A Guide to Essential Air Freight Shipping Documents By Arihant International Courier Services.
What are the most crucial documents required for air freight shipping? How does each document contribute to the overall shipping process? What are the outcomes of incomplete or inaccurate documentation?
Air freight shipping is an important aspect of international shipping, offering a fast and efficient means to deliver goods from one place to another. However, because air freight shipping is so complicated, it needs careful paperwork to make sure it follows all the rules and goes through without a hitch. As a leading international courier company in Surat, Arihant International Courier Services provides a comprehensive guide to the important air freight shipping documents to help streamline your shipping process and avoid any potential hurdles. When you decide to make an international shipment, the first thing you will have to make sure of is that there is a smooth shipping process for the package you want to send your loved one. You need to qualify an important step before scheduling the shipment for air freight, i.e. the document verification. If your paperwork is incomplete or inaccurate you might face a number of problems sending your package overseas. There are chances of many troubles setting in during the shipment phase or landing at the destination, such as the detaining of goods, delays, fines, etc.
Every freight shipment needs accurate paperwork as per the rules and regulations of the particular country to ensure a smooth transition.
Your checklist of documents:
Various documents are required to ship goods through air freight. The type of documents depends on the rules and regulations of the destination you want to send the parcel.
Arihant International Courier Services suggests some of the common and important documents you require:
Packing List
Shipment details are included in the packing list that is sent with the package. An export checklist is usually longer and more detailed than one used for local shipments. The shipper usually uses the packing list to verify the weight and volume of the goods. Foreign customs officers may use this list to assess the shipment. The overseas packing list contains information on the products’ amount, weight, measures, type of packaging, and any special instructions for air freight shipping.
The Packing List provides detailed information about the shipment, including:
Description of each item
Quantity of each item
Weight and dimensions of each package
Special handling instructions
Customs authorities use the packing list to verify the contents of the shipment against the commercial invoice. It also assists in efficient cargo handling and storage.
Air Waybill (AW
It is a contract between the shipper and the carrier. It contains important information about the shipment, whether it’s the value of goods or terms and conditions and many other details.
The Air Waybill is the most important document in air freight shipping. The AWB includes details such as:
Shipper and consignee information
Description of goods
Weight and dimensions of the shipment
Terms and conditions of carriage
Route and flight information
The AWB must be correct and complete to avoid delays and ensure the shipment is handled correctly.
Certificate of Origin (COO)
The certificate of origin (CO) demonstrates the place of origin of the goods that are transported across borders. This paper is essential for customs clearance because laws and procedures vary in each country based on the origin of the goods. The Certificate of Origin is usually certified by an authorized semiofficial organization. The Certificate of Origin may still be required even if all the details are the same as it is on the business invoice.
The COO must be issued by a recognized authority, such as a Chamber of Commerce, and include:
Exporter and importer details
Description of goods
Country of origin
Some countries have specific forms or additional requirements for the COO, so it is essential to verify the requirements of the destination country.
Commercial Invoice
This invoice serves as one of the most significant records needed for air freight since customs uses it to determine the cost and taxes of the goods being delivered. All necessary information is included in a commercial invoice, including the name and address of the sender and the recipient, the product’s specifications, the price, the terms of sale, etc.
The Commercial Invoice is a legal document between the exporter and the buyer that describes the sold goods, the amount due to the buyer, and the terms of sale. It includes:
Seller and buyer details
Description of goods
Unit value and total value
Payment terms
Currency used
Shipping date
Delivery and payment terms
This document is essential for customs clearance, as it helps know the duties and taxes applicable to the shipment.
Export License
Some goods like military equipment, technology, or hazardous materials, may require an export license from the government authorities. This ensures that the shipment follows the national security and policies of the country. It includes:
Exporter and importer details
Description of goods
Quantity and value of goods
End-use and end-user information
Failure to obtain the necessary export licenses can result in severe penalties and shipment delays.
Shipper’s Letter of Instruction (SLI)
The Shipper’s Letter of Instruction provides detailed information to the freight carrier on how to handle the shipment. It includes:
Shipper and consignee details
Description of goods
Special handling instructions
Insurance requirements
Shipping Terms
The SLI helps ensure that the shipment is taken care of according to the shipper’s requirements and can include instructions for billing, delivery, and other specific needs.
Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD)
This declaration statement is necessary if the shipment includes any hazardous goods in order to make sure that the regulations are followed throughout transit.
If the shipment contains hazardous materials, a Dangerous Goods Declaration is mandatory. The DGD make sure that the carrier and all people involved are aware of the hazardous nature of the goods and handle them appropriately. It includes:
Shipper and consignee details
Description of hazardous materials
UN number and classification
Packing group
Quantity and type of packaging
Emergency contact information
10. Insurance Certificate
The Insurance Certificate provides proof of insurance coverage for the shipment. It details the terms and conditions of the insurance policy, including:
Shipper and consignee details
Description of goods
Value of goods
Coverage details
Policy number and validity
Insurance is crucial to protect the shipment against unforeseen risks during transit.
Conclusion
Figuring out the difficulties of air freight can be challenging, but Arihant International Courier Services, a leading international courier company understands the necessity of important documents is the key to ensuring a smooth process. Each and every document plays an important role in complying with regulations set by the international market. Perfect preparation and verification of documents can avoid delays, penalties, and other issues.
Arihant International Courier Services is dedicated to helping you manage your air freight shipping needs efficiently. With our expertise and comprehensive guide, you can ensure that your shipments are well-documented, compliant, and ready for smooth transit across the globe.
GET IN TOUCH
