Operational Alerts
Stay up-to-date on the latest IAG Cargo updates here.
Non-Stackable Freight (NST) Policy Reminder
UPDATED: 01/05/2025
To support the efficient and safe handling of your cargo, we’d like to remind customers of our Non-Stackable Freight (NST) policy. If your shipment is non-stackable, it must be declared at the time of booking. If not declared at the time of booking, the following charges will apply to General Cargo and Prioritise shipments:
Declared NST cargo: €150 surcharge (or the equivalent in your local currency/ amount published on the tariff fee)
Undeclared NST cargo: €450 total charge (€150 surcharge + €300 penalty - or the equivalent in your local currency/ amount published on the tariff fee)
We appreciate your continued cooperation and commitment to compliance.
IAG Cargo Ground Handling Agent Change in Hong Kong
UPDATED: 30/04/2025
Effective 1st May 2025, IAG Cargo will transition its Ground Handling Agent (GHA) in Hong Kong (HKG) from Menzies to HACTL.
Key dates:
Last date with Menzies: Wednesday, 30th April 2025 (until 23:59)
Acceptance of export cargo documents & special cargo
Pickup of import cargo document
First date with HACTL: Thursday, 1st May 2025 (from 00:00)
Acceptance of export cargo document and special cargo
Pickup of import cargo document
HACTL Contact Details:
Export Operations Office (Export Document Services Counter)
1/F, Customer Services Hall, South Office Block, Super Terminal 1,
Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong
Tel: +(852) 2753 2421
Import Operations Office (Import Document Services Counter)
Room 320, 3/F, South Office Block, Super Terminal 1,
Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong
Tel: +(852) 2753 2412 to 2415
Note: For import shipments, consignees or appointed agents must settle all freightage and handling charges in cash directly to HACTL.
If you require any further information, please contact your Account Manager.
EBR or DGR documentation
UPDATED: 23/04/2025
To prevent incidents related to EBR or DGR documentation, IAG Cargo provides the following e-mail address for the advance dispatch of copies of such documentation, in the case of shipments originating or in transit in Madrid: tcmadaceptacion@southeu.com
For EBR shipments (where required): Use the subject ‘EBR 075-12345678’ (replacing ‘075-12345678’ with the corresponding number).
For DGR shipments: Use the subject ‘DGR 075-12345678’ (replacing ‘075-12345678’ with the corresponding number).
For ADU (customs export authorisation) shipments: Use the subject line ‘ADU 075-12345678’ (replacing ‘075-12345678’ with the appropriate number).
Remember that, even if you send the copies by e-mail, you must attach the original EBR and DGR documents to your shipment.
Operational Impact on cell count within Ascentis
UPDATED: 13/02/2025
We would like to inform you of a current operational challenge affecting our services. After severe weather in America affecting our export programme, coupled with an increase in LHR Terminating ULDs in store, we are operating an extremely limited storage capacity for Intact ULDs which may cause some delays in our operations.
We have implemented an embargo for any deliveries for consignments which are not flying within 24hrs. Our carpark remains quiet overnight, so if your shipment is not urgent to be collected, please try, and utilise that capacity to collect your shipments.
To help alleviate this situation and improve the flow of goods. We kindly ask for your understanding and cooperation during this period.
Please arrange for the prompt collection of any LHR terminating intact shipments. This will help us ensure smoother operations and minimise any further impact on your deliveries.
Updated pre-arrival reporting into Great Britain from the European Union
UPDATED: 28/01/2025
Full import controls are being introduced in Great Britian (GB) from 31st January 2025. These include Advance Cargo Information (ACI) reporting on goods from or through the European Union (EU) into GB. This aligns the reporting requirements currently applicable to Rest of World (RoW) goods with those for S&S GB, ensuring consistency in risk profiling.
What does this mean for you?
Starting from 31st January 2025, all goods entering GB from or through the EU must be reported prior to entry into GB.
Safety and Security (S&S) GB Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) Timelines:
Aircraft flights:
for short-haul flights (less than 4 hours), the declaration must be submitted by the time of actual take-off.
for long-haul flights, the declaration must be submitted at least 4 hours before arrival.
Truck services:
declarations must be submitted at least 1 hour prior to arrival at the EU border.
