Overview of process changes

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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(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. 

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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.

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Morocco

(Original publication date: 02NOV2023)

The first phase of the New Computerised Transit System (NCTS) 5 standard used for road transport in the EU, EFTA, Turkey, North Macedonia and the United Kingdom, must be implemented in Germany by latest 30th NOV 2023. 

With the introduction of the new standard (Atlas 9.1) in Germany, the 8-digit customs tariff number (common nomenclature) will become a mandatory value, for all shipments being linked to an export accompanying document (ABD) and being put into such a transit procedure. Among other cases, a transit procedure is required when transporting EU/union goods across an EU border to or via an NCTS country (e.g. Switzerland, UK) per road feeder service. 

This is mandatory at both HAWB and MAWB level. 

EU

All but EU

(Original publication date: 02NOV2023)

To ensure fast processing of enquiries and reduce waiting times in the Customer Service, we will accept requests for Written Statement only via eServices (Written Statement; available after Log-In), and not via e-mail anymore.

Middle East, Africa, South Asia & CIS

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(Original publication date: 02AUG2023)

The embargo for all non-hybrid automobiles UN3166 will be lifted as of 24 August 9:00 LT Frankfurt, if the following requirements are met:

• New “Check sheet Automobiles” must be submitted prior a booking confirmation can be issued., 
• Please state “No hybrid electric automobile” on the MAWB / FWB under “Nature and quantity of goods” or “Handling Information.”
• The above MAWB entry for UN3166 automobiles will be validated by Lufthansa Cargo upon the DG acceptance check at the origin station.

Please be informed, that the existing embargo for automobiles/cars subject to UN3171 powered by lithium batteries remains in place.

The embargo also remains valid for automobiles/cars subject to UN3166, hybrid electric automobiles powered by both internal combustion engine / fuel cell and lithium-ion battery or lithium metal battery.

Worldwide

Worldwide

(Original publication date: 07AUG2023)

Shipments to / via Mexico require a pouch including the following documents:

• HAWB (if applicable)
• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Others (if applicable)

Therefore, only EAP is allowed to / via Mexico.

Worldwide

SAO F/XU-H; Mexico

(Original publication date: 18JUL2023)

The BUP Training Manual has been updated. The instruction of how to distribute piece weight (if needed) to properly consider floor load restrictions has been improved. Furthermore, pictures and figures have been added or changes to improve visualization of Do's and Don'ts.

The new BUP Training Manual and more documents related to Shipper Built ULDs (BUP, SMU) are available on our web page https://www.lufthansa-cargo.com/sbu 

Worldwide

Worldwide

(Original publication date: 17JUL2023)

The ebooking user will receive a booking confirmation email, not only for queued bookings but for all created online bookings or booking changes. The email will be sent to the company account.

Additionally, rate and surcharge(s)  will now be based on LAT as displayed and no longer on AWB issue date. This LAT will be fixed at time of goods acceptance and the charged amount will be accounted accordingly.

Worldwide

Worldwide

(Original publication date: 22MAY2023)

As per Brazilian Customs requirements, which become duty as of 01. July 2023, the Federal Tax Identification (CNPJ number in case of Legal Entities, CPF in case of Physical Person or PASSPORT in case of Physical Person without CPF/ tax ID) MUST be reflected in the FWB/XFWB message in OCI lines and has to be provided to the carrier prior to goods acceptance at origin.

The data shall always be in the following OCI field:

OCI/BR/CNE/T/XXXXXXXX

Following format is expected:

Worldwide

SAO F/GC; Brazil

(Original publication date: 15MAY2023)

To ensure fast processing of enquiries and reduce waiting times in the Customer Service, we will accept requests for Written Statement only via eServices (Written Statement; available after Log-In), and not via e-mail anymore.

AT;DE;CH

ALL

(Orinial publication date: 20APR2023)

Uzbekistan authorities require commercial documents for all goods into UZ, like commercial invoice, contract, etc. Please also refer to the IATA TACT rules, Section 7 Information by Country

Worldwide

UZ Uzbekistan, Airport TAS