Overview of process changes

The Pre-load Air Cargo Targeting (PACT) Program identifies and mitigates high-risk air cargo shipments before they’re transported to/via Canada. It uses advanced analytics to find risk in pre-loading advance cargo information.

Before loading cargo onto an aircraft bound for Canada, air carriers must submit cargo data to Transport Canada using the PACT System.

PACT may raise referrals (Request For Information, Request For Screening or Do Not Load) should they require more information to conduct a risk analysis. Until referral is closed, air carrier is prohibited from transporting such cargo on a flight to Canada as per subsection 743 (b) of the CASR. 

The new regulations are published in the  Canada Gazette , Part II  and will come into force on April 1, 2025

Mail and diplomatic bags are out of PACT Scope.

Outside Canada

Canada

Air carriers and express couriers bringing cargo into the UAE are required to file shipment data with the UAE National Advance Information Center (NAIC).

The NAIC’s Pre-Loading Advance Cargo Information (PLACI) program performs risk analysis to identify potential threats from cargo moved through any of the UAE borders (import or transit in UAE). The program covers air cargo and aims to increase borders security level while facilitating legitimate trade.

NAIC is entitled to issue referrals (Request For Information, Request For Screening or Do Not Load) should they require more information to conduct a risk analysis. Until such a referral is closed, shipments may not be transported.

The program will be effective starting as of April 2, 2025.

The postal operator and postal cargo filing is out of UAE PLACI Scope.

Outside UAE

UAE

As a measure to improve data quality submitted to ICS2 for goods entering/transiting European Union, customs will be rejecting any data lacking quality. In specific, they have published a list of stop words; using these words will cause any customs filing into ICS2 to be rejected. Without positive confirmation cargo cannot be transported on flights to the EU.

The list of words can be found here

Some guidance towards acceptable goods description is available on the TAXUD website: https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2021-03/guidance_acceptable_goods_description_en.pdf

Outside EU

EU

Data elements have been declared mandatory by Iran for import shipments, such as Shipper/Consignee National ID numbers, Postal Codes and HS Codes of goods. Details as per attached.

ALL

Iran

All manuals for Shipper Built ULDs have been updated (EN and DE version):

•   BUP Manual

•   BUP500+ Refresher Manual

•   BUPairmail 

 

Changes are highlighted within the documents. Major changes are:

•   SLAC pieces: added possibility of transmission in structured fields of FWB message

•   Qualification requirements: formulated the DG qualification according to IATA CBTA

•   Pallet nets: storage and return updated

•   Lashing: chapter re-structured; primary lashing added, which on pallets is only allowed with a net (otherwise lateral lashing would need to be trained)

•   Day Old-Chicks: handling code changed (AVX)

•   ACT and PAS: handling codes for temperature ranges changed to IATA standard

All

All

All manuals for Shipper Built ULDs have been updated (EN and DE version):

•   BUP Manual

•   BUP500+ Refresher Manual

•   BUPairmail 

 

Changes are highlighted within the documents. Major changes are:

•   SLAC pieces: added possibility of transmission in structured fields of FWB message

•   Qualification requirements: formulated the DG qualification according to IATA CBTA

•   Pallet nets: storage and return updated

•   Lashing: chapter re-structured; primary lashing added, which on pallets is only allowed with a net (otherwise lateral lashing would need to be trained)

•   Baby chicks: handling code changed (AVX)

•   ACT and PAS: handling codes for temperature ranges changed to IATA standard

All

All

A concise and non vague goods description is mandatory for all shipments. This has regulatory and customs related reasons.

Border Force has informed carriers, that Great Britain will be enforcing the use of concise descriptions.

The use of vague terms, such as Courier Material, Garments, Textiles, Parts/Spare parts, General Cargo, Electronics, Documents (just to name a few) will be closely monitored, and measures taken to eventually sanction carriers being repeatedly non-compliant. Shipments may be held, transport may be rejected at a certain point.

More examples of vague terms avaiable here: US Customs: ACAS Vague and Unacceptable Commodity Descriptions - Lufthansa Cargo

ALL

Great Britain

The IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations 2025 (edition 66) do not reflect the correct version of LH-08 Operator Variation. A correction addressing the restrictions for the new entries of Sodium Ion Batteries will be issued by IATA with the first addendum (publication date pending).

The valid LH-08 variation is provided in the attachment.

The updated LH-09 regarding battery-powered vehicles and the new LH-10 incorporating the existing embargo on electric hybrid automobiles are correctly published in the IATA DGR 2025.

ALL

ALL

The EU Member States and Contracting Parties of Customs Transit NCTS are introducing NCTS Phase 5 (New Computerised Transit System) in a big bang on 22nd January 2025.

