Air Freight Shipping Documents

International air freight usually requires a small set of core documents for booking and customs, plus country- and product-specific paperwork (for regulated goods like batteries, chemicals, pharma, food, or controlled items).

Fast checklist (most air freight shipments):

AWB/e-AWB + Commercial Invoice + Packing List

Then add shipment-specific items like Certificate of Origin, export/import filings, and Dangerous Goods paperwork (if applicable).

For customs expectations and supporting documents, see Air freight customs clearance.

Core Air Freight Documents (Most Shipments)

In most cases you’ll need:

• Air Waybill (AWB / e-AWB) – the carrier transport document and tracking reference
• Commercial Invoice – used for customs valuation and clearance
• Packing List – itemized cargo details (pieces, weights, dimensions, packaging)

Depending on the shipment, you may also need:

• Certificate of Origin (trade preference / buyer request)
• Export/Import Declarations (country-specific filings)
• Dangerous Goods documentation when applicable (IATA DGR)

For AWB details and key fields, see Air Waybill (AWB): Meaning, Fields, Tracking. For restricted cargo requirements, review the Beginner’s Guide to IATA Regulations before tendering.

Bill of Lading

Air Waybill (AWB / e-AWB)

The Air Waybill (AWB) is the standard air-freight transport document issued by (or on behalf of) the carrier. It confirms cargo acceptance, sets out the transport terms and routing, and is commonly used as a tracking reference.

An AWB typically includes:

• Shipper and consignee details
• Origin and destination airports
• Cargo description, pieces, and weights
• Handling information and service level
• Reference numbers used for tracking and documentation control

Learn more about AWB fields and how tracking works in Air Waybill (AWB): Meaning, Fields, Tracking.

Destination Control Statement

The Destination Control Statement (DCS) is primarily associated with US export control compliance for certain exports and should be treated as shipment-specific, not universal for all air freight worldwide. Whether you need a DCS depends on your export jurisdiction, commodity classification, and destination controls.

The Destination Control Statement is a crucial document that needs to be enclosed with every air freight shipment (DCS). The DCS is a declaration that attests to the compliance of the goods being delivered with all applicable destination country laws.

The shipper is responsible for ensuring that the DCS is filled out completely and accurately because any mistakes could cause delays or possibly the shipment's rejection.

The DCS must be signed by an authorized shipper representative and must contain the following details:

• Shipper name and address
• Consignee name and address
• Notify party name and address (if applicable)
• Commodity description
• Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code
• Country of origin
• Destination country
• Estimated value of shipment
• Mode of transport (e.g. air, ocean, truck, etc.)
• Incoterms

The DCS may also contain pertinent material above what is required, such as further instructions or remarks.

Electronic Export Information Document (EEI)

All air freight shipments of products valued at more than $2,500 that are headed for export from the United States must include the Electronic Export Information Document (EEI).

The U.S. must get the EEI. The shipment's information, which includes a description of the items, their cost, the country of destination, and other specifics, is provided to the Census Bureau via the Automated Export System (AES).

The EEI's mission is to gather export data so the US government can track exports and ensure that export laws are followed. Statistics are also computed using the data gathered by the EEI.

Export Packing List

An essential document in air freight shipment is the export packing list. It lists every item transported and offers information on how it was packed. This increases the likelihood that the package will arrive undamaged.

The following details are frequently included in an export packing list:

• A description of the goods being shipped
• The quantity of each item
• The dimensions and weight of each item
• The type of packaging used for each item
• Special instructions for handling or shipping the goods

The shipper typically creates the export packing list and provides it to the freight forwarder or carrier.

Certificate of Origin

The country of origin of goods exported to another country is verified by the Certificate of Origin (CO), a document. Many nations require the CO to provide preferential tariff treatment or other advantages under different trade agreements.

The CO must be issued by a reputable organization, like a chamber of commerce, and it must be supported by any necessary documentation, like a commercial invoice. The CO must be properly filled out to avoid complications or fines at customs in the destination country.

