What Documents Do I Need to Prepare for Air Freight?




Air freight needs to ensure that all relevant documents are complete and in compliance with regulations. The specific documents required may vary depending on factors such as the type of goods, mode of transportation, laws and regulations of the importing and exporting countries, etc. Therefore, in actual operation, it is recommended to consult a professional freight forwarder or legal advisor to ensure that the documents are complete and in compliance with regulations. Generally speaking, these documents include the following categories:

  • 1. Basic freight documents
  • 2. Export-related documents
  • 3. Import-related documents
  • 4. Special goods documents
  • 5. Other auxiliary documents

  • 1. Basic freight documents

    Air waybill: The main document of Air freight, equivalent to the freight contract and the goods receipt. It is not a certificate of title, so it cannot be transferred or sold. It usually includes the original and several copies for different business links.

    Invoice: issued by the seller, detailing the name, quantity, unit price, total price, etc. of the goods, is an important basis for customs clearance and taxation by the importing country.

    Packing list: A document that lists the detailed information of the goods, including the name, specifications, quantity, packaging method, etc. of the goods, which helps the consignee to check the goods and is also an important document for customs clearance.

    2. Export-related documents

    Export declaration form: A document with detailed information of export goods declared to the customs by the export business unit, which needs to be stamped with the special seal of the export business unit.

    Sales contract: The sales agreement reached between the buyer and seller, including the name, quantity, price, delivery method, etc. of the goods, also needs to be stamped with the official seal of the export business unit or the special seal of the contract.

    Export foreign exchange verification form: A document used for foreign exchange management, proving that the export goods have been collected and verified.

    Transportation and customs declaration letter: An authorization document for entrusting a freight forwarder or customs broker to handle transportation and customs declaration matters.


    3. Import-related documents

    Import license: Some countries have a licensing system for specific imported goods, and an import license is required.

    Import tariff payment certificate: A tariff certificate that needs to be paid when imported goods are cleared at customs.

    Other import approval documents: Other approval documents that may need to be provided according to the laws and regulations of the importing country.

    4. Special goods documents

    Certificate of origin: A document that proves the origin of the goods, usually issued by the chamber of commerce or government agency of the exporting country, is an important basis for enjoying the tariff preferences of the importing country.

    Inspection certificate: A document issued by an international investigation company or relevant agency that proves that the goods meet specific quality standards or technical requirements.

    Non-wood packaging certificate: If the goods use non-wood packaging materials, a non-wood packaging certificate is required to meet the plant quarantine requirements of the importing country.

    5. Other auxiliary documents

    Insurance policy: a certificate for purchasing transportation insurance for goods to ensure that the goods are protected during transportation.

    Goods delivery note: a document used for goods delivery, recording the delivery time, location, quantity and other information of the goods.

    Other random documents: other random documents that may need to be provided according to the characteristics of the goods and transportation requirements.



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