Overview of process changes
Due to repeated issues brought to our attention by different customs authorities we would like to emphasize the following:
HAWB data provided to the carrier must match the House data provided to customs for clearance purposes at the destination.
Example given: if 50 House bills are customs cleared at destination, carrier must also report 50 HAWBs to customs from our side. Else carrier fines shall be passed on to customer.
Due to dry ice supply problems, we have to adjust our service offer at our hubs Frankfurt and Munich on short notice. Re-icing in transit for shipments booked as General Cargo products additionally packed by customers with dry ice cannot be offered at the moment, even in case of irregularities. Likewise, re-icing in import cannot be offered at this time for passively cooled pharmaceutical shipments.
Carrier must provide House Airwaybills to customs for clearance of import shipments arriving on trucks. Consol manifest not sufficient.
Therefore access to House Airwaybills required for carrier.
Pleaser be reminded, that as per TACT rules for shipments being imported into Nigeria, the carrier must produce commercial invoices to NG customs. Invoices therefore shall be made accessible to carrier (outside of pouch) or emailed in advance as below.
The carrier must provide HS code (for direct shipments on AWB level, or HAWB level in case of consol), commercial invoice and packing list to South African customs for all shipments transiting JNB, continuing by truck to DUR and PLZ.
ICS2 is being introduced in March 2023. Pre-loading clearance will be required for all freight to/via EU. Additionally some new data elements are required.
Details see attachment. Further communication will follow.
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.
To ensure fast processing of enquiries and reduce waiting times in the Customer Service, we will accept Missing/Found Cargo case requests only via eServices (Contact Customer Solutions Team; available after Log-In), and not via e-mail anymore (same as AWB Amendment).
Proactive information about MSCA/FDCA shipments from CST to the customer is not affected by this.
Due to lack of clarity on final requirements EG authorities have postponed mandating the data published in process change 115. Lufthansa Cargo will not reject any shipments missing the information.
Once final requirements and timeline are clear we will publish a new communication.
For all shipments to EG, three data elements will be mandatory at MAWB and HAWB level.
ACID number, Consignee Code issued by EG tax authority, as well as Consignor VAT or Registration number as issued by appropriate authority in exporter's home country to be provided in FWB, FHL message to Lufthansa Cargo.
In accordance with the European Taxation & Customs Union and CBP requirements “courier cargo” or any other generic goods description is not a valid commodity description. Shipments with vague descriptions of their contents can be held or delayed by customs.
Lufthansa Cargo will enforce this requirement effective on 20th of March 2022.
An accurate goods description must be provided for any ZXO related product. “Commerical Cargo”, “Courier Cargo” will no longer be bookable.
Please also be advised that a non-direct shipment is considered Consolidation as per TACT rules and house airwaybill data must be provided.
Effective 15th March 2022, the transportation of cargo on the A321 freighter will be possible. Please note that, for temperature sensitive goods, temperature control cannot be guaranteed.
The BUP Training Manual has been updated, covering the build-up of BUP/SMU ULDs for our new Airbus A321-Freighter. Furthermore, the DGR CAT 5 qualification is now accepted in addition to the DGR CAT 8. The BUP500+ Refresher self-study has been updated, too. The new training documents and more documents related to Shipper Built ULDs (BUP, SMU) are available to download from our new web page https://www.lufthansa-cargo.com/en/bup (in English) or https://www.lufthansa-cargo.com/de/bup (in German).
Effective 27 March 2022, all shipments with Lufthansa Cargo (td.Pro & td.Flash) will only be valid as eAWB.
Therefore, a new service is introduced that comprises the conversion from paper-AWB to electronic air waybill (eAWB). The service is amended in the “General Terms and Conditions of Carriage of Cargo” of Lufthansa Cargo.
In case of delivery of a non-eAWB shipment, this new “Paper-to-eAWB” (P2e) service will convert paper-AWB into electronic shipment data at local goods acceptance. The paper-AWB will not be transported as legally valid document. All other freight accompanying paper documents, e.g. pouch, remain unaffected. For shipments already delivered as eAWB, the process remains unchanged.
The new chargeable “Paper-to-eAWB” service replaces the former Paper AWB Fee.
On intercontinental flights ex HUB (FRA, MUC, VIE, BRU), the Capacity Guarantee (Capacity Guarantee, not booking confirmation, which is unchanged) will be reintroduced with currently adjusted values. The following values apply temporarily to the capacity guarantee:
- Wide Body:
- Up to 3 hrs before LAT: 0,6 cbm and 100kg
- Freighter:
- Up to 3 hrs before LAT: 2,5 cbm and 500kg
This does not apply to our Emergency product, which is still possible without restrictions. Further details on our products and the capacity guarantee can be found under www.lufthansa-cargo.com/de/produkte.
