What is in-air customs clearance?

How pre-arrival clearance helps speed international air freight

Air freight prioritizes speed, but customs processing upon arrival can add hours or days to a shipment’s journey. In-air customs clearance helps close that gap by handling eligible customs work while cargo is still traveling to its destination.

What is in-air customs clearance?

In-air customs clearance uses customs authorities’ pre-arrival processing procedures. Brokers or other authorized parties submit shipment data and import documents electronically before the aircraft reaches the destination. Depending on the country, shipment type and customs decision, authorities may issue a release decision while the cargo is in transit or clear it shortly after arrival.

The World Customs Organization describes pre-arrival processing as the submission of import documentation before goods arrive, so customs agencies can begin reviewing the shipment and expedite release upon arrival. In the United States, electronic systems also allow customs brokers to submit entry and cargo release information to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) through the Automated Broker Interface.

In-air clearance is not a waiver of customs requirements, and it is not the same as passenger preclearance. Customs authorities retain the right to request additional information, inspect cargo or hold a shipment.

How does the in-air customs clearance process work?

Although specific requirements vary by country and commodity, in-air customs clearance generally follows these steps:

1. Shippers gather information.
   The importer, exporter, carrier or broker collects the information needed for the entry. Common documents include the commercial invoice, packing list and air waybill. Customs may also require a product description, value, country of origin, tariff classification, importer information, licenses or other government agency documentation.

2. The broker prepares and transmits the entry.
   After the aircraft departs (or according to the destination country’s filing requirements), the broker transmits the shipment information electronically to customs authorities. The data must be accurate and complete. For U.S. imports, CBP’s commercial invoice guidance identifies key information such as an adequate description of the goods, quantities, values and applicable tariff information.

3. Customs reviews the shipment and evaluates risk.
   Customs authorities evaluate the declared information, calculate applicable duties and taxes, and determine whether the shipment requires additional documentation, examination or both. The International Air Transport Association explains that advance electronic cargo information helps customs agencies support border security, compliance and trade facilitation.

4. The importer or broker addresses duties, taxes and other requirements.
   If the customs authority requires payment before release, the importer or broker arranges payment or provides an approved guarantee. The importer or broker must also complete other requirements, such as permits or approvals from partner government agencies.

5. The shipment arrives and moves to delivery.
   If the entry is approved and does not require a physical examination by customs agents, the shipment can move to the next stage of delivery with fewer administrative delays. If the cargo is selected for inspection or agents request more information, the shipment may remain on hold after landing.

What are the benefits of in-air pre-arrival clearance?

Faster cargo availability

Completing customs work while freight is airborne can reduce the amount of time cargo spends waiting at the destination airport. In its guidance, CBP notes that electronic filers may receive conditional cargo release results up to one day before arrival for air transportation.

More predictable delivery planning

When customs addresses status before arrival, logistics teams have better information for coordinating pickup, final-mile transportation, warehouse receiving and production schedules.

Potentially lower airport storage costs

Pre-arrival processing can help reduce time in bonded warehouse or airport storage. The WCO identifies reduced storage costs as one potential benefit of submitting documentation before cargo arrives.

Better support for time-sensitive freight

Perishable goods, seasonal products, replacement parts and production-critical materials may benefit from every hour saved. Advance processing can help importers and brokers prepare for cargo handoff as soon as customs clears the shipment.

Fewer last-minute surprises

Reviewing documentation before arrival gives importers and brokers more time to correct missing or inconsistent information. It can also surface potential classification, valuation, licensing or duty questions earlier in the shipment lifecycle.

Is in-air customs clearance available for every shipment?

No. Availability depends on the destination country’s customs procedures, the type of goods, the completeness of the documentation, and the shipment’s risk profile. Customs may still request an examination, additional information or approval from another government agency.

Save time with AIT’s Wheels Up in-air customs clearance program

Shippers with air cargo imports to the United States can benefit from the Wheels Up customs clearance process. AIT’s customs brokerage team transmits shipment data within two hours after takeoff and typically obtains U.S. customs clearance while cargo is in the air.

To discuss whether in-air processing is right for your shipments, contact the customs clearance brokerage experts at AIT Worldwide Logistics.