The new customs process required for trucking in EU and Contracting Party Countries requires 

- Transit declarations to be issued on HAWB level

- HS codes (6 digit) on lowest level (HAWB for Consol, AWB for direct shipment) are mandatory for all shipments

- Export declaration data and 8 digit HS/CN code when Exports need to be included in transit declaration

Official information site of EU commission:

New Computerised Transit System (NCTS)  - European Commission

We will issue further detailed communication once it is made available.

ALL

ALL

The Montreal Convention 1999 (MC99) provides a unified framework for international air carriage between its contracting states, setting uinbreakable liability limits for damage, loss or delay of cargo.

Effective 28 December 2024, the MC99 liability limits for cargo claims increase to 26 SDRs per kilogram (approximately US$ 34 as of writing). This change, announced by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), reflects a periodic adjustment for inflation.

All

All

On September 26th, 2024, an updated version of the Air Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS) Implementation Guide (IG) was published on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) CBP.gov website ( ACAS Implementation Guide Version 2.3.2.3 - September 2024 (cbp.gov) )

An Enhanced ACAS Security Filing (ACAS SF) provides additional data that better identifies the parties involved in the air cargo supply chain prior to cargo being loaded on board a U.S. bound aircraft.

All

USA

On 09/04/2024, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has implemented nationwide rejection of vague descriptions in Air Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS). Prior to issuing rejections, CBP has implemented a 30-day warning period, which will end on October 06, 2024, to give filers an opportunity to improve the data quality provided to the CBP. Rejections will be effective on October 07, 2024. 

19 CFR § 122.48b(d) uses the same definitions for data elements outlined in 19 CFR § 122.48a, requiring a “precise cargo description or the 6-digit Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS)”. CBP is aiming to address vague cargo descriptions including, but not limited to, “gift”, “daily necessities”, “accessories”, “parts” and “consolidated”. “Consolidated” is only acceptable at the master bill level. Carriers and other parties electing to file ACAS data to CBP are required to provide a precise description of the cargo.  

Worldwide

USA

On August 21, 2024, an updated version of the Air Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS) Implementation Guide (IG) was published on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) CBP.gov website (Air Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS) Implementation Guide | U.S. Customs and Border Protection (cbp.gov)) 

An Enhanced ACAS Security Filing (ACAS SF) provides additional data that better identifies the parties involved in the air cargo supply chain prior to cargo being loaded on board a U.S. bound aircraft.

Worldwide

USA

Customs is mandating HS codes for imports into Cameroon with immediate effect, as per law 2023/19.

Must be provided on AWB level for Direct Shipments (non Consol), on HAWB level for Consolidations.

Fines of 3000€ are imposed for non-compliance.

ALL

Cameroon

In order to guarantee an in-time information to consignee that his shipment is ready for pick-up, a contact info (telephone number or email address) is required in XFWB/FWB/AWB.

All

All

(Original publication date: 01MAR2024)

All general cargo shipments shall be sent paperless to all Indian Lufthansa Cargo stations. No transport-relevant documentation is necessary for your eFreight shipment at import. (This applies to BLR, BOM, DEL, HYD and MAA.)  

Please find more details in the attached OnePager. 

All

India

(Original publication date: 16FEB2024)

The European Union has imposed its latest sanctions package under EU Regulation 833/2014. The adoption of the 12th sanctions package requires compliance from Lufthansa Cargo and all airlines within the Lufthansa Group. Given the carriers' limited capacity to verify compliance with these sanctions for each consignment, the responsibility for due diligence primarily lies with the shipper and forwarding agent.

Effective 1 March 2024, all "VAL" shipments containing goods such as diamonds, jewelry or watches with incorporated diamonds must include the statement "not subject to restrictions of Reg. EU 833/2014". This statement serves as a confirmation from the forwarder that a comprehensive due diligence process has been completed.

All shipments containing diamonds missing this statement in their goods description will be held at the point of origin for additional scrutiny before they are approved and dispatched.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation on this critical matter. Should you have any inquiries, please feel free to contact us at any time.

Worldwide

Worldwide

(Original publication date: 31JAN2024)

The ICS2 page on lufthansa-cargo.com is being discontinued.
The messaging guide on how to transmit ICS2 relevant data can now be found here.

All except EU

All

(Original publication date: 12JAN2024)

As of 29. February 2024 the UAE National Advance Information Center (NAIC) requires 6 digit HS code on MAWB and HAWB level for UAE import, transit and export.

See also attached publication by NAIC.

Worldwide

DXB F/GC; UAE

(Original publication date: 30NOV2023)

4 digit HS code is required on MAWB level for all import to shipments to Morocco.

See also attached publication by IATA.

All

Morocco