FIDINET resource page on air shipment stricter rules - USA, Australia and Canada

The U.S., Australia and Canada have introduced stricter air cargo security measures for shipments from Europe and CIS countries. One of the requirements effective in the U.S. since 12 November is how to declare commodities for air shipments. The commodity descriptor of “used household goods or personal effects” is no longer allowed on AWBs. 

Instead, the freight forwarder will be required to list shipment contents per the packing list (such as handbags, dishware, men’s clothing, etc.).  Any description that is considered as “vague or unacceptable” by the US authorities will result in the rejection of the shipment. A list of accepted descriptions is provided by the US authorities.  

It is recommended to FIDI Affiliates to adhere to these stricter air cargo security measures to avoid disruptions. 

More information and sample of a valid commodity description can be found on FIDI's special resource page.

Thank you to FIDI USA, FIDI Australia and FIDI Canada for their guidance on this subject matter.