Auf den Interkontinentalflügen ex HUB (FRA, MUC, VIE, BRU) wird die Kapazitätsgarantie (Capacity Guarantee, nicht zu verwechseln mit einer Buchungsbestätigung, die unverändert ist) mit derzeit angepassten Werten wieder eingeführt. Folgende Werte gelten vorübergehend für die Kapazitätsgarantie:
- Wide Body:
- bis 3 Std vor LAT: 0,6 cbm und 100kg
- Frachter:
- bis 3 Std vor LAT: 2,5 cbm und 500kg
Davon ausgenommen ist unser Emergency Produkt, welches weiterhin ohne Einschränkungen möglich ist. Nähere Details zu unseren Produkten und zur Kapazitätsgarantie finden sie unter www.lufthansa-cargo.com/de/produkte.
The BUP500 self-study is now available as web-based-training (WBT). For new agents requiring a BUP500 license, as well as existing agents holding a BUP500 license, but requiring the refresher training (every 24 months), the introduced WBT must be used.
Effective 01 November 2021, Live Animals can be booked and shipped as eFreight. With this step Lufthansa Cargo no longer has a product-exclusion for eAWB. The well known and long-implemented eAWB processes apply. eAWB Single Process is valid regardless of destination. Any at destination-required paper-AWB will be reprinted by Lufthansa Cargo. In addition and also effective 01 November 2021, a new LH Shipper’s Certificate for Live Animals will be valid with the begin of eAWB for Live Animal shipments.
The new LH Shipper’s Certificate is mandatory for all Live Animals shipments. The old version will no longer be accepted.
For the commodities aircraft/helicopter parts and engines the goods description on the AWB and in the FWB/FHL must explicitly specify if the aircraft or helicopter parts (and engines) are for a civil or military use.
In the case of military use the additional statement "Not subject to relevant war weapons control rules” must be included.
Non-specification will lead to non-acceptance of the shipment.
The at least partly used td.Flash labels are no longer required. An identification of td.Flash packages are handled by digital control mechanisms, such as scanning/shipment steering systems and other internal processes. These digital processes are much more reliable than the manually triggered service identification label.
The EU has published a revised guidance on acceptable and unacceptable terms for the description of goods. Kindly adhere to the new guidance document when choosing goods descriptions, which should never be generic and must always be specific.
This replaces the link in publication 57 of this tool.
The carrier must provide certain data on MAWB and HAWB level to Brazil customs. This includes some accounting information not contained in the Consol Manifest or FHL.
Effective June 1, 2021, Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) will become bookable on our external channels. In the course of this Lufthansa Cargo will extend the Manual Booking Fee to IBC shipments and will charge 12.00 EUR (ex Germany and Eurozone) respectively 12 USD (ex AO, BR, IL, KE, MX, PA, TR, UY, US) or equivalent of 12 EUR in local currency per Air Waybill if the IBC shipment is not initially booked via an external channel.
Please note that the previously applicable regulations are still valid. In case of liquids Lufthansa Cargo only accepts IBCs with a minimum filling level of 80% and a maximum filling level of 95%. The filling level and the total weight of IBCs must be indicated on the AWB.
Please note that it is mandatory to declare IBCs filled with liquids at time of booking. You will be able to book the option IBC in Lufthansa Cargo’s eBooking by selecting the respective “Commodity”. Bookings via EDI/Cargo-IMP and the smartBooking API must contain the corresponding IBC commodity. Additionally, it is necessary to book IBC shipments as not stackable (eBooking: “Not Stackable“ tick box in “Add/upload individual shipment information”; Cargo-IMP: Loading Indicator NST in OSI line; API: Indicator in field “Stackable“= false). Solids in IBCs do not have to be declared at time of booking. All IBCs are still excluded from the BUP/SMU program. Furthermore, it is not allowed to transport IBCs in any Lufthansa Cargo cool container.
Further details can be found in the IATA TACT Rules 8.3 “Information by Carrier” (Lufthansa).
Effective 1st of June, 2021 the export acceptance time for radioactive shipments need to be restricted at our hub Frankfurt (FRA) due to limitated storage capacity for radioactive material during the modernization phase of our Lufthansa Cargo Center. The export acceptance is only possible up to max. 30 hours prior scheduled time of departure (STD).
The requirements for import delivery remain unchanged. Pick-up shall take place latest 24 hours after notified. Otherwise an increased storage fee is payable.
The above restrictions are valid for all shipments containng RRW or RRY. Radioactive Material in excepted packages (RRE) is not affected.
For all BUP shipments consisting of more than one ULD, a ULD manifest on HAWB level is required when a shipment is too big to be accomodated on one truck. Relevant in case of RFS to Italy.
Following the reports of an incident at Hong Kong Airport unrelated to our operations and pending investigations by the authorities, Lufthansa Cargo is following the actions of the involved carriers and has decided to take the following precautionary temporary measure until further notice. With immediate effect, the below commodities are not allowed for direct or indirect carriage as airfreight on board of any flights operated by Lufthansa Cargo and/or Lufthansa, Austrian or Brussels Airlines:
- All VIVO products containing Lithium Batteries (ion and metal) from
Vivo Mobile Communication Co. Ltd or
Vivo Communication Technology Co. Ltd.
We are in constructive exchange with the responsible authorities for further steps.
Written statements can now be requested via eForm.
