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.
