Like many websites, Shipa Freight uses cookies to personalize your browsing experience.

Register

Air Freight Shipping Documents

Shipping documents are being signed
Effortless ShippingEffortless Shipping
Real-Time TrackingReal-Time Tracking
24X7 Customer Support24X7 Customer Support
Updated on 03 Apr 20238 min read

Air Freight Shipping Documents

Shipping documents are being signed

There are a variety of documents that may be required for international shipping, depending on the type of goods being shipped and the regulations of the destination country. These requirements may differ if you ship via air or ocean freight. In this article, we’ll focus on the shipping documents you need for the former: air freight.

Air Freight Documents You Need

When shipping air freight, it is important to include the proper documentation to avoid delays or other problems. There are a few different shipping documents in international trade that may be required, depending on the destination country and the type of goods being shipped.

Bill of Lading

A bill of lading is a document that air freight carriers use to identify and track shipments. The document includes pertinent information about the shipment, such as the sender's name and contact information, the recipient's name and contact information, a description of the goods being shipped, the weight of the shipment, and the date of shipment.

The bill of lading also serves as a receipt for the sender, indicating that the air freight carrier has received the shipment and is responsible for delivering it to the recipient.

Destination Control Statement

An important document that must be included with every air freight shipment is the Destination Control Statement (DCS). The DCS is a statement that certifies that the commodities being shipped are compliant with all destination country regulations. It is the responsibility of the shipper to ensure that the DCS is completed accurately and completely, as any errors could result in delays or even rejection of the shipment.

The DCS must be signed by an authorized representative of the shipper, and must include the following information:

  • Shipper name and address
  • Consignee name and address
  • Notify party name and address (if applicable)
  • Commodity description
  • Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code
  • Country of origin
  • Destination country
  • Estimated value of shipment
  • Mode of transport (e.g. air, ocean, truck, etc.)
  • Incoterms

In addition to the required information, the DCS may also include other relevant details such as special instructions or remarks.

Electronic Export Information Document (EEI)

The Electronic Export Information Document (EEI) is a required document for all shipments of goods valued over $2,500 destined for export from the United States by air freight.

The EEI must be filed with the U.S. Census Bureau through the Automated Export System (AES) and contains information about the shipment, including a description of the goods, their value, the destination country, and other details.

The purpose of the EEI is to collect export data so that the U.S. government can track exports and monitor compliance with export regulations. The data collected through the EEI is also used for statistical purposes.

Export Packing List

The export packing list is an important document used in air freight shipping. It itemizes all the goods being shipped and provides information on their packing details. This helps ensure that the shipment arrives safely and intact.

An export packing list typically includes the following information:

  • A description of the goods being shipped
  • The quantity of each item
  • The dimensions and weight of each item
  • The type of packaging used for each item
  • Special instructions for handling or shipping the goods

The export packing list is typically prepared by the shipper and given to the freight forwarder or carrier.

Certificate of Origin

The Certificate of Origin (CO) is a document that certifies the country of origin of goods exported to another country. The CO is required by many countries in order to grant preferential tariff treatment or other benefits under various trade agreements.

The CO must be issued by a competent authority, such as a chamber of commerce, and must be accompanied by a commercial invoice and other supporting documents, as required. The CO must be completed correctly in order to avoid delays or penalties at the destination country's customs.

Commercial Invoice

When shipping goods via air freight, one of the required documents is a commercial invoice. This document is used by customs officials to determine the value of the goods being shipped, as well as any taxes or fees that may be due. The commercial invoice must be completed accurately and completely in order to avoid any delays or problems with customs clearance.

A commercial invoice for air freight is a document that contains all the necessary information about a shipment. This includes the names and addresses of the sender and receiver, a description of the goods being shipped, the value of the shipment, and the terms of sale. The commercial invoice must be signed by an authorized representative of the sender in order to be valid.

Consular Invoice

You may be required to obtain a consular invoice for your shipment. This document is required by some countries for all shipments entering the country, regardless of value. The consular invoice is obtained from the consulate of the destination country and must be completed and signed by a consular official.

The consular invoice is a document required by some countries for goods shipped from another country. This document provides information about the shipment, including the value of the goods, and is used to help ensure that the proper duties and taxes are paid.

Inspection Certification

The inspection certification document is used to certify that the goods being shipped by air freight have been inspected and are fit for transport. This document is usually required by customs authorities when clearing goods for import or export.

The inspection certification document must be completed by a qualified inspector and include information on the condition of the goods, any damage or repairs necessary, and the value of the goods. This document ensures that the goods being shipped meet all safety and quality standards and are suitable for transport by air.

Shipper’s Export Declaration (SED)

The Shipper’s Export Declaration (SED) is a document required by the U.S. Census Bureau for all shipments of goods leaving the United States. The SED must be filed with the Bureau no later than the date of export.

The purpose of the SED is to collect data on U.S. exports. This data is used by the U.S. government to track the movement of goods and to compile statistics on trade. The SED also provides the basis for enforcing export control regulations.

The SED must be completed by the shipper of the goods (the exporter). The exporter must provide information on the type and value of the goods being shipped, the shipment's destination, and the transportation method. The SED must be signed by the exporter or by an authorized representative of the exporter.

The SED is not required for shipments of goods that are valued at less than $2,500. Shipments of goods subject to export control regulations may be required to obtain an export license from the U.S. government, even if the value of the shipment is less than $2,500.

If you are shipping goods via air freight, you will need to provide the following information on the SED:

  • The name and address of the shipper
  • The shipper’s account number with the airline
  • The air waybill
  • The name and address of the consignee
  • A description of the goods being shipped
  • The Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classification for the goods
  • The value of the goods being shipped
  • The weight of the shipment
  • The number of packages in the shipment
  • The date of export
  • The airport of export

Other Air Freight Documentation

Depending on the destination of the shipment and the type of goods being shipped, there may also be other documents required from you. These include the following:

  • Dock receipt
  • Warehouse receipt
  • Insurance certificate
  • Export license
  • Certificate of Handling (Fumigation Certificate)
  • Dangerous Goods Declaration
  • NAFTA Certificate of Origin (for shipment between Canada, United States, and Mexico)

Why You Need the Proper Air Shipment Documents

A customer paying attention to understand the need of proper air shipment documents

When you're shipping goods by air, it's important to have the proper documentation in order. The right paperwork will help ensure that your shipment arrives safely and on time and that any potential problems are quickly resolved.

On the other hand, if air freight shipments are incomplete, the air carrier may refuse to transport the shipment. Incomplete air freight shipments may also be subject to delays and additional charges.

Shipa Freight Can Help With Air Freight Shipping Documents

When you're shipping air freight, there are a few different documents that you'll need to ensure a smooth process. Shipa Freight can help you with all the documentation you need for your shipment, so you can rest assured that everything will go according to plan.

We have years of experience shipping goods from around the world and a team of experts who can help ensure that you prepare and obtain what you need before your shipment. Get help with your air freight shipping documents from Shipa Freight and experience an easy air freight shipping experience.

You may also like