Accurate Description of Goods
Risk assessments are completed based on the electronic data provided at Air Waybill (AWB), Master Air Waybill (MAWB) and House Air Waybill (HAWB) level that are used in the S&S GB risk profiling regime.
To comply with the S&S GB requirements, IAG Cargo require precise descriptions of the goods being shipped. General terms such as gifts, parts, spares, garments, perishables, and the term "Consolidation" (which is only acceptable at the Master Airwaybill level) will no longer be accepted.
Please click here to view the guide for acceptable descriptions.
Next Steps
To help us comply with S&S GB, from 31st January 2025 please ensure commodity descriptions are acceptable before the goods are delivered to IAG Cargo facilities or our Ground Handling Agents.
Shipments without the required goods descriptions, may experience delays or incur additional costs.
NCTS5 update effective 21st January 2025
UPDATED: 17/01/2025
At IAG Cargo, we are committed to ensuring the smooth and compliant transit of your goods. We are updating our processes to align with new legislation, New Computerised Transit System Phase 5 (NCTS5), which comes into effect 21st January 2025. This regulation impacts how goods are moved between or within Common Transit Convention (CTC) countries, which includes the EU 27 member states and 8 other countries: Iceland, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, and the UK.
What does this mean for you?
Starting from 21st January 2025, additional information will be required to move goods under the NCTS5 Final State Rules.
Accurate description of goods
We require precise descriptions of the goods being shipped. General terms such as gifts, parts, spares, garments, perishables, and the term "Consolidation" (which is only acceptable at the Master Air Waybill level) will no longer be accepted. Please refer to the following guide for acceptable descriptions for European Union ICS2 and UK S&S GB.
1. HS Codes
An HS Code (the first six characters) for each product or item is needed. For Consolidations containing one or multiple House Airwaybills (HAWB), please provide the HS Code for each individual HAWB.
2. Direct to consignee (DTC) truck services and customer built ULD containers
To ensure the smooth transit of cargo, we will also need to know which HAWB is loaded into each ULD container. This is vital for meeting NCTS5 regulations and ensuring accurate reporting.
Next steps
To help us comply with NCTS5 by 21st January 2025, please send the following documentation before the goods are delivered to IAG Cargo facilities or ground handling agents:
Relevant ULD Container build sheet
Load cards and/or load finals
Please email these documents to bupconsolidation@iagcargo.com from 20th January 2025 with the Master Air Waybill (MAWB) number in the subject line.
Shipments without the required goods descriptions, HS codes, and relevant ULD container build sheets, load cards, or load finals may experience delays or incur additional costs.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to contact your local sales representative.
View more alerts
UPDATED: 03/12/2024
Effective 28th December 2024, the Montreal Convention liability limits for cargo including destruction, loss, damage, or delay of cargo will increase from 22 SDRs to 26 SDRs per kilogram.
The liability limits are indicated in Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), a unit of account defined by the International Monetary Fund.
These revised limits have been reflected in our IAG Conditions of Carriage which can be found under our Terms and Conditions.
New Airwaybill Stock has been ordered to reflect the increased limits and will be available in early December for use from the 28th December 2024. IATA have implemented a 6-month grace period until June 28, 2025, the revised limits of 26 SDRs will be effective regardless of whether the previous Airwaybill printed stock states 22 SDRs per kilogram.
UPDATED 25/11/2024
At IAG Cargo, we are committed to providing an efficient and reliable service to our customers worldwide. To maintain this standard, we are introducing new measures for no-show shipments.
For all freight departing on or after 1st December 2024, full freight charges will apply to no-show shipments over 300kg. A no-show occurs when cargo is not presented to us ready for carriage as booked, and the booking is not cancelled or rescheduled in advance. In such cases, 100% of the booking cost will be charged.
This policy is designed to enhance operational efficiency, ensuring we can optimise cargo capacity and allocate resources effectively. Timely cancellations or rescheduling allow us to release reserved space and better serve our customers.
If you have any questions about these new measures, please contact your local sales representative. To view your local station's cut-off times, visit our website and use the interactive network map. Simply select your station and click the ‘More Information’ button to access details for your local station.
UPDATED 18/10/2024
To ensure Customs and Border Agencies can perform robust risk analysis of goods within the supply chain, items and goods must be described accurately.
