Loading cargo on the plane in airport, view through window
Did you know that experts predicted that airfreight would reach 63,000,000 metric tons by this year?
Airfreight shipping is becoming more popular as companies look to maximize their efficiency and speed.
Airfreight, however, has its terminology and documentation. For first-time customers of airfreight, this can make it difficult.
Take a moment to learn about the terminology and documentation required to airfreight items internationally. The article below will provide all the information you need.
Commercial Invoice
Good shipping companies will offer daily services to international destinations. This service can only be provided if all documentation is accurate and properly accounted for.
A Commercial Invoice is the first document a company needs. This is a document that details every item they will ship. This document will include a description of each item and the item’s value, and the total consignment value.
This document will also include information about the seller and shipper and their respective locations. The seller will use this documentation to prove ownership.
Consular Invoice
Many countries require a consular bill to check and control imports. This allows a country to learn about and control goods before arriving at an air or seaport.
A company can obtain this document by buying it at the consulate in the country to which they are shipping. This document is often prepared in the language used by the consulate.
Certificate of Origin
Each country will either have its trade relationship or be part. Before a shipment leaves the ground, it must be prepared with a document that indicates the origin country. You may also need to include details about the trade agreements covered.
An outside company could prepare this document. Customs may still request this document even though it may contain some information not found in other documents.
Electronic Export Information Document (EEI)
The US government requires that shipping companies submit a copy of an Electronic Export Information Document.
The US Census Office requires this document. Government agencies use it to compile official statistics. All shipping companies must file this document. This document is required for any shipment exceeding $2,500, regardless of the type of export license or end-user.
Bill of Lading
The bill of Lading is the primary contract between the owner and the company that will ship the goods. It includes information about the parties the amount and types of goods being shipped.
The receiving party usually requires the bill of Lading upon arrival at the destination airfreight receiving site to accept the goods.
Export packing list
The government may not require certain details about the materials in the shipment. It would be in everyone’s best interest to give these details to handlers.
This information could include information about the storage requirements or perishability.
These details are usually included in the export packing lists:
- Shipping costs in US dollars
- Address of the shipper
- Company ID
- Contact information for the consignee
- Specification of the shipment and its requirements
- Quantity and weight
- Origin and location
The shipper will use this information to make important decisions, including how to manage its weight.
This list may be checked by customs and border officials to ensure that it is not inconsistent with the shipment contents.
Inspection Certificate
It may be necessary to have a third party inspect the goods in certain cases. They will issue an Inspection Certificate. This will verify that the goods are the ones they have stated.
This paperwork will only be issued if you know the requirements of your destination country. After inspection, a testing company will issue this certificate.
Destination Control Statement
International trade must be conducted following existing trade agreements. A goods certification will prove compliance. The Destination Control Statement is an example.
This statement informs all handlers that only certain destinations are allowed to export the item.
Additional Documentation
Different countries may have different requirements. Although the information above is sufficient for major shipping destinations, other locations may have additional requirements.
The following are examples of documents you may need:
- Receipt of handling in the dock
- Received in a warehouse for handling
- For the entire trip, an insurance certificate
- Export license
- Certificate of Handling
- Declaration of hazardous materials
The shipping company will tell you what information is needed in advance. Many shipping companies will take care of these details if you provide all the information.
