Key International Frameworks Followed
- WCO (World Customs Organization): Global customs procedures and harmonization
- IATA (International Air Transport Association): Air cargo regulations and AWB standards
- FIATA (International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations): Freight forwarding standards and documentation
- Incoterms® (ICC): International commercial terms defining buyer/seller responsibilities
- EU Regulation 2021/821: Export control of dual-use items (European Union)
- ITAR / EAR (United States): Export control regulations for defense and dual-use goods
- NCTS (New Computerised Transit System): EU transit control system for goods movement
EXPORT & TRANSIT PROCEDURE AIR & SEA SHIPMENTS
1. COMMON EXPORT STEPS (AIR & SEA)
- Final packaging and palletizing of goods at the manufacturing facility
- Issuance of Commercial Invoice including full product description, HS Codes, quantities, and applicable Incoterms
- Preparation of Packing List detailing dimensions, weights, and packaging structure
- Submission of Export Declaration through national customs systems
- Obtaining Export License (mandatory for controlled / military / dual-use goods)
- Provision of End User Certificate (EUC), where required for compliance and licensing
- Issuance of Certificate of Origin, where required by destination country or trade agreements
- Arrangement of transport insurance (depending on Incoterms – mandatory under CIF/CIP)
- Coordination with appointed freight forwarder or shipping agent
2. EXPORT BY AIR
- Booking of cargo space through airline or freight forwarder
- Delivery of cargo to airport terminal (cargo handling facility)
- Submission of shipping instructions and air cargo documentation
- Issuance of Air Waybill (AWB) by carrier (contract of carriage & cargo receipt)
- Security screening (X-ray or physical inspection) in accordance with aviation regulations
- Customs export clearance and release (MRN issued)
- Handling and loading of cargo onto aircraft
- Departure of flight – AWB serves as official transport proof
3. EXPORT BY SEA
- Booking of container space through shipping line or forwarder (FCL or LCL)
- Delivery of cargo to port terminal or consolidation warehouse
- Submission of Shipping Instructions and documentation
- Issuance of Bill of Lading (B/L) (contract of carriage & document of title)
- Container loading, sealing, and terminal handling operations
- Customs export clearance (MRN issued)
- Loading of container onto vessel
- Vessel departure – B/L serves as official transport proof
4. TRANSIT SHIPMENTS (THIRD COUNTRY DESTINATION)
- Export declaration is completed in the country of origin
- Transit procedures are applied for movement through intermediate countries
- Cargo moves under customs control using T1 / transit documentation
- Final import clearance is completed at destination country
- Transport is monitored via Customs Transit Systems (e.g. NCTS in EU)
- Forwarder ensures continuity and compliance throughout transit chain
5. BEST PRACTICES & TIPS
- Ensure AWB / B/L is issued prior to cargo arrival at terminal to avoid delays
- Maintain full alignment between Invoice, Packing List, and Export Declaration
- Use digital archiving for all shipping and customs documentation
- Clearly define responsibilities under agreed Incoterms
- Verify import regulations and restrictions in destination country before shipment
- Maintain full traceability of cargo throughout the logistics chain
- For controlled goods, ensure strict compliance with export control regulations
INTERNATIONAL VALIDITY – WHAT’S STANDARD WORLDWIDE