From 12th November 2024, shipments tendered to IAG Cargo without an acceptable description are not ready for carriage and must be refused transport, in accordance with these Government regulations.
The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recently announced that rejections will be issued for vague cargo descriptions in Air Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS) for all cargo entering or transiting the USA effective from 12th November 2024. A precise cargo description or the 6-digit Harmonized Tariff Schedule will be required.
What are vague and unacceptable commodity terms?
General terms, such as ‘gifts’, ‘parts’, ‘consolidation’, ‘spares’, ‘garments’, ‘perishables’ (only acceptable at Master Airwaybill level), will no longer be acceptable under the new Government regulations, and may result in delays or potential additional costs.
Risk assessments are completed based on the electronic data provided at Airwaybill, Master Airwaybill and House Airwaybill level and are used in Pre-Loading Advance Cargo Information (PLACI) and Advance Cargo Information (ACI) risk profiling regimes.
Examples of unacceptable and acceptable cargo goods descriptions can be found here.
Where else does this apply?
Additional rules around the description of goods are being applied in Canada, the European Union, UAE and UK and by the World Customs Organisation, please check the below links:
In accordance with these new regulations, IAG Cargo will refuse transport for all shipments not ready for carriage and without an acceptable description from 12th November 2024.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to contact your local sales representative.
UPDATED: 24/09/2024
New requirements have been issued for cargo shipments on passenger carriers traveling to or through Australia, Canada and the United States and originating in one of the countries designated by these Governments. These requirements mandate that cargo may only be tendered from shippers with whom the forwarder has an Established Business Relationship (EBR).
To comply with this requirement, from 26th September 2024, IAG Cargo forwarding partners must confirm they have verified that all shipments are from shippers that meet the new EBR criteria as detailed below.
Please review the below information carefully and provide the required confirmation from 26th September 2024, in order to avoid disruption to your shipments.
With each Master Air Waybill (MAWB), the forwarder must provide confirmation that it has verified that all shippers associated with the MAWB meet at least one of the following EBR criteria:
The shipper is a known consignor under the security programme of a national authority
The shipper has an account with the forwarder that was established prior to 2nd September 2024 and contains at least one of the following: a. The shipper’s shipping and billing address and documented payment or credit history. b. Documented sales history, including any relevant contacts or activities. c. Other documented business correspondence or records.
For shippers who became customers after 2nd September 2024, the forwarder must have records of the following information: a. A business or corporate registration certification, licence, or record. b. Billing or corporate information including name, address, phone number and email. c. Contact information for an authorised point of contact for the account. d. Payment information (e.g., a corporate credit card). e. A signed contract between the shipper and the forwarder.
To meet this requirement, forwarders must submit their confirmation using the Freight Forwarder Declaration with the shipping documents at the time of acceptance. A copy of the declaration form can be found here.
Supporting list of countries can be found here.
From 26th September 2024, shipments tendered to IAG Cargo without the required EBR confirmation will be refused transport, in accordance with these new Government regulations.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to contact your local sales representative.
UPDATED 19/09/2024
We are excited to announce the new enhancements to the eAWB/AWB screen, which now offers greater functionality.
In addition to eAWBs/AWBs, you will now also be able to create, view, and modify HAWBs.
With effect from Thursday 19th September 2024, IAG Cargo customers who are users of IAG Cargo portal, and who can use the current functionality i.e. eAWB/AWB creation, will now also be able to:
Create HAWBs and link to MAWB (from their stock range)
View and print HAWBs
View FHL message
Amend and summit updates for HAWBs created
View and print Consolidation Manifest
Search for a MAWB and/or HAWB independently
Search for MAWB and HAWBs associated to it
The new functionality introduced will follow a similar format to that of creating an eAWB/AWBs. A detailed user guide will be available in due course.
For any queries, please contact, Pedro Paulo Dayrell and Smiljana Kljajic.
For any incidents or issues with the system, please email helpcargo@iagcargo.com or contact your sales manager.
UPDATED: 24/06/2024
IAG Cargo use NCTS for transit simplified procedures for truck movements where the truck contains 3rd Country goods or any goods where they move between Common Transit Convention (CTC) Countries.
The EU 27 are 1 contracting party and 8 Common Transit Countries (Iceland, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine and the UK as separate contracting parties.).