This functionality is available after signing in on lufthansa-cargo.com. Further details, see attachment.
Requests sumitted via eForm will be given precedence in processing.
Effective 1st January 2021 Lufthansa Cargo will allow and accept shipments containing UN3373 Biological Substance Category B (RDS) in standard packaging meeting the requirements of IATA DGR Packing Instruction 650.
With IATA DGR 62nd Edition 2021 our Operator Variation LH-05 involving restrictions relating to packaging of UN3373 Biological Substances, Category B (RDS) will no longer be in place. Same applies to respective Operator Variations for Austrian Airlines (OS-05) and for Brussels Airlnes (S-08). The variations will show as “not used” to indicate removal from regulations.
For shipments with destination Morocco it is mandatory to transmit the Consignee Trade Number in the FWB message.
When consignee is a company, Trade number must be mentioned. If consignee is NOT a company ( e.g.: HUM to pviate person, or some non-profit and government organisations) a dummy can be used. The dummy number is 15 zeros ("000000000000000").
This number is to be transmitted in OCI line of FWB message.
Examples for both cases:
OCI/MA/CNE/T/TRADE REGISTER NUMBER 0XX0XXXX
OCI/MA/CNE/T/000000000000000
*Guideline updated, please see changes in messaging section in green"
AR customs is starting to enforce mandatory data required for import clearance in Argentina.
Data is TAX ID number of Consignee and HS Code(s) for the shipment.
Requirement applicable to all Master and House Waybills. Details see attached guideline.
We are pleased to announce a first relaxation of the situation-related restrictions concerning air cargo transport.
From 4 May 2020 Lufthansa Cargo will again offer the transport of live animals (AVI) to and from Frankfurt (FRA). However, transit shipments as well as all animal transports requiring personal escort will remain excluded for the time being due to the current situation.
Due to the frequent changes of entry regulations in connection with SARS-CoV-2, the probability of short-term flight plan changes is high. Therefore, live animals (AVI) will no longer be accepted for transport by Lufthansa Cargo with immediate effect. In view of possible delays in transport, we are taking animal welfare into account with this decision.
Due to the ongoing unclear assessment of the security situation for the airspace around Tehran airport, Lufthansa Group airlines have cancelled flights to/from Tehran until March 28. Lufthansa Group Security continues to evaluate the security situation on site together with national and international authorities. As soon as we have detailed information, Lufthansa Group will decide whether and when Iranian flights can be operated again.
The CHAMP messaging issue has been resolved and we are now able to receive your FWB/FHL messages.
We have been informed that CHAMP is currently expierencing significant IT issues since 01:48 FRA LT - 11.Dec.2019. Lufthansa Cargo, as well as other carriers, are not receiving any FWB/FHL messages from CHAMP customers. We have been advised that you are are not receiving an FNA, therefore you may not be aware of the problem.
CHAMP will provide Lufthansa Cargo with the next update at 18:00 FRA LT.
As per the official decree 144 of the GACC (General Administration of Customs of the P.R. China)...
All shipments to China no longer require the following data elements:
- Shipper enterprise code
- Consignee enterprise code
- Consignee specific contact name
- Consignee specific contact number
All shipments to mainland China still require the following mandatory data elements:
- Shipper and Consignee telephone number
- Specific and non-generic goods description
All data is required both on MAWB level, as well as HAWB level (for consolidation)
AR customs is starting to enforce mandatory data required for import clearance in Argentina.
Data is TAX ID number of Consignee and HS Code(s) for the shipment.
Requirement applicable to all Master and House Waybills. Details see attached guideline.
For all eAWB shipments to China, Kenya and Israel Lufthansa Cargo’s system will, as of the 22nd October, automatically check the transmitted data* for the existing official import requirements from the above mentioned countries. In case of content issues in the data* for those countries, eAWB customers will get an instant feedback based on the transmitted AWB and HAWB data*. This will give our eAWB customers the possibility to solve issues before delivering the freight.
We continue to use the existing channels so customers will receive an error message (FNA or XFNM) if the automated checks find an error. With these upcoming changes customers might receive more rejection messages as in the past. To be able to clearly differentiate between “normal” errors and these content based errors there will be a new suffix “C” (e.g.: CNE07C iso. CNE07) following the IATA standard.
In addition to the FNAs, customers can subscribe for automated eMails or SMS (via eServices/eTracking). LINK / see picture attached.
Users of the “eAWB Data Capture” on eServices will get instant feedback while inserting information into the tool in case of missing information.
With immediate effect Kenya customs requires all Consolidated import shipments to state the PIN number of the consignee. This number is assigned by Kenya customs. Should consignee agent not have one, kindly register with Kenya customs immediately.
The PIN number shall be transmitted to Lufthansa Cargo in FWB OCI line as follows (FWB versions 16 and above):
OCI/KE/CNE/T/P0001111111W
All shipments to mainland China require the following mandatory data elements:
- Shipper and Consignee telephone number
- Shipper enterprise code
- Consignee enterprise code
- Consignee specific contact name
- Consignee specific contact number
All data is required both on MAWB level, as well as HAWB level (for consolidation)