Air export of chemicals involves multiple steps and requires documents prepared in advance for smooth customs clearance and timely delivery. This article covers the document list, cargo station delivery process, chargeable weight rules and common pitfalls for general (non-dangerous) chemicals.
Air export of general (non-dangerous) chemicals does not involve DG declaration, but still has strict document, packaging and operation requirements - cargo stations are especially cautious with chemicals. This article walks through the full process from booking to release.
1. Required Documents
- Commercial Invoice: cargo name, quantity, unit price, total, trade terms, buyer and seller info.
- Packing List: weight, dimensions and quantity of each package.
- Air Waybill (AWB): issued by the carrier, divided into Master AWB (MAWB) and House AWB (HAWB).
- MSDS / SDS: even for non-DG, some airlines require it to confirm the cargo nature.
- Export customs declaration: filed in the customs system with HS code, description and declared value.
- Certificate of Origin (CO): per destination requirements, issued by CCPIT or CIQ.
2. Cargo Station Delivery Process
- Booking: reserve space with the freight forwarder, confirming acceptable cargo type, weight and size limits.
- Packing: prepare cargo to air packing standards, marking shipper/consignee, pieces and weight.
- Pre-clearance: file declaration in the customs system and obtain a booking number.
- Delivery to cargo station: deliver cargo to the designated air cargo station at the appointed time and submit documents.
- Inspection: customs may inspect the cargo; cooperate as required.
- Release & export: after release, cargo is loaded and the agent obtains the AWB.
3. Chargeable Weight Rules
Air freight is usually charged by chargeable weight, the greater of actual weight and volumetric weight:
- Actual weight (GW): the weighed weight of the cargo (kg)
- Volumetric weight (VW): length(cm) x width(cm) x height(cm) / 6000 (kg)
- Take the greater value as the chargeable weight (CW)
4. Common Pitfalls
- Even for non-DG chemicals, the cargo station may require a Non-DG Declaration; confirm in advance.
- Products containing organic solvents (cleaners, coatings) may be classified as DG; get a DG identification report or operate as air DG in advance.
- Lithium battery products must follow IATA DGR Section II or Section IA/IB and require special declaration.
- Some countries require special import permits for chemicals; confirm destination regulations in advance.
Need help with chemical air export?
Ginga Logistics provides air booking, customs clearance, non-DG identification assistance and compliant lithium battery air operations to ship your chemicals safely and on time.
Hunk Hu Mobile: +86-15692136029 Email: oversea22@gingalogistics.com
Xyla Mobile: +86-18321527277 Email: oversea33@gingalogistics.com