AIR CARGO

Air freight is the transportation of goods by air using commercial or passenger aircraft. It's the fastest way to ship goods internationally, and is ideal for time-sensitive items like perishables, pharmaceuticals, and high-value goods. 

Here are some things to consider when importing air freight:

• Documentation
  You'll need to provide accurate and timely customs declarations, including an Airway Bill (AWB) and a Commercial Invoice. The AWB is a contract of carriage that includes details of the shipment, while the Commercial Invoice contains transaction details. 

• Customs and taxes
  Customs authorities will use the declared value of your cargo to calculate import duties and taxes. Different goods may have different duty rates. 

• Restricted and prohibited items
  Some goods, like hazardous materials or controlled substances, may require special permits or be prohibited. 

• Packaging
  For perishables, make sure the packaging can withstand at least 24 hours of travel without spoiling. You can use wooden crates or double-skinned cardboard boxes, and fill any extra space with packing material. 

The air import process involves several steps, including ramp transport, transferring from airside to landside, and sorting goods and documents. 

Air freight export is the commercial transportation of goods by air for international shipping. It's a fast way to move goods, but it's also a high-cost-to-weight type of shipment. 

Here are some things to consider about air freight export:

• Types of cargo
  There are two types of air cargo: general and special. General cargo is the most economical option and includes high-value goods like electronics, jewelry, and pharmaceuticals. Special cargo requires special conditions, like temperature control or protected casing, for goods like hazardous materials. 

• Air freight services
  Air freight companies offer different services, including general cargo, priority, over-the-counter, and hand carry. Hand carry is the most expensive option and is usually reserved for high-value shipments, documents, or expensive goods. 

• Export declaration
  If the value of the goods is 1,000 EUR or more, an Export Declaration is required. This document must be sent to the freight forwarder and include a barcode with the Movement Reference Number (MRN). 

• Air waybill
  The number of pieces and total gross weight on the Air Waybill must match the data on the Export Declaration. 

• Direct airway bill
  A direct airway bill (DAWB) is used for direct shipments when freight and service needs are immediate. The freight is transported on the airline without a HAWB and can be collected directly from the CTO.