FIATA AIMS TO REMOVE CUSTOMS’ BIAS TOWARDS EXPRESS CARGO

FIATA AIMS TO REMOVE CUSTOMS’ BIAS TOWARDS EXPRESS CARGO

    The International Federation of Freight Forwarders’ Associations said customs authorities around the world don’t treat traditional air cargo and express cargo equally.
    This bias should be eliminated, the forwarders’ body said.
"In fact, most national customs authorities give express cargo preference, without reason, even though air cargo fulfils the same requirements in regards to customs clearance," a spokesman for FIATA said.
    In many countries, express cargo can be cleared at airports 24 hours a day at the passenger customs entry, whereas air cargo is subject to restrictions on customs opening hours at the air cargo warehouses, according the FIATA.
    FIATA is working with the International Air Transport Association on guidelines for airlines and forwarders to harmonize and speed up clearance for air cargo worldwide.