight hub.

In a statement, Fraport said the new digital platform will standardize, simplify and speed up customs and imports processes at Frankfurt Airport from 2021 and will further strengthen its position as Europe's leading cargo hub as freight operations are expected to become quicker and even more efficient.

The new platform, FRA-OS, will also serve as a digital marketplace providing numerous applications for process optimization.

“FRA-OS Import automates the data exchange between all parties involved in the import processes. This will facilitate even complex customs procedures, including those which in the near future will be required for the presentation of goods for customs clearance,” Fraport said in a statement.

It added that the platform can also provide shipment-related information on every single step along the import process at the airport — allowing customs applications to be submitted earlier and with greater precision than is currently the case, hence speeding up the entire import process.

Smoother, more reliable processes

The project is carried out in cooperation with the Freight Unit of the German Customs Office, the Freight Forwarding and Logistics Association of Hesse/Rhineland-Palatinate (SLV), the Association of Air Cargo Handlers in Germany (VACAD), as well as DAKOSY AG and other partners from the cargo community at Frankfurt Airport.

“We expect the new import platform to result in even smoother and more reliable processes. Our aim is to make work easier for our on-site partners. In particular, we expect the import platform to deliver significant benefits regarding the presentation of goods for customs clearance,” said Max Philipp Conrady, head of cargo Infrastructure and Development at Fraport AG.

In developing the platform, the project partners are building on the established and successful digital infrastructure at FRA.

FRA-OS Import is expected to be ready for use before the end of 2021.

Fraport said another notable development is that, in the future, goods may be presented for clearance at all customs storage facilities across Frankfurt Airport’s defined customs area. This will shorten and optimize the handling and clearance processes, particularly for consolidated shipments, which are becoming ever more important due to growing e-commerce demand.