Import Airfreight Operation Guide

One-sentence summary: Import air freight from arrival to pickup consists of 8 steps — arrival notice → document exchange → customs declaration → tax payment → inspection (if any) → release → pickup → delivery. Total air import lead time is only 3-7 days (vs. 30-42 days for sea freight), but the airport's free storage period is short (48-72 hours); overtime storage fees are charged daily and at a relatively high rate — customs clearance and pickup must be completed as soon as possible after arrival. Air import does not require an original bill of lading (AWB is not a document of title); pickup can be done with the arrival notice and identity proof. (🤖 Can be quoted independently)

I. Overview of the Entire Air Import Process

Contrary to export air freight, the import air freight process begins when the cargo arrives at the destination airport:

II. Detailed Explanation of Each Step

① Arrival Notice

After the cargo is loaded and the aircraft takes off from the place of export, the airline sends arrival information (FFM/FSM messages) to the destination port. The consignee or their designated customs broker will receive an Arrival Notice.

Information included in the Arrival Notice:

• Flight number and actual arrival time
• AWB number
• Number of pieces, weight, volume
• Location of the cargo terminal where goods are stored
• Expiration date of free storage period

② Document Arrival / Exchange

After the cargo arrives, the consignee needs to present the arrival notice and relevant identification to the airline/forwarder in exchange for a Delivery Order.

Documents required for document exchange:

Core difference between air and sea import: Air freight does not require an original bill of lading for document exchange and pickup (AWB is not a document of title); the procedure is simpler, but it also means that the shipper cannot control the goods by "holding the documents." The consignee can usually complete the document exchange within 24-48 hours after the cargo arrives.

③ Customs Declaration (Import Clearance)

Import customs declaration is the most critical step in air import.

Import declaration process:

Prepare documents → Electronic declaration (single window) → Customs document review → Tax payment → Inspection (if any) → Release

Documents required for import declaration:

Import declaration lead time:

• General cargo: usually completed in 1-2 working days
• Inspected cargo: extended by 1-3 working days
• Because air cargo has storage time limits at the airport, customs clearance time is especially critical

④ Tax Payment

Once customs reviews the documents, the system generates a tax bill, and the consignee must pay the tax within the specified time.

Payment methods for taxes:

• Bank electronic payment (most common)
• Third-party payment platforms
• Customs duty guarantee insurance (can be paid later)

⑤ Inspection (if any)

The inspection rate for imported cargo by customs is typically 3-10%. Inspection methods include:

Situations prone to inspection:

• Declared price significantly lower than normal
• Unclear HS code classification
• Sensitive goods (e.g., electronic products, cosmetics, health products)
• First-time importers
• Random spot checks

⑥ Release

After customs inspection passes (or is exempted) and tax payment is confirmed, the system issues a release notice. The cargo can then be removed from the cargo terminal.

After release:

• The customs system generates a release order (electronic data)
• The cargo terminal system receives the release information
• The consignee/trucking company can schedule pickup

⑦ Pickup

Proceed to the cargo terminal with the release certificate to handle pickup procedures:

1. Schedule a pickup time
2. Go to the cargo terminal to complete the outbound storage procedures
3. Pay terminal handling fees (if any)
4. Load and leave

Pickup timing reminder: Airport cargo terminals typically offer 48-72 hours of free storage. Fees will be incurred beyond that period, increasing daily.

⑧ Delivery

Transport the cargo from the airport to the final delivery address. Delivery can be:

• Self-arranged by the consignee
• Arranged by the forwarder (usually bundled with air import service)
• Courier delivery (suitable for small items)

III. Key Differences Between Air Import and Sea Import

Lead Time Advantage of Air Import

Using China import as an example:

IV. Characteristics of Air Import Ports in the Pearl River Delta

V. Common Questions About Air Import

Q1: What is the free storage period for air import?

Most airport cargo terminals offer 48-72 hours of free storage (counted from when the arrival notice is issued). After this period, storage fees are charged daily, and the rate increases over time.

It is recommended to arrange customs clearance and pickup as soon as possible after air cargo arrives at the port, as storage fees are several times higher than at the port.

Q2: What special documents are needed for air import?

Depends on the type of goods:

• CCC Certification: Electronic products, toys, and other specific categories
• Import License: Mechanical and electrical products, chemicals, etc.
• Animal and Plant Quarantine Inspection: Food, timber, animal and plant products
• Drug Registration Certificate: Pharmaceuticals and medical devices
• Dangerous Goods Import Approval: Hazardous chemicals

Q3: What channels can be used for import from Hong Kong to Mainland China?

Common channels for importing from Hong Kong to Mainland China:

1. General Trade Declaration: Formal import declaration via Shenzhen land ports
2. Express Clearance: Suitable for small items, cleared through express channels
3. Cross-border E-commerce BC Direct Purchase: Suitable for cross-border e-commerce retail imports
4. Transshipment Bonded: Transfer via Qianhai/Nanshan bonded zone for distribution and entry

Need air import services? Bofeng Logistics can provide one-stop air import services from overseas pickup, air booking, import customs clearance to domestic delivery.

📞 Hotline: 130-7567-8958 | ✉️ Email: info@zhbfwl.com