Date: 11 September 2025
Author: M&S Group Limited — International Desk
1. Safety & Operations: WSOC 2025 in Xiamen
The Update: IATA will host the World Safety & Operations Conference (WSOC 2025) on 14–16 October in Xiamen, China. Key topics include lithium battery risks, GNSS interference, AI in operations, and supply chain resilience.
What It Means for Clients: Expect tighter safety standards, more rigorous checks for restricted cargo, and heightened global focus on operational resilience.
How M&S Group Helps:
As an IATA Cargo Agent, M&S aligns with the latest resolutions and safety protocols. We provide pre-screening, compliance checks, and advisory for sensitive cargo such as batteries, pharmaceuticals, and humanitarian goods — ensuring faster clearance and minimal delays.
2. Airline Profitability & Cargo Demand Growth
The Update: IATA forecasts $36 billion in net airline profits for 2025, alongside steady global air cargo demand growth (+5.5% year-on-year in July). Fuel costs are easing but volatility remains.
What It Means for Clients: Higher demand can tighten capacity and increase freight rates, particularly on major trade lanes.
How M&S Group Helps:
Through global carrier partnerships, we secure space early and negotiate competitive rates. Clients benefit from transparent cost breakdowns and flexible booking options that protect them from last-minute surcharges.
3. Digitalization & ONE Record Adoption
The Update: IATA is driving adoption of ONE Record — a universal digital standard for end-to-end data exchange in air cargo. Governments and customs authorities are expected to follow suit.
What It Means for Clients: Documentation is shifting to digital traceability. Manual paperwork will gradually phase out.
How M&S Group Helps:
We are early adopters of IATA ONE Record standards. Our upgraded systems enable digital document exchange, e-manifests, and real-time shipment visibility — giving clients faster clearance and reduced paperwork.
4. Sustainability & SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel)
The Update: SAF production is expected to double in 2025, though supply remains limited. Airlines and regulators are prioritizing greener supply chains.
What It Means for Clients: Corporates, NGOs, and diplomatic missions increasingly demand low-carbon transport. Some carriers may begin introducing green surcharges.
How M&S Group Helps:
We design green logistics strategies by optimizing routes, adopting multimodal solutions, and reporting carbon footprints. We also partner with carriers pioneering SAF adoption, helping clients enhance sustainability in their supply chains.
5. Cargo Agency Program & Compliance (CACRM)
The Update: IATA has updated its Cargo Agency Conference Resolutions (CACRM), strengthening governance between airlines and IATA-accredited agents.
What It Means for Clients: Working with non-accredited forwarders risks shipment delays and compliance issues.
How M&S Group Helps:
M&S is a fully IATA-accredited cargo agent, offering assured compliance, direct airline access, and priority booking. Alongside our AEO accreditation, we stand among East Africa’s only logistics providers with dual international recognition.
Why This Matters
IATA’s latest updates are reshaping global logistics with stricter compliance, increased digitalization, and greater sustainability expectations.
KEBS Notices & What They Mean for Importers: M&S Group Insights
The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has recently issued several regulatory updates affecting importers, exporters, and manufacturers. At M&S Group Limited, we closely track these changes to help clients stay compliant, avoid costly delays, and maintain uninterrupted supply chains.
KEBS Validation of Used Motor Vehicle Documents
Notice: All used vehicles imported into Kenya now require validation of importation documents through Quality Inspection Services Japan (QISJ).
- New Requirement: KSh 12,000 per vehicle fee (effective July 14, 2025), with processing time of up to 4 working days.
- Risk: Vehicles exceeding age or emission limits will be rejected.
How M&S Group Helps:
We guide importers through documentation, validation, and submission to QISJ — preventing costly port delays and rejected shipments.
Suspension of Edible Oils & Cooking Fats Brands
Notice: KEBS has suspended several edible oil brands over non-compliance with safety and labeling standards.
- Risk: Importers face market disruptions, product impoundments, and financial loss.
How M&S Group Helps:
We support food importers by pre-screening consignments, verifying quality certifications, and sourcing compliant alternatives to ensure steady supply.
Revision of Food Standards (e.g., Olive Oil)
Notice: KEBS has revised the Olive Oil Standard (KS1789:2022) in line with Codex requirements, imposing stricter safety thresholds.
- Risk: Previously compliant products may now require retesting or reformulation.
How M&S Group Helps:
We partner with accredited labs to facilitate pre-export testing and ensure consignments meet updated KEBS requirements.
Warning on Impersonation of KEBS Inspectors
Notice: KEBS warns importers against fraudsters posing as inspectors.
- Risk: Exposure to scams, fraudulent clearances, and financial loss.
How M&S Group Helps:
Our team verifies inspector identities, liaises directly with KEBS, and ensures clearance is handled only by authorized officials.
Why This Matters
Regulatory changes significantly impact clearance timelines, costs, and compliance risks. With dual recognition as an IATA-certified and AEO-accredited logistics partner, M&S Group ensures:
- Smooth customs clearance under new KEBS requirements.
- Accurate cost forecasting for regulatory compliance.
- Protection against shipment delays, rejections, or fraud.
Final Word
At M&S Group, we don’t just move cargo — we move compliance forward. We translate global and local industry shifts into practical client advantages, ensuring your shipments move faster, safer, and greener.