HMRC will be moving from NCTS 4 to NCTS 5 as the 1st part of the transitional phase on 28th June 2024 for Northern Ireland and on 1st July 2024 for Great Britain.
The 2nd phase of the transitional period to NCTS 5 “proper” will require additional data elements. These include the accurate goods description for simple/single commodity goods and the appropriate HS Code (1st six characters) and for consolidations containing 1 or more House Airwaybills (HAWB) the HS Code (1st six characters) for each HAWB.
IAG Crago are fully prepared for HMRCs switch to NCTS 5 and do not require any additional data changes or customer behaviour during this first phase.
IAG cargo will communicate necessary mandatory changes in a timely manner before they are introduced.
UPDATED: 21/02/2024
Harmonised System Codes (HS) now required in UAE as part of ACI.
The UAE’s Advanced Cargo Information (ACI) filing requirements now requires that from 29 February 2024 Harmonized System Codes (HS) must be specified for all goods items on the air waybill or house air waybill.
The inclusion of this advanced information allows for the monitoring of the safety and security of the UAE’s external borders and applies to all cargo and courier entering departing from or transiting UAE. Please note, this does not apply to mail.
FAQs
Is a Harmonised Systems Code (HS) requested on all mode of transport Import/Export/Transit?
Yes, on Import, Transit and Export.
How many digits of the HS code are required?
The first 6 digits.
Should the HS code be reported in the house and master?
The HS code is to be reported on the house air waybill level. For direct shipment, HS code is to be reported on the AWB level.
How do NAIC expect the reporting of the HS code on consolidated shipments?
Regarding Consolidation shipment, the HS code should be reported on the house air waybill.
In the required field for the description of goods in the master, what should be included?
For AWB handling consolidation shipments, the goods description must include “Consolidation”. For AWB handling Direct shipments, actual goods description must be mentioned in the AWB.
UPDATED: 17/11/2023
On 3rd April 2023, IAG Cargo introduced a policy to charge 10.00 GBP / 12.00 EUR / 13.00 USD for Paper Air Waybills (AWBs) on all IAG Cargo routes. To reaffirm our commitment to being a digital-first carrier, this charge will be increased for paper AWBs on eAWB-eligible routes from Monday 20th November 2023 as outlined below.
Currency and fees as below:
GBP - 30.00 (previously 10.00)
EUR - 24.00 (previously 12.00)
USD - 26.00 (previously 13.00)
Non-eAWB routes - where the paper AWB is required, this fee will no longer apply from Monday 20th November 2023. The AWB Charge will continue to be captured and billed via the origin station.
If you are sending an eAWB you are not required to deliver a traditional paper AWB*.
Exceptions apply - please check with your local station if you require a paper AWB.
UPDATED: 26/06/2023
From the 26th June 2023, IAG Cargo will only accept certain documents at Premia reception check-in for all AVI shipments. All other documents must be affixed securely to the shipment before delivery, using orange British Airways AVI pouches that have been given out to shippers in advance, or collected from Premia reception at check-in on the day of travel.
The only documents we will accept at reception are:
Two copies of the AWB
A Shipper’s Declaration
A copy of the health certificate or fit to fly
No other documents will be accepted at check-in and must be securely attached to the AVI shipment before tendering in. This includes any original documentation that is required for import to the destination such as the health certificate or import permit.
There are two exceptions where other documents are required:
Dogs travelling to the USA – the US CDC Dog Import Regulation USG51 is still required.
AVI travelling under CITES – you must still present a copy of any import/export permit at check-in to demonstrate compliance, and you must still return with the CITES original endorsement from Border Force which we will attach to the shipment before departure.
For further information or questions relating to the new process, please contact the AVI Product Team: Stevie Burke or Valerie Hadley
UPDATED: 23/03/2023
In order to correctly plan and move cargo as booked IAG Cargo requires accurate freight measurements and declarations. Any freight bookings made on any IAG Cargo flights that do not allow the Ground Handler to stack on top of the freight, must have the element declared at the time of booking. Checks are in place for freight originating across our network. Any undeclared will be subject to an additional handling charge of USD $300.00 or CAD $400.00 and also a CCA amendment fee.
To make a booking online login to your account here.
For any further questions please see this guide on freight, or alternatively please speak with your account manager.