Air transport, with its various advantages for importers, is known as one of the most convenient and fast methods of shipping goods to international destinations. In this method, cargo enters the country through airports and air customs, and for customs clearance, it is necessary to go through various steps, including reviewing documents and documentation, paying fees, and completing customs formalities, so that the goods can legally enter the country and be delivered to their final destination. In this article, we will introduce the necessary steps and documents for air clearance of goods and the costs associated with it, as well as examine the two main methods of air transport, namely freight and cargo, and the characteristics of each.
Shipping goods by air
Air freight is a method of shipping cargo that, compared to other transportation methods, delivers goods to their destination faster and with higher quality, and also has higher security. In this shipping method, goods are cleared through airport customs and is called air clearance. Air freight shipping, which has more advantages than other methods of transporting goods, usually has higher costs and tariffs and may increase based on factors such as exchange rates, weight of goods, type of goods, etc.
Air freight shipping is carried out using two main methods: cargo and freight, each of which has its own characteristics and conditions and is used for different purposes.
The freight method is usually used to ship personal belongings. This method is suitable for loads including personal belongings, household appliances, etc. and is also called passenger cargo. This type of transportation is usually more limited than cargo due to volume and weight restrictions.
In contrast, cargo is used to ship commercial goods and shipments that are intended for trade, buying and selling, or exporting and importing. Goods shipped via cargo are usually larger in volume and weight, and also require more detailed customs coordination and documentation. Cargo shipping usually has higher costs than freight and is designed to move commercial goods.
Documents required for air cargo clearance
For air cargo clearance, you need to submit specific documents to customs, and below we have discussed the most important documents in this regard:
- Warehouse receipt
- Air waybill
- Certificate of origin
- Goods insurance
- Commercial card
- Customs declaration
- Laboratory documents
- Goods purchase documents
- Legal permits
- Packing list
- Transportation documents
- Proforma invoice
- Permits from specific institutions such as the Ministry of Health, the National Standards Organization, etc.
Air freight costs with clearance
To transport and clear goods by air, you need to pay various costs, including the following:
- Entry duties: Entry duties are a percentage of the value of imported goods that must be paid to customs for the goods to enter the country.
- Warehousing costs: Costs related to storing goods in the customs warehouses of Imam Khomeini Airport
- Customs order registration fee: The fee that must be paid to register your goods’ customs order with the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Trade.
- Necessary license fees: The fees related to inspecting goods and obtaining the necessary licenses, such as approval from the Standards Organization, the Food and Drug Administration, and …
- Commercial card fee: The fee that must be paid to issue a commercial card and receive it from the Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Mines so that you can legally operate in the field of importing and exporting goods.
- Customs taxes and duties: Customs duties are determined by customs based on the value and type of goods, and taxes are also applied to imported goods according to the laws of the country.
- Domestic transportation costs: The cost of transporting goods from the airport and delivering them to the final destination is also the responsibility of the importer.
These costs vary depending on the type, dimensions, and weight of the shipments being shipped, and for example, goods that are sensitive to impact or packaging have higher cargo costs. The distance of transporting goods from origin to destination also plays a role in determining these costs, and the longer this distance, the higher the final cost. Import duties, taxes, and duties for each product also vary according to the type of product, and for this reason, it is not possible to specify an exact and specific cost as the cost of air clearance of goods.
Frequently Asked Questions about Air Freight with Clearance
How many days does air cargo clearance take?
The process of air cargo clearance varies depending on the completeness of the documents, the type of goods, customs issues, etc., but in general, one to three business days can be considered for it. In addition, importers can use the services of reputable clearance companies such as Saina Express to reduce clearance time.
What steps should be taken after the goods arrive to clear air cargo?
Receiving the bill of lading and paying customs fees are the most important tasks required for air cargo clearance.
Which is the main airport customs for air cargo clearance?
Imam Khomeini Airport and Customs is one of the largest air customs in the country and an important commercial base for the import and export of goods.
What is the difference between freight and cargo?
Freight is mostly used to send personal items such as household appliances, clothing, and non-commercial goods, and is usually accompanied by volume and weight restrictions. While cargo is suitable for transporting commercial goods and shipments of greater weight and volume and requires more detailed customs documentation, the cost of cargo is also usually higher than freight.
Conclusion
The speed and security of air freight make it one of the most popular options for international trade, and completing clearance procedures correctly and accurately can have a significant impact on time and costs. Choosing the right shipping method, whether freight for personal goods or cargo for commercial shipments, helps importers effectively exploit the benefits of air freight. Using the advice and services of clearance companies and specialists can help you avoid potential problems and delays and proceed with the import process in a fast, cost-effective and worry-free manner.