# EDIFACT

*Last updated: 2026-06-22*

> Unlike proprietary data formats or the more flexible XML, EDIFACT – Electronic Data Interchange for Administration, Commerce and Transport – is an internationally recognised message standard for electronic data exchange, developed under United Nations auspices.

Unlike proprietary data formats or the more flexible XML, EDIFACT – Electronic Data Interchange for Administration, Commerce and Transport – is an internationally recognised message standard for electronic data exchange, developed under United Nations auspices. It defines syntax, character sets, and message types in a binding manner: IFTMIN covers transport instructions, CUSCAR handles customs cargo reports, so that sender and recipient parse exactly the same structure regardless of the software they run. In freight forwarding and customs, EDIFACT dominates the exchange of bills of lading, cargo manifests, and regulatory filings, with many customs administrations mandating it explicitly. XML formats offer greater readability and flexibility but have not displaced EDIFACT in regulated environments. Freight forwarders and software vendors entering this space must be familiar with the relevant EDIFACT subsets, such as UN/EDIFACT D.96A.

**Source:** [https://unece.org/trade/uncefact/introducing-unedifact](https://unece.org/trade/uncefact/introducing-unedifact)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | EDIFACT |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 132 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-22 |
| Source | https://unece.org/trade/uncefact/introducing-unedifact |

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*Logistics Glossary — Freight Academy: [https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/edifact](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/edifact)*

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*JSON summary: [https://www.freight-academy.com/api/v1/glossary/edifact/llm-summary?lang=en](https://www.freight-academy.com/api/v1/glossary/edifact/llm-summary?lang=en)*