10-3. Customs Procedures in Air Export

Overview

IINO san

This time, we will be explaining the customs procedures for air exports.

Sea and air are basically the same, right?

Rookie

IINO san

It’s mostly the same, but there are differences in the facilities used, and air transport has its unique features.

Oh, okay…!

Rookie

What You Learn in This Topic

• Customs Procedures in Air Export

Export Customs Clearance Procedure

Customs clearance for air exports proceeds as follows.

IINO san

We’re going to explain the specific steps in the next chapter!

1. Preparation

First, the exporter entrusts customs clearance to a customs broker. The required documents are almost the same as those for maritime transport.

Then, the exporter transports the goods from their warehouse to the forwarder’s warehouse near the airport.

Flights often depart on the same day as the goods are brought into the warehouse. Therefore, the cut-off time is typically 4 to 6 hours before departure.

Hmm…….if the documents aren’t in order, the export process can’t proceed, right?

Rookie

IINO san

No, they can’t. Speed is the most important thing in air transport!

2. Confirmation in CFS

In the warehouse, the following operations are conducted:

• Explosive inspections
• Attaching labels
• Packing

Explosive inspections

Basically, all cargo must be inspected in air transport to ensure no explosives are included.

Attaching labels

Measuring the cargo and affixing the Air Waybill label. This is necessary to show which flight the cargo will be loaded onto.

Packing

The warehouse handles the packing as instructed by the exporter, such as:

• Palletization
• Wooden crate packaging
• Vacuum packaging
• Another packing method, etc., 

IINO san

In air transport, these procedures are always necessary. That’s why instead of taking the cargo directly to the airport, it is brought to the forwarder’s warehouse.

3. Export Declaration and Permission

The cargo is brought into the bonded warehouse, and the export declaration is made to the customs. Once the declaration is accepted, the shipper can obtain an export license.

In air transport, it is mandatory to electronically transmit the manifest of exported cargo to the customs and relevant authorities of the importing country in advance as a counter-terrorism measure.

IINO san

For example, when exporting cargo to the US, the manifest must be transmitted to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at least 4 hours before the arrival of the aircraft in the US.

4. Bring Goods into the Designated Shed of the Airline

After obtaining export permission, the cargo is loaded into Unit Load Devices (ULD) and transported to the designated shed by the airline.

Combining cargo from multiple exporters into ULDs allows for efficient handling in cargo loading operations.

What’s a ULD?

Rookie

IINO san

A ULD is a container or pallet used for loading and transporting cargo on aircraft.

5. Air Waybill issued

An Air Waybill is issued by the airline.

IINO san

Air Waybill is covered in another topic. (URLの挿入をお願いします)

6. On Board an Aircraft and Flight

The cargo is loaded onto the aircraft and departs for its destination.

The shipper sends a copy of the Air Waybill to the importer. Speed is crucial, so the original is not necessary.

The speed is different from maritime transport in all aspects.

Rookie

Summary

In this topic, we explained the process of air export. It’s important to note that the process differs slightly from maritime transport.

Preparing in advance and avoiding document deficiencies is crucial to ensure smooth progress.

Take the Test

Reinforce your understanding of this topic by working through the exercises. Attempting the exercises without referring to the material as much as possible is advisable.

IINO san

The act of “remembering” helps it stick in your memory.