Commercial Invoice

A commercial invoice is one of the necessary documents for air freight shipments of commodities. Customs officers use this document to estimate the value of the merchandise sent and any applicable taxes or fees. The commercial invoice must be filled out entirely and precisely to prevent delays or customs clearance issues.

An air freight commercial invoice is a document that includes all the relevant details regarding a cargo, such as the sender and recipient's names and addresses, a description of the products being shipped, the shipment's value, and the terms of the sale. A duly appointed agent of the sender must sign the commercial invoice for it to be considered valid.

Consular Invoice

It's possible that you'll need to get a consular invoice for your cargo. Some nations need this document for all cargo coming into the nation, regardless of value. The consular invoice must be filled out and signed by a consular officer and obtained from the destination country's consulate.

Some nations demand the consular invoice as part of the paperwork when importing products from another nation. To help ensure that the correct tariffs and taxes are paid, this document contains details on the cargo, including the value of the products.

Inspection Certification

The inspection certification document is used to vouch for the examination and suitability for transporting the items sent by airfreight. Customs authorities typically demand this document when clearing items for import or export.

The inspection certification paperwork must be filled out by a certified inspector and contain details about the products' value, condition, and any damage or repairs that were required. This document proves that the shipment complies with all safety and quality requirements and is acceptable for air transportation.

Shipper’s Export Declaration (SED)

The U.S. mandates the Shipper's Export Declaration (SED) as a legal document. Before the date of export, the SED must be submitted to the Census Bureau.

The SED's mission is to compile information about American exports. The U.S. government uses this information to monitor the flow of goods and produce trade statistics. The SED serves as a foundation for enforcing export control laws.

The shipper or exporter of the goods must complete the SED. The exporter must include details regarding the nature and cost of the products being sent, their destination, and their mode of transportation. The exporter or a duly appointed exporter representative must sign the SED.

For shipments of products worth less than $2,500, the SED is not necessary. Even though the value of the cargo is less than $2,500, the U.S. government may demand export licenses for shipments of commodities that are subject to export control restrictions.

You must provide the following details on the SED if you are shipping goods via air freight:

• The name and address of the shipper
• The shipper’s account number with the airline
• The air waybill
• The name and address of the consignee
• A description of the goods being shipped
• The Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classification for the goods
• The value of the goods being shipped
• The weight of the shipment
• The number of packages in the shipment
• The date of export
• The airport of export

Other Air Freight Documentation

There can also be other paperwork needed from you, depending on the shipment's destination and the kind of items being sent. They consist of the following:

• Dock receipt
• Warehouse receipt
• Insurance certificate
• Export license
• Certificate of Handling (Fumigation Certificate)
• Dangerous Goods Declaration
• USMCA / applicable trade agreement origin documentation (for eligible shipments between the United States, Canada, and Mexico)
• Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD) / DG paperwork (when cargo is classified under IATA DGR)

Do your due diligence and find out if your country of origin and destination will require these documents from you.

Why You Need the Proper Air Shipment Documents

The appropriate documents must be in order when transporting products by air. The proper documentation will assist in making sure that your package arrives promptly, safely, and without any issues.

The air carrier may decline to convey an incomplete air freight package that lacks documents or has improper ones. Delays and additional fees may also apply to incomplete air freight shipments, costing you time, money, and effort.

Before moving forward with your air freight shipment, it’s first essential that you know what you need and allocate enough time to obtain them. With correct and complete shipping documents in international trade, you can ensure that your air freight shipment goes smoothly and without issue.

iContainers Can Help With Air Freight Shipping Documents

Several different documents are required when sending air freight in order to ensure a seamless transaction. It can be overwhelming, considering the volume of the requirements and their unfamiliarity. But you can trust that everything will go as planned if you work with a reliable freight forwarder. iContainers can assist you with all of the papers required for your shipping.

We have years of expertise delivering products from all over the world and a staff of professionals who can ensure you get everything you need in advance of your shipment. We can help make the shipping requirements more familiar and assist you in obtaining everything customs requires for your air freight. Get assistance from iContainers with your air freight shipment documentation to make the process simple and stress-free.