Essential Guide to Air Cargo Documentation
Essential Guide to Air Cargo Documentation
Table of Contents
Today, the transportation of goods internationally via air cargo has increased a lot. It has made the international supply chain process easy and quick, increasing the growth of businesses worldwide. Based on the reports, it is studied that 35% of international trade is backed by air cargo annually and of course, this percentage will grow in the coming years for sure. Phil Knight says, ‘I do believe that international trade agreements benefit both nations, always.’ This is why businesses have already started taking benefits from it and will continue in the future.
International trade must have a smooth shipping process so that your goods can reach your foreign customers on time. The process involves a lot of things. Before your shipment is scheduled for air cargo, you need to go through the documentation process.
Need for air cargo documentation
Similar to all methods of shipping, air cargo also includes a fair amount of documentation. If you do not want to face delays, miss your shipment, penalty fees, and unexpected costs, you must gather the entire information for a smooth shipment process. Documents are required for customs clearance, which is the process through which exported or imported goods are sanctioned by customs authorities for entry or exit from a country. Apart from that, documents are required for:
- Seamless import/export of goods
- Clearing contracts
- Tracking the movement of goods accurately
- On-time deliveries
- Transparency in the shipping process
A must-have checklist for air cargo documentation
When the shipping of goods is done through air cargo, there are different types of documents you need to submit. Make sure you know that the list of documents you need is based on the destination whether it is a country or state. However, there are several common documents that you have to provide. These are:
- Commercial Invoice: Custom authorities check the invoice to calculate the taxes and cost of the items being transported from one place to another. This is why a commercial invoice is needed. It contains all the vital information including the names and addresses of the sender and recipient, the specifications of the products of the goods, the terms of sale, the cost, etc.
- Airway Bill: AWB is a contract or important document for both the carrier and shipper. This document contains info related to the shipment, the terms and conditions of the goods transportation, the declared value of goods, etc.
- Packing list: It is also important to provide the packing list along with the shipment. This list has the info related to the consignment. An export packing list is generally more comprehensive than domestic shipments’ packing list. It is used by the shipper to verify the weight and volume of the products being transported. In addition, foreign customs officials may also use it to examine the consignment. It includes details about the packaging, measurements, quantity, type of packaging used, weight, and any particular instructions.
- Certificate of Origin: It is a document, which is used at the borders to verify the items. Since every nation has different rules and regulations based on where the items originated, CO or Certificate of Origin is important for customs clearances. A legal semi-official organization verifies the CO.
- Destination Control Statement:This document verifies that the products being shipped or transported obey the laws of the destination country. In this document, the info about the product, country of destination, country of origin, shipper’s name and address, estimated value, etc., is present. Destination control statement is only to be made or signed by an official representative of the shipper company.
- Customs declarationThis document declares that the items being transported are scrutinized, documented, and sanctioned by the customs authorities. They have identified the value and taxes imposed on the shipment.
- Export permit or license:It is a government document, which states that the particular export transaction is approved by the government.
- Inspection certificate:It is another important document for air cargo successful shipping. The customs authorities need this certificate to make sure that the items being shipped have been examined by the concerned personnel. It verifies that the goods are perfect and fit for shipping.
- Insurance certificate:It is needed in some cases. Some air cargo shipping senders and recipients buy insurance to protect and cover their shipments against damages or losses sustained during transit.
- Dangerous goods declaration:Dangerous goods declaration is a document that is needed in some situations. In a case, where your shipment has any hazardous goods, then you need this paper. It makes sure that the rules are followed while in transit.
Conclusion
Documentation plays a key role in the shipment process of the air cargo. It ensures a seamless transportation of goods from source to destination.
